Our staff
Reverend Warren Teachout
Senior Co-Minister
Warren received guidance to be a prayer chaplain in 2012. During the “observing silence” part of the weekend training retreat, the call to ministry came. A little over a year later, he honored that call by enrolling at Unity Urban Ministerial School. He completed his training and became ordained in May of 2017. He was co-minister with Rev. Sandra Campbell of the Wednesday Evening service to Renew, Inspire, Support, Evolve!, (known as WE - RISE!) at Unity Temple on the Plaza before becoming Senior Co-Minister at Unity of Independence.
Warren’s vision is a world of peace and plenty for all, where love and its extensions such as kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are the way in which all people treat one another because they are living from their Christ Light. His mission is to provide spiritual principles and tools enabling people to transform their relationships to themselves, others, and God to that of an awareness of Oneness. Warren and David live in Kansas City, Missouri with their cats, Lulu and Elizabeth. In his spare time, Warren loves to knit, read, jog, and workout.
Sarah Tannehill Anderson
Music Minister
Sarah Tannehill Anderson is a versatile musician, excelling as a singer of opera, oratorio, choral music, contemporary works, and art song; she is also a pianist and violinist. Having performed at
companies including Opera Company of Philadelphia, Boston Lyric, Opera Omaha, Fort Worth Opera, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sarah bases her career in the vibrant Kansas City music scene.
Sarah is a soloist on the Kansas City Chorale’s Grammy Award winning album Life and Breath. You can find her newest solo recording, Vieux Amis - Nouveaux Costumes, with the Midwest Chamber Ensemble, wherever you stream your music. Sarah is the creator of The Society of Song, a happy hour concert series in Kansas City, and Raise Your Virtual Voice ~ an online vocal warmup program for classical singers of all ages!
Reverend David Adams
Senior Co-Minister
Rev. David Adams is a Grammy-Award winning tenor that has thrilled audiences in many of our nation’s finest venues. A pragmatic optimist, he enjoys meeting real-world challenges head on. Whether singing or speaking, David’s mission is to create a heartfelt connection with the listener. His work as a minister is grounded in this personal Truth: The lasting way to rise above any circumstance is to move through it with a sense of wonder. His no-nonsense yet compassionate approach to everyday experiences offers practical inspiration. His passion lies in encouraging and supporting others on their individual journeys toward cultivating the extraordinary life of their dreams- the birthright of each of us as divine expressions of God. When not engaged in pastoral or musical opportunities, you’ll find David either outside enjoying nature, curled up with a good book, or writing away in one of his many well-worn journals. He and Warren were married in 2015. For more information, visit his website: www.davidadamstenor.com.
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Barbara Taylor
Church Administrator
Barbara Taylor is born and raised in Independence, and now resides in the historic area of our city with her dog, Missy. She is a graduate of Kansas City University (now UMKC). A fan of the Royals, Chiefs and NASCAR racing, Barb also enjoys reading and crossword puzzles. She has 2 children, 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Her work life brought her to some interesting places in past years, including a marine (boating) wholesale distributor, a printing company and a manufacturer of poultry processing equipment. Barb volunteers part time at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate as docent and cashier. She is a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Bingham-Waggoner Historical Society.
Our Board of Directors
Janie Pitt, President
Janie has attended Unity of Independence for the past 14 years. One Sunday, she visited us on a friend’s recommendation, and has been attending ever since. Janie enjoys reading, working in the yard, and candy making.
Sandy Hulen, Treasurer
Sandy is in her second term on the Unity of Independence board. She enjoys making cards of various types, drawing her inspiration from her trusty IPad.
Nancy McClelland
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Jerry Snider
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Barbara Willeford