Ricky was appointed as pastor of Trinity in June 2024, marking the beginning of his 20th year in ministry. His previous appointments include pastoring various congregations throughout South Carolina in Bishopville, Pamplico, Florence, Beaufort, and Pendleton. He has also served as a campus minister at Francis Marion University in Florence, SC and Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Although he was born in Pennsylvania, Ricky primarily grew up in Florence, SC.
Pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a cartoonist, Ricky attended the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, GA. During his time there, he assumed a leadership role in a United Methodist campus ministry and eventually felt called to become a pastor. Ricky graduated from SCAD with a BFA in Sequential Art (drawing cartoons and comic books), then obtained his Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Duke Divinity School. He began his first appointment as a pastor in 2005 and was ordained as a Full Elder in the South Carolina Conference in 2009.
Ricky was married to his wife, Shawn, in 2003. Along with their 2 children, they enjoy hiking, watching movies, and discovering new restaurants. Ricky's favorite activities include drawing, playing video games and board games, building LEGOs (alone or with his kids), and collecting toys that spark his creativity or remind him of his childhood. He loves peanut butter, gingersnaps, popcorn, and superheroes. Ricky also loves to laugh and hopes to never grow up too much.
You can reach Pastor Ricky via email at pastor@trinityspartanburg.org or by phone at 864-585-4884, ext. 11.
Ben Chumley has served as Trinity’s Director of Music Ministries since 2010, leading our adult and children’s choirs, handbell ensemble and quartet, drama ministry, and serving as Sunday School teacher and Music Teacher for Trinity Children’s Center. A native of Spartanburg, music has been his passion for as long as he—or anyone else—can remember. Ben studied at New York University, University of Toronto, and Berklee College of Music, and has worked with churches, theatres, and ensembles throughout the Southern United States, New York, Toronto, Las Vegas, and Paris, France. In addition to his service at Trinity, Ben regularly works as music director, composer/arranger, pianist, and workshop instructor for several area community theatres, ensembles, and college theatre departments. In what free time is left, Ben enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, anything related to food, dinosaurs, or cats, and (occasionally) sleeping.
Ben can be reached via email at the above link or music@TrinitySpartanburg.org, or by phone at 864-585-4884, ext. 16.
For matters concerning Safe Sanctuary, please contact Ben at SafeSanctuary@TrinitySpartanburg.org.
I have been a life long member at Trinity United Methodist Church and have been employed here since 2015. My educational background is in Education but I have always enjoyed serving in all areas of the church. After the birth of my second daughter I was called to the ministry. It happened to be at the same time Trinity was looking for a new coordinator for the children's program. I started working with the children's program and now cannot imagine my life doing anything else.
Melissa grew up in Blythewood, South Carolina. She earned a BA from Wofford College and an MA from Ohio University. She has been the director of Trinity Children's Center since May 2005. Melissa strives to create an environment that is a sanctuary for children, where they are loved and nurtured as they develop and grow. She emphasizes the development of Christian values in the program and hopes that each child will learn to show kindness and compassion for all people. Her two children, a girl and a boy are her greatest joy! She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling and outdoor activities. If you are interested in learning more about Trinity Children's Center, please feel free to email Melissa at the link above or call 864-585-2392.
