MEET OUR STAFF

Pastors & Staff

Ralph Mann

Senior Pastor 

Born and raised in Texas, I have over 30 years of pastoral ministry experience.
I am married to Verna, and we have five children, but only two are now living
at home – Rebekah and Bethany. We are also blessed with six grandchildren.
Verna holds a Master’s degree in English, and has taught both high school and
college English. She currently is teaching English I Pre-AP and English III AP at
Smithson Valley High School. My passion in ministry is Evangelism and Preaching.
I hold a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Methodist University. My primary
duties are preaching and directing the vision and focus of BUMC. I have a desire for
people to serve the Lord in wherever God is calling them. I am a consultant and coach for
the Healthy Church Initiative of the Rio Texas Conference UMC; helping churches have a
clear vision and vitality for ministry. Prior to entering ministry, I spent 8 1/2 years in the Air
Force as a Korean Linguist. I am proud to be an Eagle Scout, and was a chaplain at the 2010
Boy Scout National Jamboree. I enjoy camping, riding motorcycles, and flying airplanes (I am
also a certified flight instructor). Even though I have an adventuresome spirit, I still enjoy a quiet
day of soaking in God’s creation with a book under a tree, or a casual conversation with a friend. 

Sarajane Shubert

Associate Pastor

I am a lifelong United Methodist Church member, educated at
Baker University where I was active in the music and drama department.  
I taught High School English for forty years in Texas and in Kansas, Indiana.
Upon retiring in 2014, I began training for UMC Licensed Local Pastor in the
Great Plains Conference (Kansas/Nebraska).  I transferred my credentials into the
Las Misiones district in our Rio Texas Conference in 2018. I am excited about serving
at BUMC as your Associate Pastor.  My passion for the church and spreading the good
news of Jesus Christ guides my motivation for service.  My husband, Jerry, and I call BUMC
home now after moving to the Canyon Lake area in 2016.  We have a blended family with four
children and eight grandchildren.  I eagerly await the opportunities for ministry among all of you!

Hannah Hedgpeth

Associate Pastor

I am excited to be one of the Associate Pastors here at BUMC. I have a wonderful
husband, Darrell, and three beautiful girls; Shelby, Emma and Avery. Like many families we are
busy with school and activities but we keep God as the main focus in our family. Since becoming a
member here in 2001, my family and I have been blessed by this church family and all the areas of
ministry to be involved in. I believe we are called to get out of our building and to be the hands and
feet of Christ. BUMC goes where God calls us – whether that is feeding children in our community,
the homeless in San Antonio or loving on others in Peru – BUMC is a great place to be and to serve!

Steve Angle

Director of Music & Worship Arts 

Born in Georgia, raised in LA (Lower Alabama),
I have loved music since I was old enough to sit in my Mama’s lap and
help her play piano. I received my Bachelors Degree in Music from Huntingdon
College in Montgomery, Alabama in 1975, and my Masters Degree in Choral Music
(Conducting) from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in
San Marcos, Texas.  I have served as music and youth minister in United Methodist
 churches for over 34 years.  I love to play piano, guitar and sing.  I write and arrange
music and enjoy a wide variety of styles and types of music.  I have always especially loved
choral music, and would like to play more racquetball (my favorite pastime).  I love gizmos, like:
Pocket PCs, Computers, Sound Equipment, Television, etc.  More than anything, though, I love
 serving Christ in whatever capacity possible.  Though I do not do Youth Ministry per se anymore,
I still love kids and just love being involved with the wonderful people in the community of Christ. 

Caleigh Smith

Youth Ministry Director 

I joined the BUMC staff in June 2019, but I have been pursuing God’s call to
youth ministry since I was in middle school. I am a Michigander at heart braving the
heat to serve here in Texas. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry from Asbury
University in Kentucky and a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian
Theological Seminary as part of the Center for Youth Ministry Training’s graduate residency
program. My husband, Trevor, and I spend our free time rock climbing and playing board games.

 Joy Egerue 

Director of Children’s and Family Ministries 

I am delighted to be given the opportunity to grow with you as one body in Christ through teachings of the Bible, praying with parents, children, volunteers, teachers, and coworkers in love and righteousness.   I was born and raised in a Christian home of which my late parents were both Pastors and founders of Greater Love of Christ Worldwide Mission, Lagos, Nigeria. I grew up participating in children’s choir and attending most church activities, to include children’s ministry and evangelism. I have also worked as a Bible study teacher and was later ordained a Pastor in my late father’s church.  I graduated with a bachelor's degree in medicine and surgery from College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria. And I have a master's degree in theology from Houston Baptist University. I am married to Henry Egerue and we are both blessed with two adorable daughters, Victoria and Destiny.   I am joyfully partnering with BUMC and the Bulverde community to best support your child in learning, understanding the Bible and holding firm to it as they grow.  On behalf of the BUMC family, I welcome you to visit and be a part of the family and children’s ministry here.  I’d love to meet with you!  Proverb 22:6 says, “Direct your children unto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” I believe in maintaining a happy positive learning environment with your child and I welcome any questions, ideas, and concerns about your child. 

Tiffany Gibbons

Child’s Morning Out Preschool Director 

I was born and raised in San Diego, CA and have lived in the Texas Hill Country since 2005.
 I graduated from Salem State University in Massachusetts with a teaching degree and a degree
 in American Studies. My passion is education and I feel very blessed to be a part of BUMC’s Child’s
Morning Out Program. I began teaching at CMO in 2011 and became CMO Director in 2012.  I have
two children, Tyler and Madison, who have had the privilege of attending CMO. My husband Tim and
I have been married since 2005. We enjoy spending time with family, anything outdoors, and traveling. 

Vicki Harwell

Church Administrator 

I feel blessed every single day that
I get to spend time doing ministry with the wonderful people of BUMC.  My husband’s
name is Fred and we have five wonderful children and seven grandchildren.  Living in the
Texas Hill Country fulfills a lifelong dream. As my husband says, “The Hill Country is God’s gift to
Texas”.  We enjoy long drives down the back roads to take in the tranquil scenery and visit the small
town antique and “junk” stores. It is my pleasure to serve our Lord and Savior by serving the BUMC
congregation.  Please do not hesitate to come visit me or call me if there is anything I can do for you.

Linda Reynolds

Administrative Assistant 

I have been blessed to be a part of the BUMC staff as Administrative Assistant
since 2006. I help with contributions, attendance, membership records, finances and small
ministries. Don, my husband for over 40 years is anxiously awaiting retirement from the band and
music business. We have 2 adult children, Clint & Emily, and 4 wonderful grandchildren. We moved
to Canyon Lake in 2004 and absolutely love it here. I love traveling and quality time with my family. 

Sam kwiatkowski

Assistant Youth Ministry Director 

Born in Tyler, my family came to Texas 5 generations ago and settled in Washington County where most still live today. I grew up in and around College Station where I was very active in my youth program and learned how vital a supportive Christian community can be to both spiritual and social development. With the help of God
and the members of this congregation, I hope to use my gifts and abilities to serve the youth of BUMC and to
provide the same support, direction, and Godly example that I know were so powerful in my own life. I have
a big heart for, and love working with, the special needs community and sit on the board of directors for the
Achievers Center for Education (A.C.E) . In my free time I enjoy being outdoors with my pup, Maybelline in tow.

Josh Hardin 

Worship Team Leader 

My family and I are from the great state of South Carolina.  My wife Ashley is in the U.S. Air Force and stationed at Lackland AB.  We are both preacher's kids and have 3 beautiful children named Eli, Annabelle and Grace.  I have been serving in ministry for the last 9 years as a Worship Leader and thank God every day for the opportunity to engage and connect with people on and off stage.  We are excited to serve with you all and look forward to seeing all that God has for BUMC as we join you on the journey.  We love good food, the occasional good movie, playing board games, but most of all we love family time together. 

Kgun Reddell

Website and Livestream Director

Born and raised in Texas to two young parents.
I have had an affinity for technology since I was young and built up a wide set of skills through self teaching and general curiosity which have now come into play as I work to make BUMC's website and livestream something special.
I am blessed for the opportunity to serve for BUMC and to help spread their message to build, to grow and to send!