Leadership

     Pastor Ben Bainbridge and his wife, Tammy, are excited to minister to Faithbridge United Methodist Church!  While working on his pastoral credentials in 2006, Ben led a group in launching a downtown ministry called The Salvage Yard which provided a late-night alternative in Joplin Missouri. The Salvage Yard operated as a coffeehouse, night club, and church reaching a variety of the marginalized segments of the community and provided a platform for local musicians. He served in various pastoral roles at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church as well, including worship pastor, campus pastor, and executive pastor.
     In 2021 Ben and Tammy moved to Kansas City to serve the Keystone United Methodist Church, where he served until July of 2023. 
    Beyond Tammy, their children, and grandchildren; creating brings him joy. Ben would reluctantly tell you he creates art, systems, relationships, experiences, laughs, and occasionally has been known to play guitar with whatever band would accept him. He believes that creating life brings more joy than just consuming life. Creating is more difficult but is worth it. Most importantly, Ben believes God loves all people, because they are made in the divine image. His mission is to lead people to an active faith in Jesus by helping everyone better see who they are, who God is, and why it matters.

Tina Melville comes to the lake from the Kansas City area, where she retired from her position as the Registrar at the UMKC School of Law.   Prior to that, she enjoyed many years as a music teacher.  Tina received her Bachelors Degree in Music Education and a Masters Degree in Education Administration at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.  Tina and her husband Larry have two children, Ben and Samantha, and two grandchildren, Jackson and Daphne.  Her children and grandchild live in Florida and Charleston SC, so she enjoys frequent trips for visits. 

Melani Biggers was born and raised in the Lake of the Ozarks area. She attended Drury University in Springfield, MO as a Vocal Music major where she was a member of the Chamber Choir. She began singing full-time at Main Street Music Hall.  Now during the school day you'll find her living out her passion of passing on the gift of music to new generations as the Pre-K through 12th grade Music Teacher at Macks Creek Schools as well as singing with her step-dad Mitch as part of the group Eclectic Soul at various locations around the lake.