Stone new pastor at Bois D’Arc UMC

Will also serve as pastor of Springfield’s Asbury UMC
The Bois D’Arc United Methodist Church has a new pastor in the pulpit. Rev. Rachel Zahn Stone assumed leadership of the church on Monday, July 1. She succeeds Rev. Susan Schmalzbauer, who was the church’s pastor for three years.
Stone has extensive background in ministry
Stone was appointed by Bishop Robert Farr to serve a “two-point charge” at both Asbury UMC and Bois D’Arc UMC. The two-point charge means, she said, that “I dedicate my time to serving both Asbury and Bois D’Arc.”
According to an announcement about her coming to Bois D’Arc, Stone first served for 18 years at King’s Way UMC, her home church, as “Director of Children’s Ministries, Executive Director, and Director of Finance,” and most recently served as Associate Pastor of Campbell UMC in Springfield. She and her husband, Tom, have three adult children, as well as a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law.
Stone said she came to the ministry “by God’s call.”
“Even though my educational background is accounting and law,” she said, “deep in my core was a draw to serving in ministry. God placed in my heart a desire to teach, to be creative, to learn and grow, to tend souls, and to lead while serving on church staff. Every experience built on another to prepare me for my current call to serve as pastor to two congregations.”
Stone hopes to build on church’s history
As Bois D’Arc UMC’s new pastor, Stone said her goals for the church are to “be the church God designed us to be. Follow Christ, offer grace, love God and love others.”
She said she will begin leading by first listening to the congregation.

“Our first steps will be to listen and learn,” she said. “I am delighted to listen and learn more about the deeply established roots of Bois D’Arc UMC. The church enjoys the rich pioneering spirit of its founders who not only sacrificed to build the gorgeous native stone structure, but also to build a close-knit community of faith. Part of its appeal is simplicity and the opportunity to focus on the main and plain things of faith. My goal is to tap into those pioneering roots of faith, community and simplicity. I believe people—young and old—long for uncluttered spiritual experiences, genuine connection, strengthening support, and safe spaces to encounter God’s grace and presence.”
Stone said that Bois D’Arc’s first church service with her as pastor was “delightful and energizing.”
“I sensed God’s spirit of joy, connection, and of eager anticipation for new things God is about to do,” she said. “We had a great turnout including ‘the regulars’, returning members, and even first-time worshippers. After worship, most stayed around to visit, get to know new people, and reconnect with old friends. Lots of smiles and hugs and happy conversation.”
Looking to the future, Stone said she believes something great is going to happen at Bois D’Arc UMC.
“A refreshing, pioneering spirit of renewed vitality is on the horizon for this charming little country church,” she said. “I love the simple church life on the prairie.”