Associates Degree, Applied Science
Kansas City, KS Community College

B.S. Degree, Business Administration
Saint Mary College, Lansing, KS

Evangelist Missionary Gayle M. McConnell is the Church Administrator for Mount Carmel. Having dedicated thirteen years of service, she is the senior member on staff. Gayle began as the church’s first full-time secretary in 1991; her equipment was a phone, a desk, and a typewriter. It is because of Gayle’s pursuits that Mount Carmel’s computer and information technology has evolved to state of the art, keeping pace with the demands of its sizeable congregation.

Her primary role is to oversee the entire financial aspect of the church and to train those who work in associated areas. She is currently seeking electronic means for members to make their contributions. In addition to the finances she is responsible for Human Resources and Operations Management.

In 1988, Gayle had been employed by Amoco Oil for 17 years when forced to make a decision to relocate to West Des Moines, IA, or to be severed. Taking a step of faith she resolutely decided to stay in Kansas City, declaring that Amoco was not the “glory cloud,” and that God would “supply all of her needs.” Shortly thereafter she pursued her Associates degree, and began working at Mt. Carmel. Her intentions were to return to corporate America after two years but her desire to assist her pastor and her church overrode her intentions.

Gayle is active in prison ministry, and a member of the Praise and Worship Team and an anointed soloist. Other areas of church leadership and ministry that she has served: Sunday school, YWCC, Sunshine Band, Nursery, Ushers, Deacons Wives, and Director of Evangelism. She also coordinated the first two Neighborhood Festivals for Mount Carmel. She serves as Charter Commissioner of the C.H. Mason Jurisdictional Institute Commission on Education, Kansas East Jurisdiction. Last year she was elected as a Precinct Committee Person in Wyandotte County.

She is the eldest daughter of resigned District Missionary, Peggy Abernathy-Davis and the late Eld. Jim. E. Abernathy, Jr., founder of Trinity COGIC, Lansing, KS, and granddaughter of the late Bishop J. E. Abernathy, Sr., Iowa Jurisdiction.