Meet Our Team at Glendale UMC – Nashville
Pastor Steph
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.]
Austin
Music Director + Staff Pianist | he/himI was born and raised in Washington, Illinois and graduated from Millikin University with a bachelor’s degree in piano performance. I then went on to Northern Arizona University where I earned a master’s degree in piano performance. During the day, I am a staff accompanist/professor of music theory at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. I’m so excited to contribute my music to this welcoming and inclusive community!
Cassie
Youth Director | she/herI am excited to be a part of this wonderful community at Glendale! I formerly served as a youth director with a strong background in UMC youth ministry and am now a 5th grade English teacher. I am passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for our youth to grow in their faith, build lasting relationships, and discover their unique gifts and talents just as I would want for my own two kids.
Kaylee
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 2024 Leadership Team
James
Lay Leader | he/him
Caddie
Children's Education | she/her
Steven
Communications + Worship | he/him
Mark
Mission + Service | he/him
Matt
Property + Maintenance | he/him
Chris
Staff + Pastor Relations | he/himOnline Worship
David
Livestreaming | he/him
Ben
Online Engagement | he/himUnited Methodist Clergy at Glendale
Rev. Derek White
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
Gaming Chaplain, Glendale UMC, Nashville, TN
Rev. Hong Duk Kim
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
United Methodist World Mission Office,
Seoul, Korea
Rev. Jeff Campbell
he/himOrdained Elder
New England Conference
Current Appointment:
General Secretary, Discipleship Ministries, Nashville, TN
Rev. Larry Hollon
he/himOrdained Elder
Great Plains Conference
Most Recent Appointment:
General Secretary, United Methodist Communications, Nashville, TN
Dr. Matthew Charlton
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies Foundation
Rev. Nick Baird-Chrisohon
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
The Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership at Belmont University
Rev. Steph Dodge
she/herOrdained Deacon
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
Lead Pastor, Glendale UMC, Nashville, TN
Rev. Susan Woodard
she/herOrdained Elder
Mississippi Conference
Current Appointment:
Susan Woodard Psychotherapy
Some of the People You’ll See…
Ryan + Courtney
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.”
– Ryan + Courtney
Aziza
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
Ben + Don
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
Jill + Steve
she/her + he/him“Everyone at Glendale works to make sure that each person feels included and welcome, regardless of their background or even how they might differ from others in the church, and we strongly believe that anyone who comes will feel that same sense of being both included and loved.” – Jill + Steve
Megan
she/her“I swore that I would never step foot in a church again. I grew up in the church and witnessed so much hypocrisy and not seeing the true love of Jesus loving everyone. However, when we found Glendale, I came back to the church because it is inclusive, affirming, and progressive. When I say this church LOVES everyone, Glendale truly loves and accepts everyone.” – Megan
Kelli and Rick
she/her + he/him“We saw the Glendale billboard that read, ‘We’re sorry if the church has hurt and failed you.’ and decided we would give the church one last chance. After hearing Glendale’s welcome message during worship the first time we came, we knew we were home.” – Kelli + Rick
John
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
Chris + Jen
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.”
– Chris + Jen
Lezleigh + Kevin
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
Rob
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
Claire
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
Jennifer + Derek
he/him, she/her + they/them“When we first arrived at Glendale, we knew this place was a wonderful fit for us. Glendale welcomes and affirms all of our LGBTQ+ siblings but doesn’t stop there! They also make sure that neurodiverse folks are welcomed and loved and try to make sure the church is accessible as it can be. We have also found Glendale to be a community of faith that is quite diverse.” – Jennifer + Derek
