About us
Together, we can shape a better tomorrow.
The United Pentecostal Foundation (UPF) launched in 2003 as a subsidiary of the United Pentecostal Church International. Its purpose is to provide a Kingdom-minded place for individuals, families, and UPCI churches, districts, endorsed projects and ministries to invest funds to achieve life goals and create enduring legacies while advancing the kingdom of God. Annual earnings from investments can be reinvested or distributed to UPCI-affiliated or endorsed ministries and projects according to the donor’s wishes. UPF provides comprehensive planning and education to foster a culture of generosity and long-lasting Kingdom impact.
The vision for UPF is to build funding over time to generate enough financial return to cover administration costs of key UPCI ministries, allowing every dollar given through offerings to go directly to ministry.
Our Staff
Rick Lovall
PRESIDENT
rlovall@upci.org | (636) 229-7947
Rick Lovall became the Stewardship Director in 2023 after serving as the assistant director since 2019.
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He also serves as the president of the Church Loan Fund and the United Pentecostal Foundation, as well as on the boards of United Insurance Solutions, Inc., and United Pentecostal Properties, LLC. As an ordained minister, he previously pastored for nine years. He has a degree in Banking from the Barret School of Banking at Christian Brothers University, as well as over 15 years of experience in banking and commercial lending. He and his wife, Kelby, have two sons, Easton and Parker.
Cole J. Romey
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
cromey@upci.org | (636) 229-7949
Cole J. Romey joined The Stewardship Group in 2025 after practicing law in South Dakota and Nebraska.
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Cole also worked in the financial industry and cattle ranching business. In 2015, Cole married, Lanae, a native of the greater St. Louis area and together they have two children, Reagan and Chase. The family currently attend New Life St. Louis pastored by Aaron Batchelor.
Kelly Middleton
kmiddleton@upci.org | (636) 229-7998
Kelly Middleton joined The Stewardship Group in May 2023 as administrator of the United Pentecostal Foundation.
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Kelly’s service within the United Pentecostal Church International began in 2014 to coordinate the publishing process for Pentecostal Life, the UPCI’s official publication. In 2022, Kelly worked with Ladies Ministries to establish the UPCI Widows Ministry and currently serves as its director. Kelly worked in the insurance industry until 2001 when she and her late husband, Tom, established and operated a successful calibration business until his passing in 2019. Kelly obtained her MBA from Williams Woods University in 2007.
Tom Butler
tbutler@upcstewardship.org | (317) 695-3333
Thomas Butler, CFP®, ChFC®, joined The Stewardship Group in March 2024 as financial consultant for the United Pentecostal Foundation.
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Tom is a seasoned financial services professional with extensive ownership and management experience across various entity types, such as Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, S Corporations, C Corporations, and LLCs. His firm, Butler Financial Services, provides tailored investment services to clients nationwide.
In addition to his role as a Registered Securities Representative and former SEC Registered Principal, Tom owned and operated an independent property and casualty insurance agency. He has consulted with numerous church boards on matters such as general church planning, compensation structures, employee benefits, and risk management.
Board Members
David K. Bernard, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Scott Graham, Secretary and Treasurer
Rick Lovall, President
Rick Hughes, Assistant Secretary
Stephen Drury, Board Member
Sheena Sjostrand-Post, Vice Chair
Jeffrey Harpole, Board Member
Aaron Bockman, Assistant Treasurer
Daniel Flemming, Board Member
James Stark, Board Member
Brent Carter, Board Member
Jeff Story, Board Member
Michelle Kuhtenia, Board Member