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!
Sveta
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
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
Lay Leader: Connection | she/her
Doug
Lay Leader: Discipleship | he/him
Caddie
Children's Education | she/her
Steven
Communications + Worship | he/him
James
Connection + Outreach | he/him
Kim
Finance | she/her
Mark
Mission + Service | he/him
Pat
Prayer + Nurture | she/her
Gwen
Prayer + Nurture | she/her
Matt
Property + Maintenance | he/him
Chris
Staff + Pastor Relations | he/him
Bud
Treasurer | he/himOnline Worship
David
Livestreaming | he/him
Ben
Online Engagement | he/himUnited Methodist Clergy at Glendale
Pastor Steph
she/herOrdained Deacon
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
Lead Pastor, Glendale UMC, Nashville, TN
Pastor Matt
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
Development Officer,
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary,
Evanston, Illinois
Pastor Hong Duk
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
United Methodist World Mission Office,
Seoul, Korea
Pastor Larry
he/himOrdained Elder // Retired
Great Plains Conference
Most Recent Appointment:
General Secretary, United Methodist Communications, Nashville, TN
Pastor K.C.
they/themProvisional Deacon
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Current Appointment:
Associate Pastor, Director of Family Ministries, Foundry UMC, Washington, D.C.
Pastor Derek
he/himOrdained Elder
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Most Recent Appointment:
Lead Pastor, Matthews Memorial UMC, Madison, TN
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
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
Cat
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tommy + Caddie
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.”
– Tommy + Caddie
