Staff
Seeking God, Sharing Christ, Serving Others
Rev. Joshua Patty, Senior Minister
Rev. Joshua Patty became the senior minister of Eastgate on December 1, 2011. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), having previously served as pastor of Central Christian Church in Fairmont, WV and youth minister at United Christian Church in Country Club Hills, IL. He holds a Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School.
Josh has a passion for digging into the Bible in worship and classroom settings, which is evident through sermons that are both engaging and thought-provoking. He is a student of the history of Christianity, especially in the United States. He also is an unabashed movie fan and a self-professed Abraham Lincoln nut.
In addition to his service as pastor of Eastgate, Josh also serves the Christian Church of Greater Kansas City as chair of the Commission on Ordination and Standing, supporting the ministry of other clergy and helping people discern if God is calling them to become ordained ministers.
Josh is married to Rev. Sara Patty. They are the lucky parents of a young son. In his spare time, Josh loves to sing and is active with the Kansas City Metro Men's Chorus.
Click here to read recent posts of Rev. Patty's blog, "Ministry in the Middle."
Robin Smith, Co-Director of Music
Robin Smith received her Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in the late 1990s.
For over 50 years, Robin has provided her music ministry for a variety of church denominations, as well as accompanied vocal music classes and students in several school districts. Previously, she was the organist for the First Christian Church (Harrisonville, MO), United Methodist Church (Harrisonville, MO, Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Hot Springs Village, AR), as well as the Director of Music and Administration for Blue Valley Christian Church (Overland Park, KS).
In November 2017, Robin finished a 5-year position as the Office Manager with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Regional Church. She is married to Larry Smith, retired Firefighter for Lenexa, KS. Their four children live near them, allowing ample time and opportunity to enjoy their four grandchildren.
Renee Zimmerman, Co-Director of Music
Renee Zimmerman is currently a vocal music accompanist for the Kansas City, Kansas school district. Prior to this, she taught elementary and secondary vocal music with the district for 17 years.
Renee attended First Christian Church (Hoisington, KS) as a youth and began accompanying her father singing solos; by high school she routinely played piano/organ for the congregation. Renee is married to Fred, a former music teacher. They have a son, Ryan, and a daughter, Katy. She is a former music director at Eastgate.
Nancy McCarty, Administrative Assistant
Nancy McCarty thought she had retired and then began her service at Eastgate in July, 2005. She is a wonderful secretary and does an amazing job of administering the office, preparing printed materials, and coordinating church communication.
Nancy received her undergraduate degree in Business Education from CMSU, Warrensburg in 1962. In 1973 she was a graduate assistant at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire where she earned a Masters degree in Education with an Office Administration emphasis. Prior to joining the Eastgate staff, Nancy spent many years in education teaching at the high school, community college, and adult levels before going to work at AMC Theatres in the Midwest Division and Corporate Offices as an administrative assistant where she retired after 18+ years of service.
Nancy holds membership in Women of the Moose Chapter 1092, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 385, and American Legion Post 21 Auxiliary where she has been involved in a variety of volunteer activities. In her "spare time," Nancy enjoys reading, working crossword puzzles, and an occasional boat outing.