OUR TEAM
Our Team
At Collierville United Methodist Church we rely on employing hard-working, Christ followers who work to fulfill our vision and mission. Our teams work together to pursue the heart of God in all efforts.
DAVID ATKINSON
Senior Pastor
David is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He holds undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Sociology from Lambuth College in Jackson, Tennessee. He also attended The Divinity School at Duke University, where he earned a Masters of Divinity degree. David responded to the call to ordained ministry at the age of nineteen. He has served churches in North Carolina, Kansas, West Tennessee and Kentucky. At his most recent appointment, David served Benton 1st UMC for the past eleven years.
David and his wife Susan, have three grown children: Christopher, Stephen and John Michael.
DEBORAH SUDDARTH
Executive Pastor
Deborah was born and raised in Oklahoma, graduating from Elgin High School. Deborah began going to church when she was in Kindergarten at Grace United Methodist Church, Altus, Oklahoma. While at Red Rock Canyon church camp during her senior year of high school, Deborah felt called to youth ministry . She attended Oklahoma City University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a minor in Psychology. She moved to Nashville and attended Vanderbilt University Divinity School where she focused on Pastoral Counseling. As a mom, wife, and pastor, she later obtained a Doctorate of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary.
Deborah and her husband Trey have 2 children: Reese and Douglas.
TONDALA HAYWARD
Associate Pastor
Rev. Tondala Hayward was raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She has conferred a Bachelor of Science in Education with sociology minor from the University of Memphis, Master of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix and Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. She taught students at Shelby County Schools, Youth Villages and Perea Preschool. She’s an effective communicator of God’s word and is known for her practical preaching style, which helps listeners understand scripture through reason and experience.  Leading and participating in ministries in churches and communities has afforded her with many opportunities to express the love of Christ. Being a pastor and licensed teacher undergirds her with tools to cultivate individuals spiritually, academically and mentally.
Do you want to be part of our talented team? We strive to hire Christ followers who have a passion to serve others and bring the love of God to all. Here are the current open positions:
