Will Choate is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and founding pastor of Argenta UMC. He has a Bachelor’s in Business Finance from Arkansas State University, and a Master’s of Theology from Southern Methodist University. His passion is creating places for people to connect with God and one another so they might participate in the life of God here and now. For Will, the church has been the richest and most powerful manifestation of that life. 

Will is married to Audra Choate and they have two children, Norah and Bo.

Melanie has been a member of Argenta UMC since 2021 and now serves as the Administrative Director.

She holds a deep love for Argenta UMC as a place of hope and community, where her faith continues to grow in meaningful ways. Melanie finds joy in being a part of organizing and shaping the life and vision of the church alongside its members.

Melanie has been married to her husband, Noah, since 2017. Together they have a son, Henri. They live in North Little Rock, where they enjoy supporting small businesses, visiting farmer's markets, and spending time outdoors as a family.

Jessie Waddell Teegarden is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church, and minister to children and youth at Argenta UMC. She has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her desire is to create meaningful opportunities for children and youth to learn and grow in God’s love in a safe and loving environment.

Jessie is married to Trenton and they have two children, Georgia and Auggie.

Miki has been attending Argenta UMC since 2021, but she’s been singing in church choirs since she was big enough to fit in the robes. She’s now the music coordinator and you can find her leading worship on her electric ukulele often.

She is passionate about organization and connecting people through music. Argenta is a very musically gifted congregation and it is a joy to work with the variety of people who lend their voices to lead worship each week.

Miki’s roadies are her husband Jeremiah and their daughter Margo. One day she hopes to recruit them into a family band.