Pastor Shayne Estes

I’m excited to be serving as pastor at Central UMC. Manchester is such a growing and diverse community. We look forward to seeing how Central can partner with others to be Christ’s hands and feet. I’m a second career pastor, who served several other United Methodist churches for nine years prior to coming here in July 2020. I became an ordained Elder in 2015.

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My most recent education was at Virginia Union University, where I received a Master of Divinity in 2010. I also have a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a BA from the University of Mary Washington. I served in the counseling field over 20 years prior to entering pastoral ministry. Those suffering from substance use problems are especially in my prayers, since my counseling career was mostly focused in that area.

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Playing the cello is one of my passions. Prior to moving back to Richmond, I was performing with the Danville Symphony Orchestra. I recently was accepted as a member of the Richmond Philharmonic, and urge you to come and enjoy that group’s concerts. I also play guitar and enjoy taking lessons. Gardening has also been a lifelong passion. We had a large garden when I was growing up, and canned vegetables and fruit every year. I enjoy trying to grow many varieties of vegetables and flowers. God’s beauty in nature can be healing and uplifting.  I participated in a couple different martial arts schools prior to returning to Richmond. It was a pleasure to find a Tae Kwon Do school that has allowed me to continue this passion as well. Finally, I’ve been married to Kelly Desclos-Estes for 27 years. The first 15 years of our marriage were spent in the Richmond area.