Destini Evans
Senior Pastor
Staples United Methodist Church is my fourth pastoral appointment. I was first appointed as an interim pastor for a one-month term, which soon led to a call to serve as the Senior Pastor for two small rural congregations. After faithfully serving both churches for two years, I was reassigned from one of the appointments and moved to Staples UMC. I currently serve both Prairie Lea UMC and Staples UMC as part of a two-point charge.
I was raised in the Baptist tradition, but my spiritual journey deepened significantly after a life-changing experience at a Walk to Emmaus in 2002. A decade later, I had the privilege of serving as a Lay Director on another Walk, where I began to sense a clear call to pastoral ministry. After years of wrestling with that call, I finally responded, saying, “Here I am, Lord.”
I began classes at the Seminary of the Southwest, motivated in part by a desire to prove to myself that I could succeed academically after struggling through school as a child. I completed my first semester with a 3.98 GPA, and at that point felt confident enough to change course—pursuing licensure as a Local Pastor rather than formal ordination.
I’m supported by my husband of over 30 years, our two sons, a nephew who is like a son to us, and our three grandchildren, along with two wonderful daughters-in-law. My husband and I joined the Methodist Church together, and we’ve raised our family in the Methodist tradition ever since.
In 1994, I graduated from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) with a degree in Family and Child Development. I began my professional career with Child Protective Services as an Investigator of Child Abuse. After two years, I transitioned into entrepreneurship, opening my own Christian preschool. I retired in December 2023 after 26 years of operating that ministry.
In addition to serving as a three-quarter time pastor for my two churches, I am a certified Stephen Minister, a licensed Realtor, and co-owner—along with my husband—of a parking lot maintenance company. While I wear many hats, ministry remains my highest calling. I consider it a privilege to serve God not only through the life of the church, but also in the everyday moments of my other vocations—bringing the light of Christ into each space He places me.
I was raised in the Baptist tradition, but my spiritual journey deepened significantly after a life-changing experience at a Walk to Emmaus in 2002. A decade later, I had the privilege of serving as a Lay Director on another Walk, where I began to sense a clear call to pastoral ministry. After years of wrestling with that call, I finally responded, saying, “Here I am, Lord.”
I began classes at the Seminary of the Southwest, motivated in part by a desire to prove to myself that I could succeed academically after struggling through school as a child. I completed my first semester with a 3.98 GPA, and at that point felt confident enough to change course—pursuing licensure as a Local Pastor rather than formal ordination.
I’m supported by my husband of over 30 years, our two sons, a nephew who is like a son to us, and our three grandchildren, along with two wonderful daughters-in-law. My husband and I joined the Methodist Church together, and we’ve raised our family in the Methodist tradition ever since.
In 1994, I graduated from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) with a degree in Family and Child Development. I began my professional career with Child Protective Services as an Investigator of Child Abuse. After two years, I transitioned into entrepreneurship, opening my own Christian preschool. I retired in December 2023 after 26 years of operating that ministry.
In addition to serving as a three-quarter time pastor for my two churches, I am a certified Stephen Minister, a licensed Realtor, and co-owner—along with my husband—of a parking lot maintenance company. While I wear many hats, ministry remains my highest calling. I consider it a privilege to serve God not only through the life of the church, but also in the everyday moments of my other vocations—bringing the light of Christ into each space He places me.
The Administrative Board at Staples UMC is a One board Model also called a Simple board. The board functions as called for in the Discipline of the United Methodist Church. All Administrative Board meetings are open to the congregation
Administrative Council Chair
Joanne Jacobs
Lay Leader
Allen Dewberry
Finance Chair
John Jacobs
Treasurer
Joanne Banks
Staff Parish relations Committee Chair
Position open at this time
Trustees Chair
AC Chapa
Administrative Council Chair
Joanne Jacobs
Lay Leader
Allen Dewberry
Finance Chair
John Jacobs
Treasurer
Joanne Banks
Staff Parish relations Committee Chair
Position open at this time
Trustees Chair
AC Chapa
