Meet the 2023-2024 MCLN Fellows

September 19, 2023 by Analise Narine

HPUMC’s Mark Craig Leadership Network Fellows program has welcomed a class of seven interns for the 2023-2024 year. The MCLN program develops clergy leaders and equips them to lead in specific church ministries. Under the direction of Dr. John Fiedler, Executive Minister of Traditional Worship & Campuses and Director of MCLN, interns learn preaching skills, pastoral care, church administration, and worship logistics for them to best serve in their respective areas of HPUMC.

Meet the Fellows:

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Haley Sloan
College Ministry

Hi! I am thrilled to continue to grow within the MCLN program! I am originally from Joplin, Missouri, and moved to Dallas after undergrad to start as the Middle School Pastor here at HPUMC. I have since served as Pastor to College Students and recently became the Director of College Students at HPUMC’s Wesley House. I have loved experiencing HPUMC in various roles and am excited to grow in my pastoral calling as I pursue a Master of Theological Studies at Perkins this fall.

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Will Tiller
College Ministry

I am excited to be joining the Mark Craig Leadership Network. I graduated from Point University in 2021, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies, and competed on the golf team. I begin my studies at Perkins School of Theology this fall by transferring from Samford University's Beeson Divinity School. I am a lifelong Methodist and resonate deeply with the Wesleyan Tradition. My research interests are on the Early Church Fathers, Wesley's life and ministry, and the Gospel of John. Away from the classroom, I can usually be found outdoors. Running, cycling, and golf are all hobbies of mine, but I am also known to enjoy an afternoon at a coffee shop reading one of the classics.

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Madelyn Watkins
Creative, Communications, & Production Department

Hi, I am a second-year student at Perkins School of Theology! I am originally from Oklahoma, where I attended college and was a double major in Graphic Design and Pastoral Ministry. I enjoy running, hanging out with friends, exploring new coffee shops, and going to the Dallas Farmers Market in my free time! I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of your church community and look forward to forming deep connections with y'all in the coming months!

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Allison Foster
Outreach Ministry

I am in my second year of the MCLN Fellows program. I’m an MDIV student at Perkins School of Theology and answered a call to ministry that has long guided me toward this work. I grew up at HPUMC, sang in the choir, enjoyed church retreats, and was active in the youth program. My professional career in global development took me first to live in California and then in Washington, DC, where I worked with the World Health Organization and then with USAID partners promoting health, education, and economic development across 25+ countries and the United States. Even away, I kept my membership at HPUMC and continued to engage with her home church. I also contributed to the Methodist Church in my local community as a choir member, bell choir member, liturgist, committee member, and educator.

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David Geller
Outreach Ministry

I am a second-year seminarian at Perkins School of Theology and a native of Toms River, New Jersey. I have a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Stockton University. I am a lifelong United Methodist and a Certified Candidate for Ordained Ministry in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. I believe that we serve a relational God, and because of that, we are called to be in a relationship with one another. I have a lot of local church ministry experience and can’t wait to continue to grow in ministry here at Highland Park. I am the youngest in a set of quadruplets. In my free time in New Jersey, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia Phillies, reality TV, and coffee. \

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Tongula Steddum
Justice Ministry

A Texas native, I attended Abilene Christian University on a track scholarship, where I earned All-American honors. I transferred to Missouri Southern State University, earning a Bachelor of Science and becoming the university’s first Women’s National Champion, earning back-to-back titles (1994, 1995) in the Triple Jump. After college, I relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, where I embarked on a Logistics Planning and Supply Chain Management career for UPS. I now reside in Dallas with my husband, Chris, and son, Colby. Serving a second year as an MCLN Fellow in HPUMC’s Justice Ministry, I will earn the Master of Divinity from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology in May 2024.

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Joshua Crawford
Youth Ministry

Hey! I'm in my third year at Perkins School of Theology and planning to pursue ordination as an elder in the United Methodist Church. I grew up in Houston (home to the greatest baseball team in the world) with my four adopted brothers. I was raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, but I saw the light in college and have served in the UMC ever since. I'm passionate about the outdoors, superhero movies, and seeing people fall in love with God. I'm excited to join this community and can't wait for the coming year!