Meet Our Team at Glendale UMC – Nashville

Steph-Dodge-Glendale-United-Methodist-Church-Lead-Pastor

Pastor Steph

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.

[Learn more about Pastor Steph here.]

 

austin shaw glendale united methodist church nashville tn umc

Austin

Music Director + Staff Pianist | he/him

I 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!

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We’re looking for our next Youth Director!

Youth Director |

We’re looking for our next Youth Director to help us continue growing our youth program! Find more information at GlendaleUMC.org/Jobs.

Kaylee-Magro-American-Sign-Language-Interpreter-Glendale-United-Methodist-Church-Nashville-TN-UMC

Kaylee

ASL Interpreter | she/her

I 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

Online Worship

david charlton glendale united methodist church nashville tn umc

David

Livestreaming | he/him
ben Bodenheimer

Ben

Online Engagement | he/him

United Methodist Clergy at Glendale



Some of the People You’ll See…

baptism of charlie mae bell at glendale united methodist church nashville tn umc

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 rose glendale united methodist church nashville tn umc

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

Steve Jill and Family - Glendale United Methodist Church Nashville TN UMC

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 huntsman glendale united methodist church nashville tn umc

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 emily glendale united methodist church nashville (Custom)

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 lee and don scholes glendale united methodist church nashville tn umc

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 lee - glendale united methodist church nashville tn umc

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

murdock family glendale united methodist church nashville tn umc (Custom)

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 patton glendale united methodist church nashville tn umc

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

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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 and kevin kleibrink glendale united methodist church nashville tn umc

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

 

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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


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