Our Staff
Jason Abbott, Senior Pastor
Pastor Jason answered the call to Central Church in the fall of 2021, after previously serving as Associate Pastor at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Jefferson City, Teaching Pastor at Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, PA, and most recently as Senior Pastor at First Evangelical Free Church in Chicago, IL. He and his wife Natalie have five children (Josiah, Esther, Miriam, Ezra, and Silas). He enjoys spending time with his big-crazy family, dating his amazing wife, living or dying (mostly dying!) with Mizzou football, and planning trips–and sometimes taking them–to majestic mountainous destinations.
Jeremy Dehn, Youth Director
Jeremy has a passion for youth ministry and a love for community building. Jeremy joined Central Church in the spring of 2023. He, along with his stellar wife, Noelle, were born and raised in St. Louis before moving to Jefferson City. Jeremy has two bachelor's degrees from Maryville University in Applied Statistics and Management and Leadership and plans to continue his education by attending Covenant Seminary this fall. While in STL, Jeremy’s job (and hobby) was to work at Chick-fil-A where he enjoyed building relationships with team members and guests. He loves hiking, playing strategy board games, and chatting with anyone and everyone.
Michelle Ebersold, Church Administrator
Michelle has always viewed her work in the church office as ministry and feels blessed to be serving at Central. She holds a B.S. in Graphic Arts from the University of Central Missouri. Michelle and her husband, Doug, have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. She enjoys time spent with family, playing with grandchildren, participating in women’s Bible studies, and drinking lots of strong coffee! One of her favorite scripture passages is the “By Faith” chapter taken from Hebrews 11.
Rene Miserez, Young Youth & Bell Choir Director
Rene has been director of the handbell choir since January of 1990 and has been ringing with the group since 1977. Rene is “one of our own” and represents the fifth generation of her family here at Central. She has always been very involved in various activities. After directing Vacation Bible School since 2003, she became Central’s first Young Youth Director in 2008. She appreciates the relationships she is building and the opportunity to help children learn more about God.
Shirley Klein, Organist
Shirley served as organist at First Christian Church, Jefferson City, from 1959 to 1975 and was an organ student of Lawrence P. Schreiber and the late Carl E. Burkel. She then came to Central Church in 1975, joined the choir and later became choir accompanist. In 1986 she became assistant organist and upon the death of Carl Burkel in 1995, became the full time organist. Shirley is a member and past officer of the Central Missouri Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and was a member and officer of the past Jefferson City Music Society. She has attended many organ workshops for continuing education. She feels it is an honor to serve Central Church and she considers being an organist a ministry to enhance the worship service and serve the Lord.