Will Glendale continue to be a United Methodist church?
YES – a church that welcomes + affirms ALL people! #BeUMC
You may have heard that some churches in The United Methodist Church are leaving to form a new denomination. This would be accurate. However, those churches have decided to leave because The United Methodist Church continues to progress forward in affirming our LGBTQIA+ siblings in all areas of the church. We know that being an inclusive community of faith is what we are called to be, so that no matter the color of your skin, who you love or how you identify, there is a space to begin, restart and/or deepen your faith in God (while bringing all of your doubts + questions) with others who will love you – just as you are.
Has your church disaffiliated from The United Methodist Church? Come and see if Glendale may be the new church home that you are looking for. Join us in person or live online on Sunday mornings @ 10amCT for worship. There are so many opportunities to build community through our LifeGroups + other small groups for kids and youth and to make a difference in the lives of others through mission + service here at Glendale.
We Are Inclusive + Affirming + Reconciling // In Word + Action
So what sets Glendale apart from the next church down the street? Good question.
Most church website belief pages say some version of the same thing – or are vague enough in what they actually believe to appear to be welcoming to all people. However, once you get connected, you may come to find out that their welcome + acceptance has a full stop – mainly for our LGBTQ+ siblings, and the noticeable lack of women and/or people of color in leadership. Here we share what we are about, but much of what is different about us will have to be experienced in person or online through our worship services, small groups for kids, youth + adults and mission + service opportunities. You will find a growing, inclusive + affirming community of faith that believes God’s love + grace are available for + shared with ALL people – with no exceptions and no exclusions. You will find a group of imperfect people who don’t just go to church because that is what we are supposed to do, but who want to be together – not only in the good times, but in those challenging life moments we all experience as well.
As United Methodists, we believe that the living core of the Christian faith is revealed in scripture, illuminated by tradition, enlivened through personal experience, and confirmed by reason. In other words, there is no need to “check your brain at the door” when you walk through the open doors of Glendale. Bring your questions + doubts with you. And really, it is safe to assume that there are others already within our community who have some of those same questions + doubts that you do. You’ll find a safe space to explore those alongside us.
Historically, Methodists did not simply avoid evil in their own lives, they organized and worked with others to fight it as it appeared in the larger society. Following the roots of the Methodist movement, Glendale is committed to putting faith + love into action.
We live out our faith through our witness against racism and work to abolish inequality and discrimination, to reject criminal justice systems based on racist policies and practices and work for restorative justice, to speak against irresponsible use of the earth’s resources and become good stewards of God’s creation, to oppose war and the death penalty and work for peace with justice.
At Glendale, we believe every person is of sacred worth and that discrimination in any form is incompatible with Christian teaching. We believe that Jesus is our Savior and that he has taught us how to receive and share love, grace, and mercy with all people.
We believe the the Spirit calls us to live according to the example of Christ. We therefore commit to cultivate inclusive love and intentional hospitality with all people, and welcome and affirm persons of every race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, faith story, education, physical or mental ability, or economic status.
We consider our diversity to be a gift from God that strengthens us to worship, learn and serve in Christ’s name.
Our Welcome Message // Read Aloud at Every Service + Event
We at Glendale UMC want you to know that no matter:
Where you’ve come from or where you are going; what you believe or what you may doubt; what you are feeling or just not feeling; what you have or don’t have; and no matter the color of your skin, who you love or how you identify – all of who you are is welcomed into this community of faith by a God who knows you by name and loves all of who you are.
Communion Every Sunday // An Open Table for All
We believe that The Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion or the Eucharist – whichever you want to call it – is open to ALL people. There are no barriers or conditions to receiving Christ’s invitation to the table. Not baptized? No problem. Not a member of The United Methodist Church or Glendale? Definitely no issue there! Communion is one of God’s many gifts that are given freely to us – it is a tangible act that we are each invited to celebrate with one another in community.
Communion at Glendale is always served with grape juice – not wine. We also have an option of gluten free bread. This provides a truly open table experience that all people can be apart of.
Baptism // God’s Gift Offered Freely
Through our baptism as United Methodists, we are each called to “resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.” In baptism, we reject the power of sin and begin our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Haven’t been baptised? We provide a safe community of faith to explore, start, restart (many of us have been there) and/or deepen your relationship with God. Want to talk about baptism or your spiritual journey thus far? Pastor Steph would love to grab coffee sometime! Reach out to her here.
About Glendale UMC – Nashville
Glendale Methodist Church was founded in 1945 in the growing Glendale neighborhood of south Nashville. In 1968, with the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, this community of faith became Glendale United Methodist Church.
Rev. Steph Dodge became our Lead Pastor in July 2017. Throughout the last few years, this community that we call Glendale has experienced a rebirth. Many people (who have either been hurt by the church in the past and those who are looking for a new church that puts their faith into actionable + meaningful change) have decided to call Glendale their church home.
By a unanimous congregational vote on August 11, 2019, we became an official Reconciling Congregation – an intentional step in continuing our church’s mission to share God’s love + grace to all people with no exceptions and no exclusions.
We are intentional in opening our space up to the community in a variety of ways – workshops on racial justice and LGBTQ+ justice, virtual learning space for our Pencil Partners schools Glendale Elementary and J.T. Moore Middle and our ministry with those experiencing homelessness, Room In The Inn – just to name a few. Our church campus also includes a Retreat & Hospitality House where church groups, travelers, or people simply seeking a quiet retreat can come to deepen their relationship with God. We provide space to our community ministry partners who offer spiritual direction and counseling. Right beside the sanctuary, an outdoor labyrinth sits, where all are welcome to take some time to slow down and enter into a time of prayer and on the front lawn, our new “Nathan’s Playground” is open to the community that provides a safe and fun space for all the children in our neighborhood.
We invite you to come + check out any of our small groups, events and worship services in person or LIVE online here each Sunday morning @8amPT/9MT/10CT/11ET. All worship services will continue to be livestreamed for those at home or outside of the Greater Nashville Area. Come check out Glendale – we’re all on this journey of life together. You will find a community that loves all of who you are.
Meet Our Team at Glendale UMC – Nashville
Rev. Stephanie Dodge
Lead Pastor | she/herI am a 2012 Graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary. I entered into ministry because I believe that everyone should be a part of the loving, supportive community that Christ offers each of us. In my free time I enjoy riding my bikes, working out, reading, and watching movies.
[Learn more about Pastor Steph here.]
Wesley Carroll
Music Director + Staff Pianist | he/himI was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee and graduated from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2018 with a degree in piano performance. I have played music my entire life and was drawn to Glendale specifically for its inclusivity for all people. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community who has also struggled in the past to find acceptance in the church, I am excited to contribute to the worship experience for those who have found a home at Glendale. Also, because I am a human with taste, I love Dolly Parton!
Sveta Griffin
Youth Director | she/herI was born in Irkutsk, Russia and came to the USA when I was 9 months old. Living in Nashville almost my entire life, I have come to love southern culture; however, finding an inclusive and affirming church proved to be difficult- especially as someone part of the LGBTQ+ community. I found Glendale and am thrilled to be a part of the accepting community at Glendale. I have an associates degree in Anthropology and a strong background in teaching kids and working with youth. I also have a partner and 3 bunnies at home, all of whom I adore!
Kaylee Magro
ASL Interpreter | she/herI have lived in Nashville for 12 years and feel blessed to be a part of the Glendale UMC community. I am grateful for the non-judgmental, affirming people of Glendale who truly love like Jesus. I received my bachelors degree in ASL Interpreting where I specialized in performance interpreting. When I am not interpreting, I teach line dancing with New Boots Line Dancing. I have cheered for the Tennessee Titans and have 4 rescue chihuahuas that are my world!
Glendale’s 2023 Lay Leaders + Leadership Team
Katherine Buford
Lay Leader: Connection | she/her
Doug Crews
Lay Leader: Discipleship | he/him
Caddie Woodroof
Children's Education | she/her
Steven Adair
Communications + Worship | he/him
James Poland
Connection + Outreach | he/him
Kim Joyce
Finance | she/her
Dusty Grimes
Mission + Service | he/him
Pat Citro
Prayer + Nurture | she/her
Gwen Watson
Prayer + Nurture | she/her
Matt Charlton
Property + Maintenance | he/him
Ryan Bell
Staff + Pastor Relations | he/him
Bud Hamblen
Treasurer | he/himOnline Worship
David Charlton
Livestreaming | he/him
Ben Bodenheimer
Online Engagement | he/himUnited Methodist Clergy at Glendale
Rev. Stephanie Dodge
she/herOrdained Deacon
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
Lead Pastor, Glendale UMC, Nashville, TN
Rev. Matthew Charlton
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
Development Officer,
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary,
Evanston, Illinois
Rev. Hong Duk Kim
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
United Methodist World Mission Office,
Seoul, Korea
Rev. Larry Hollon
he/himOrdained Elder // Retired
Great Plains Conference
Most Recent Appointment:
General Secretary, United Methodist Communications, Nashville, TN
Rev. K.C. Van Atta-Casebier
they/themProvisional Deacon
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
Associate Pastor, Director of Family Ministries, Foundry UMC, Washington, D.C.
Rev. Peter van Eys
he/himOrdained Elder // Retired
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Most Recent Appointment:
Senior Pastor, Crievewood + Glendale UMCs, Nashville, TN
Some of the People You’ll See…
The Bell Family
she/her + he/him“We weren’t necessarily looking for a church, but immediately felt at home at Glendale. Through some of the hardest times of our lives, the Glendale community always found a way to support us right when we needed it most. After having complicated relationships with church in the past, we have found a community of faith that we weren’t sure was ever going to be a part of our lives.”
– Courtney + Ryan
Rob Cowles
he/him“After stepping away from church for several years, I was hoping to find an inclusive and affirming church that teaches God’s love for ALL people – regardless of who we are. I immediately felt connected & have made some amazing friends. I found Glendale when I needed it most and feel so lucky and proud to be a part of this church.” – Rob
The Dolezal Family
he/him + she/her“We started watching Glendale’s services online and were refreshed by the inclusive & affirming theology. Soon after, we decided to get plugged in to a LifeGroup & that confirmed that Glendale was absolutely where we felt most at home.” – Jim & Rachel
Cat Huntsman
she/they“When I moved to Nashville 10 years ago, I struggled to find a church that supported my beliefs and open attitude. Glendale had been on my radar due to the messages of love and justice on the outdoor sign over the years. I knew from my first worship service that this place was going to be my spiritual home” – Cat
Lezleigh + Kevin Kleibrink
she/her + he/him“When we moved to Nashville in May 2021, we wanted to find a church that was INCLUSIVE of all of God’s children, not EXCLUSIVE. After visiting a few other United Methodist churches, we visited Glendale. We are excited to be a part of an inclusive church and to serve God through Glendale.”
– Lezleigh + Kevin
Ben Lee + Don Scholes
he/him“We have found a home in Glendale UMC, a place where every person is loved just for who they are. We are valued for who we are and where we are in our walks of faith – without judgment. We love the people we are meeting and look forward to continuing our journey of life here.”
– Ben + Don
John Lee
he/him“I have found a spiritual home that I was missing and wasn’t sure I would ever find; a caring, nurturing environment; and a reestablishment of my Christian faith. Glendale is a vibrant environment that works hard to live up to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and it is a joy to have found it.”
– John
The Murdock Family
she/her + he/him“Within the first few minutes of our first worship service at Glendale UMC, we knew we’d found, not just a church, but a community full of love. From the welcome message of inclusion, we knew we’d found a home and a place for our daughter to learn about and love Christ.”
– Jen, Ella + Chris
Claire Patton
she/her“It was important to me to find a church that was affirming and doing the work of being anti-racist. I wanted to be apart of a church where injustice in our world was spoken about and acted upon. After attending my first service, I know I had found my new church family. I am incredibly grateful for this safe space where I know that any and all are welcome.” – Claire
Aziza Rose
she/her“Before finding Glendale, I stopped going to church and started doubting my faith, leaving Christianity altogether. I found Glendale at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement and started worshiping online and then in person. This is the first church that I truly feel welcome and at home.” – Aziza
Jay Williams
he/him“Before moving to Tennessee, we already knew that Glendale UMC would become our church home away-from-home. After the Special session of General Conference in 2019, I found Glendale and kept up with the good work of this faith community via social media. I was comforted knowing that there was an affirming faith community that the boys and I could attend. We are so grateful for the welcome and warm embrace of Glendale.”
– Jay
The Woodroof Family
he/him, she/her + they/them“As parents, to hear our children say that Glendale is the first church where they truly feel a part of a family – the first place where they have experienced God’s love – it’s both humbling and joyful. We are so blessed to have found our church home.”
– The Woodroof Family
