Meet our Pastor and Church Staff
The Pastor and Staff of Central UMC are committed to nurturing the faith of other disciples and helping them grow closer to Christ. They are equally willing to help you get to know God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They would love to walk with you as you seek to know Christ. If there is some way that they can help you to grow or to use your gifts in service to God, please let us know.
Rev. Keith Stewart
Pastor
803-276-3903 (office)
803-439-2543 (cell)
If you would like to meet, please reach out.
Since 2007, Keith has had the privilege of serving as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. He was blessed with an appointment to Central United Methodist Church in June 2025 and counts it a joy to serve Christ with us.
Keith and his wife, Tina, are the proud parents of three children and grandparents to five wonderful grandchildren. Their family is completed by a faithful sidekick, a German Shepherd named Dakota. When he is not at the church, you can usually find him outdoors. Keith has a deep passion for farming and gardening, particularly raising laying hens to provide fresh eggs for his neighbors. His other interests include golf, hunting, fishing, and playing the guitar down at the local music parlor.
Keith holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina, completed seminary studies at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and finished his theological education in the Course of Study program at Duke Divinity School.
Jackeline Benitez
Administrative Assistant
803-276-3903 (office)
Church Office hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
To us, she is known as Jackie. Faith and family are at the heart of who she is. Jackie grew up in the church and spent time sharing her love for music in the church band. She says that she feels incredibly happy and blessed to be a part of Central United Methodist Church. She counts this congregation as her second family and a true gift in her life. Outside of her career and studies, she is the proud mother of two beautiful children, ages 5 and 3. She enjoys bringing growth and fresh perspectives to everything she does. Fittingly, her favorite color is green!
Chris Wofford
Minister of Music
803-276-3903 (office)
Chris leads the Chancel Choir, The Cause Praise Band, and Front and Central Children’s Choir. He has been part of the music ministry at Central for approximately 15 years and helped establish The Cause Praise Band around 2011.
A graduate of Newberry College with a degree in Music Education, Chris has spent 19 years as a music educator, teaching students from preschool through 12th grade. He currently serves as Director of Bands at Broome High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he is in his fifth year.
Chris’s love for church music began at an early age. Growing up in the Church of God of Prophecy, he played bass and piano and sang alongside his family. Those experiences helped shape his belief that music is for everyone and that all people can praise God through music and song. Whether through a traditional hymn, a contemporary worship song, or the voice of a child singing for the first time, Chris believes music provides a powerful way for people to worship together and experience the love of God.
Chris is married to Stephanie Marie Wofford, and together they have three children. Outside of church and the classroom, he enjoys playing music at local venues, attempting to improve his golf game, and playing video games with his son.
Becky Smith
Organist
803-276-3903 (office)
Becky has been an organist at Central for about 44 years. She is also a private piano teacher, and has been a vocal accompanist at Newberry College for about 22 years. She received a B.A. Degree in Music Education from Columbia College. Becky was married to her husband, Harold, for 50 plus years. She has 3 daughters, one son, and 2 grandsons.
Lyn Bethea
Finance Secretary
803-276-3903 (office)
Lyn has been a member of Central United Methodist Church since 1998, where she is an active member of Circle 7 United Women of Faith, the Wednesday Bible Study Group and the Seekers Sunday School class. She currently serves Central as the Financial Secretary, helping support the church’s financial administration and ministry. A graduate of the University of South Carolina and Liberty University, she spent more than 40 years building a career in industrial marketing and product management. She and her husband, Earle, have been married for 43 years and are the proud parents of two adult children, Elizabeth and Jay. Outside of her work at Central, she enjoys volunteering with GAAP, exercising, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite places to recharge are Edisto Beach and coastal Maine.
Elizabeth Morago
Nursery
803-276-3903 (office)
Born and raised in Newberry, SC, Elizabeth grew up going to Central. She moved back here in 2021 after being away for several years. She is a Mom to two young girls and a puppy named Teddy. They make life fun!
Elizabeth has always loved being around children and seeing their faces light up as they learn about Jesus through Bible stories and songs. She loves that she gets to be a small part of that here at Central.