We Are Inclusive + Affirming + Reconciling

We are one of the 32,148 United Methodist churches around the world – a diverse church where the table is large enough for ALL people to bring their beliefs, doubts and questions. Following the roots of Methodism, Glendale is devoted to putting faith + love into action and our primary mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

At Glendale, we believe every person is of sacred worth and created in God’s image. We believe that Jesus is our Savior and that he has taught us how to receive and share love, grace, and mercy.

We believe 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, economic status, or political perspective.

We consider our diversity to be a gift from God that strengthens us to worship, learn and serve in Christ’s name.

Our Welcome Statement

 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 loves you and knows you by name.

Our church is an official Metro Nashville Police Department Safe Place. If you, or someone you know, needs to report a crime based on hate or bias, you can safely do that here at Glendale.

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 congregation became Glendale United Methodist Church.

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 and grace to all people with no exceptions and no exclusions.

Rev. Steph Dodge became our Lead Pastor in July 2016. Throughout the last two years, this place we call Glendale has experienced new life and a renewed energy with many new people finding Glendale to call their church home. We are blessed to be able to open our doors to the community in a variety of ways – gathering space for our community, Pencil Partner schools Glendale Elementary and J.T. Moore Middle and our homeless ministry, Room In The Inn – just to name a few.

Our church campus 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 share our upstairs space with 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 walking 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 gather for worship every Sunday at 10am with small groups for all ages at 9am. Come check out Glendale – we’re all on this journey of life together.

Rev. Stephanie Dodge

Lead Pastor | she/her

I 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.

[Read Full Bio Here]

 

Dr. Laura Kreiselmaier

Staff Pianist | she/her

Dr. Laura Rosser Kreiselmaier is a holistic therapist, musician, and teacher.  A church pianist since age 14 and a member of Glendale since December 2013, she is delighted to serve as Glendale’s Staff Pianist.

[Read Full Bio Here]