MEET OUR STAFF

Church in the Palms is led by a gifted an experienced staff team whose mission is to equip and empower our congregation for the work God has called us to do.

  • REV. Dr. shawn allen | SEnior pastor

    A native of Richmond, Virginia, Shawn has served churches up and down the east coast for a quarter of a century. Compelled by its spiritual need and intrigued by its cultural diversity, the Allens relocated to South Florida in 2012.


    After a few years of ministry in South Florida's unique context, Shawn developed a strategic vision for inspiring followers of Jesus to partner together on God's mission. 


    Shawn began serving as the Senior Pastor of Church in the Palms in 2016, and in 2017 started and continues to serve as the Lead Facilitator for Community Life, a missional network of non-profits giving life to our community.  


    Shawn recently completed his Ph.D. at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he also serves as an Adjunct Professor. He is a seasoned worship leader and multi-instrumentalist whose favorite notes are the ones not on the page. When his hands aren't on the ivories, you might see them completing a no-look pass or carefully placing a drop shot just over the net.


    Shawn has loved 1 wife (Sara) for 25 years. Together they have loved three children: Nellie for 21 years, Grace for 18, Walker for 16. Shawn and Sara's first grandson, Phoenix, arrived in July 2022! 


    Sara is a licensed acupuncturist. She is currently earning her Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, where she also serves as an Adjunct Professor. Sara is also a member of our worship team here at Church in the Palms.


    Nellie is a student at Palm Beach State University, Grace is a student at Florida A&M University, and Walker is a student at Berean Christian High School. Phoenix is a student of how to get whatever you want just by being ridiculously cute.


    Ext. 102 | shawn@churchinthepalms.com

  • EVAN IMEL | Associate Pastor

    Evan grew up in the Midwest before making the move to West Palm Beach. A resident of South Florida since 2005, Evan has fallen in love with its people and culture. Discipling children, teens and adults is one of his passions in ministry. He believes that real life happens in circles, not rows. If he’s not hanging out with youth or having lunch with a volunteer from the church, you will probably find him playing sports, reading, or watching a good movie. 


    Evan's wife Courtney is a nurse at Bethesda East Hospital. They have two beautiful children, Abigail and Joshua, who keep them on their toes day and night. 


    Ext. 105 | evan@churchinthepalms.com  

  • adrian marinelli, assistant pastor of teaching and discipleship

    Adrian started serving as an intern at Church in the Palms in 2018 while he was a student at Palm Beach Atlantic University completing his Master of Divinity degree. After serving for years on our teaching team, as a student ministry volunteer and teacher, and eventually on our Leadership Team, Church in the Palms is honored to have Adrian serve as our Assistant Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship. In addition to his ministry at Church in the Palms, Adrian is employed by Palm Beach Atlantic University, and is preparing for a very important job on November 11th, 2022 - becoming a husband to Megan Konynenbelt.

  • dale eby | financial manager

    Dale came to Church in the Palms after leading a Student Ministry at a church in Palm Beach County. Born and raised in South Florida, Dale earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University before beginning his ministry career. Dale and his wife Susan, an executive in social services, have two adult daughters: Kaitlin and Allie. Dale is a Mathematics teacher at Palm Beach Lakes High School. In addition to his ability to crunch numbers for our congregation and the Community Life Center, we are so blessed to have another seasoned pastor on our staff team!


    Ext. 103 | dale@churchinthepalms.com