Jimmy grew up in the St. Louis area, which means you can ask him the question, “Where did you go to high school?” (St. Charles West) After graduating from Truman State University with a degree in history, he completed his seminary work at Garrett-Evangelical in Chicago.
Jimmy has served churches in St. Charles County, St. Louis, Kirksville, Bolingbrook (Illinois), Dardenne Prairie, and now Wentzville.  He was ordained as a United Methodist pastor in 2011.  Jimmy is most passionate about making disciples who will tenaciously pursue God’s plans for their daily lives.
Jimmy and his wife Erin live in Wentzville.  They have two children: Noah and Lucy.  He loves to play sports, root for the local teams (Go Blues, Cards, and Tigers!), read, and spend time with his family.

Nate Hopping is a husband, the father of 7, a men’s coach, and a sales representative at Negwer Materials. Nate and his family live in DeSoto, MO, with their dog named Church, a handful of chickens, and some feral cats. Nate worked as a pastor in The United Methodist Church for 14 years.
In his free time Nate enjoys dating his wife Ashley, working in the yard, swimming in the river, hiking, playing music, and deep conversation with good friends.

Cassi grew up and went to school in the Wentzville area. She joined The Way in 2014 and began as a youth volunteer in Children's church.  Cassi graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in Education.  After graduating, Cassi returned to the Wentzville area and the Way, where she volunteered with the tech team, eventually transitioning into the role of Media and Tech Director.
Cassi and her husband Mark live in Wright City. She enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and playing piano. In addition to serving as the Way's Media and Tech director, Cassi teaches 5th grade in Warrenton.

Traci Kaibel is thrilled to be on staff part-time at The Way as Children’s Ministry Director!  As one who was invited to church by neighbors as a child, she understands how important children’s ministry is in the spiritual development of our kids.  She would not know Jesus without the love and support of her church family at Daphne UMC in Daphne, AL.  Her goal is to make sure that children know Jesus, love Jesus, and follow Jesus. She has had many roles in different churches throughout her spiritual journey - youth director, children’s ministry coordinator, VBS director, small group Discipleship leader, Administrative Board member - even youth and children’s choir director.  She is also currently an active Pioneer/Patriot leader in American Heritage Girls Troop MO3379 as well as the Troop Shepherd.  
She teaches American history at Wentzville South Middle and is looking forward to retiring from that amazing job within the next two years.  She has a wonderful supportive husband, Ken, who is the Wentzville Sleep in Heavenly Peace Chapter President.  Her children include two amazing step-children - Whitney and Kenny and three wonderful children with Ken - Jacob, Hannah, and Sarah.  In her spare time, she loves to read Christian suspense novels, watch Sarah perform in band and show choir, help Ken organize volunteers and build beds, hang out with her family and play card games and board games, and walk her beloved dog, Percy.

Flo Olmsted joined The Way staff as Pastor Jimmy Cooper’s part-time administrative assistant in September 2025. Wentzville, MO, became her residence after living in Illinois most of her life. Flo, and husband Rich, retired from their careers and made the move to Missouri to be closer to their children and enjoy everything that the region offers. Rich and Flo are blessed with two daughters – both married: Emilie & Cory and Anna & Randon. They also have one granddaughter, Lana, and another grandchild expected in the summer of 2026. After settling in, the search began for a church, and The Way felt like home on the first visit.
When the administrative opening appeared, it became very clear that this opportunity to serve God and Pastor Jimmy was the next step in life. Flo’s servant heart began at a young age by singing in the choir, serving as a reader during services, assisting with pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners and fish fries, and also cooking meals for funeral luncheons. Hobbies/interests include: exercising, reading, cooking, decorating, arranging flowers and most importantly spending time with God and family.