Pastor Herb and Sheryl Coates

Rev. Herb W. Coates has been senior pastor of the Mattis Avenue Free Methodist Church in Champaign, Illinois since July of 2006. Prior to that, he served as senior pastor in Vincennes, Indiana, Springfield, IL and Lincoln, IL.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy from Greenville College in 1979 and his Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in1983. Herb was ordained a deacon in the Free Methodist Church in 1978 and ordained an elder in 1984.

Herb has taught various seminars including Marriage Encounter and Marriage Enrichment, Theology, Inductive Bible Study, Small Group ministry and “How We Got Our Bible.” He has been actively involved in Christian camping ministry and ministerial education and guidance for many years. He has also spoken at men’s conferences, youth and family camps, and many revival services.

Herb and Sheryl Beard were married in 1979. They have three adult children: Greg, Kyle, and Rachel. He loves the Lord, his family, and the people God has called him to serve. His favorite hobbies include reading, playing golf, softball, basketball, racquetball and being with his granddaughter, Lydah.H