Rev. Sam Jones began his full-time appointment as Pastor of Minor Memorial United Methodist Church in July 2023.  In addition, Sam also serves as Associate Pastor at Maples Memorial United Methodist Church in Olive Branch. He is a Provisional Elder in the UMC and earned his Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary, where he served two terms as president of the Student Senate. 

 

As a pastor and former high school teacher, Sam retains a passion for Christian education, particularly Wesleyan theology.  He is also gifted in the areas of pastoral leadership, administration, community evangelism, discipleship ministries, and pastoral care.  Sam is a certified pre-marriage pastoral counselor through the Prepare/Enrich® program and loves to create curriculum for Sunday school.  Sam is also a long-time volunteer at Manna House in Memphis, which is a place that offers hospitality to people experiencing homelessness and others in poverty.  He also serves on the Mississippi Annual Conference Board of Global Ministries and has served on the MTS Planning & Evaluation committee and curriculum subcommittee.  In his spare time, Sam enjoys spending time with his family, doing yardwork, going trout fishing, cooking outdoors, reading history and theology, and rooting for his beloved Chicago Cubs and Chicago Blackhawks.  He is also an unapologetic Chinese food enthusiast. 

 

Sam and his family have lived in Olive Branch since 2005, but they are no strangers to Walls.  Sam and Rosemary were once members of Minor Memorial and were married here in November of 2000.  Today, Rosemary is a special education instructor at Olive Branch High School. They have two children: Patrick is an accounting major at the University of Mississippi; Lydia is a junior at Olive Branch High School.  The Joneses have three dogs: Jozy, Prince, and Knight. 
 

Most importantly, Rev. Jones is a father, husband, brother, son, beloved child of God, and a community guy. His life verse is summed up in Colossians 3:17:  "Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of God giving thanks to the Father through Him."  Sam’s favorite hymns are “Marching to Zion” and “And Can it Be That I Should Gain.” 

 

EDUCATION:

BA – University of Mississippi - Political Science & History
 

MDiv – Memphis Theological Seminary

                        Specialization: Wesleyan Studies

Honors:

• Summa cum laude

• 2023 recipient of the Hoyt Hickman Award by the Order of St. Luke for exceptional ability in liturgical scholarship.