St. James Church Ministry Team

Cai Matthews

Pastor

Cai has been pastoring St. James Church since November, 2025. He received a Bachelors and Masters in Bible from Cairn University and is currently studying for a PhD in Old Testament at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Cai was surprised to be called by God into ministry when he was expecting an academic career, but he and his family have seen how God prepared him for this role and brought him to St. James Church. 
He and his wife, Amy, serve together at St. James, where Amy is the Minister of Music and Worship. They have two daughters and are anticipating the arrival of another daughter this October. Outside of ministry, he enjoys reading children's literature with his family and engaging in thoughtful conversations about theology from a variety of perspectives.

Mark Hampton

Elder

Manie Dreyer

Elder

Amy Matthews

Minister of Music and Worship

Amy Matthews is the Minister of Music and Worship at St. James Church. In this role, she coordinates with the other church musicians to lead the congregation in song each week from the organ, piano, or viola. She directs the Chancel Choir, plans the worship services, and attends to various administrative needs. She earned a Master’s degree in Worship Studies from The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies in 2021 after having earned an undergraduate degree in Piano and Viola Performance from Cairn University in 2018. Amy moved to Louisville with her husband, Cai, in 2020. They have two young daughters. Her family enjoys reading and walking together, and, when they can, going on adventures such as hiking, camping, rafting, and skydiving.
Email: ​worship@stjameslou.net

Donna Vaughn
​
Handbell Ensemble Director

Donna Vaughn is the director of the St. James Church Handbell Ensemble where she served as Music Minister and Organist before retiring. Donna and the Handbell Ministry of St. James Church celebrated 50 years of faithful ringing in 2019. Donna has been an active member of the Handbell Musicians of America since 1970, and has served as Kentucky State Chair, Clinician, and Mentor. Donna is also the Director of The Carillon Ringers at Christ Church United Methodist. She holds a degree in Organ and Church Music from the University of Louisville School of Music, and has taught piano and organ. Donna and her husband Elvis have two daughters, two sons, three granddaughters, and one grandson.
Email: [email protected]​