Your Staff
Barry Morton
Lead Pastor
Sarah Morton
Worship Leader
What is worship? Why do we worship? How do we worship? Understanding the answers to these questions is a life-long pursuit. In my role as worship leader, I will continue to help all of us (including myself) answer these questions. And, it’s a funny thing really: the more we begin to understand who we worship, the more we desire to worship He who is worthy! I first began leading worship in college at the Wesley Foundation at Arkansas Tech. When Barry and I moved to Van Buren, I found myself in worship roles at Heritage Church. When Mt. Olive began, I moved into the worship leader position. Besides my role at Mt Olive, I am blessed to be the wife of Barry and blessed to be called mommy by Emma Jane (2004) and Anna Claire (2007).
Rebecca Gibbons
Believe Pastor
I am proud wife of David and mother to one son, Anthony. I am honored and grateful to have been married to my wonderful husband for 15 years. David and I were both raised in Ozark and have lived in Van Buren for 7 years. David is a full time officer in the National Guard. Our son is 15 years old and is a Freshman at Coleman Junior High. He loves to play football, run track and make movies! He and David are the light of my life and I am grateful the Lord saw fit to bless me with them! We live on 4 acres in Kibler and I love our little farm! We have two dogs, 1 cat, and 1 bearded dragon! The Lord has blessed me abundantly in my life and I count it a privlege to be able to use those blessings for His Kingdom.
I have been serving in children’s ministry for 5 years, 4 of those years have been as paid staff. I have only recently come on staff at Mt.Olive (August 2009) but have been involved (off and on) since the beginning. I believe that my role here is to help parents be the spiritual leaders of their families, to offer ways for them to engage together and with our Heavenly Father and equip and empower the servant staff of MiniMo and KidMo. I take this calling on my life very seriously and wake up everyday grateful to spend my days serving children and families.
Belong Pastor
My family and I stepped through the doors of Mt. Olive in 2006 and I have never felt a more welcoming and comfortable place of worship. Pat and I have been a team in ministry in various roles for over 10 years but we have always had a passion for hospitality. We love to spend time with others and fellowship with people in our home and at church. My hope is that everyone who comes through the doors of Mt. Olive, whether it be for the 1st time or the 100th time feels welcome and at home!I was born and raised in Arkansas. I graduated from Cedarville High School in 1994 and received a Business Management Degree from UAFS in 2000. I returned to UAFS later to complete the nursing program in 2008 and am now a RN. In 2010, I became certified as a Parish Nurse for the Arkansas United Methodist Conference. I am blessed with a wonderful husband, spiritual coach, and ministry partner. Pat and I were married in 1994 and had our one and only son, William, in 1995.
Christi Wilson
MiniMo Coordinator
My greatest desire is to teach preschoolers that God made them, God loves them, and Jesus wants to be their friend forever. Also I would like to partner with parent’s to lead their children to life changing relationship with Christ.
I love that God has called me to MiniMo. Can’t wait to see what he has in store for me next.
Tabitha Potts
Children’s Evening Director
Tabitha has been serving in the Children’s Ministry of Mt Olive Church almost since the beginning. She remembers the early days of the ‘one room/all ages’ nursery. Tabitha is the lead teacher for our Sunday Evening Children’s Ministry. She is wife to Anthony Potts and mommy to Ayden, Ty, Bella, and Wyatt.
Shirley Hirano-Dias
Administrator
If you had asked me 10 years ago if I ever considered living in Arkansas, I would have looked at you as if you were crazy. I was born and raised in Hawaii, got my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at the University of Hawaii, was in the Air Force for 10 years, have three beautiful kids, and was a stay at home mom for more than 10 years. But, I did not know Jesus Christ.
Our Lord has led me on an awesome journey to Arkansas because He loved me when I rejected Him. And, when I was at my lowest point He lifted me up. I have been pursuing Him for the last 5 years, and He has led me to Mt. Olive Church. Through my job I learn about His grace and mercy daily. I love working with fellow believers who are committed to spreading His love to others. And, by the way, I love Arkansas!