Celebrating 25 years of Reynolds Program in Church Leadership

The Foundation is recognizing this milestone by lifting up stories of lives changed and Kingdom-building enabled.

Visit this page for video reflections from clergy (shared below). It’s a tribute to the foresight of the late Royce Reynolds and his wife, Jane, who hoped to make a lasting contribution to the church they love.

“We have one purpose – to make disciples for Christ,” Royce often said. This belief led the Greensboro couple to create the Royce and Jane Reynolds Ministry Fund of the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina.

Many clergy say their experience in the church leadership program sparked a sense of renewal and purpose. For many, it prompted a shift toward healthier relationships with colleagues and loved ones.

As we give thanks for 600 alumni representing five conferences in the Southeastern Jurisdiction, we also recommit to the work God calls us to do.

Day 25: Welcome, Class of 2025

Join us in welcoming the newest class of clergy participants. Selected from across the Southeastern Jurisdiction, this group represents a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences, reaching from Miami to the Washington, DC metro area, and many places in between. Welcome, pastors, and happy anniversary to the Reynolds Program in Church Leadership.

Day 24: Rev. David Snipes

As the Foundation celebrates 25 years of the Reynolds Program in Church Leadership, President David Snipes reflects on a legacy of lives changed and ministries transformed. This was the vision of Royce and Jane Reynolds, who believed the Church’s future depends on clergy able to think boldly and inspire others to follow. The Greensboro couple funded a leadership development experience that remains as vital as ever, a quarter-century after its inception.

Day 23: Rev. Steve Autrey

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Steve Autrey of Denver UMC, who shares how he gained a sense of self-awareness and focus that sharpens his ministry, even today. A member of the Class of 2009, Steve is among generations of clergy alumni from across the Southeastern Jurisdiction.

Day 22: Rev. Mark Barden

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Mark Barden, who describes the art and science of active listening – and why it matters in church leadership. Mark retired last year following appointments in Norwood, Shelby and Elkin, among other places, as well as a stint in the Conference office.

Day 21: Rev. Duncan Martin

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Duncan Martin, pastor of Hawthorne Lane UMC in Charlotte. Evangelism is for everybody, Duncan says. This means going to new, unfamiliar places to reach all people with God’s message of hope.

Day 20: Rev. Chris Smith

Day 19: Rev. David Christy

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. David Christy, a member of the Class of 2008 and District Superintendent for the Catawba Valley District. David grew up United Methodist and met his future wife, Pam, when they attended the same children’s Sunday School class in North Wilkesboro. Prior to his current role, David served as pastor of First UMC in Gastonia.

Day 18: Rev. Dan Hester

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Dan Hester, a member of the Class of 2011 and pastor of First UMC Morganton. Dan previously served appointments in Kernersville, Asheville and Charlotte.

Day 17: Rev. Tim Fitzgerald

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Tim Fitzgerald, a member of the Class of 2024 and pastor of New Goshen and Union Memorial UMCs in the Northern Piedmont District.

Day 16: Rev. Hugo Villagrana

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Hugo Villagrana, a member of the Class of 2023 and senior pastor of Bethlehem UMC in Waxhaw. A civil engineer by trade, Hugo left Mexico and a career in residential construction to pursue God’s call to ministry in the United States.

Day 15: Rev. Charlie D. Rivens, Sr.

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Charlie D. Rivens, Sr., a member of the Class of 2000 and pastor of The Place UMC in Charlotte. Charlie worked in the corporate world before answering the call to ministry. He has served appointments in Charlotte as well as Denver, Lenoir and elsewhere, in partnership with his wife, DeEtta.

Day 14: Rev. Michelle Chappell

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Michelle Chappell, a member of the Class of 2008 and lead pastor of Dilworth UMC in Charlotte. Michelle has served in the local church for 30+years, starting with a focus on music ministry.

Day 13: Rev. Otto Harris

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Otto Harris, a member of the Class of 2023 and senior pastor of West Market Street UMC in Greensboro. A veteran of the Marine Corps, Otto holds degrees from North Carolina A&T, Hood Theological Seminary and UNC Greensboro. Otto previously served St. Mark’s UMC in Charlotte.

Day 12: Rev. Alexis Coleman

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Alexis Coleman, a member of the Class of 2017 and pastor of Madison UMC in Rockingham County north of Greensboro. Alexis previously served the congregations of First Asheboro and Davidson.

Day 11: Rev. Jeff Hamrick

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Jeff Hamrick, a member of the Class of 2024 who serves as co-pastor of the Troutman Collective (First Troutman, Wesley Chapel, Emerging Community). Jeff joined the Conference in 2013 after graduating from Gardner Webb University and Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury.

Day 10: Rev. Susan Heafner-Heun

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Susan Heafner-Heun, a member of the Class of 2020 and pastor of Christ UMC in Charlotte. A Charlotte native, Susan attended Duke University for a year before shifting to Union Theological Seminary in New York City. She holds a doctor of ministry in social justice from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury.

Day Nine: Rev. Dr. Sam Moore, Jr.

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Dr. Samuel Moore, Jr., a member of the Class of 2001 and district superintendent for the Yadkin Valley District. Sam previously served Hickory Grove UMC in Charlotte. From 2008-2015, he was district superintendent for the Northeast and Uwharrie districts.

Day Eight: Rev. Bev Coppley

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Bev Coppley, a member of the Class of 2014 currently serving as district superintendent for the Northern Piedmont District. Bev held a number of appointments in local church ministry.

Day Seven: Rev. Mark Conforti

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Mark Conforti, a member of the Class of 2020 currently serving First United Methodist Church of Salisbury. A south Florida native, Mark grew up attending a United Methodist congregation and has a particular interest in clergy mentoring.

Day Six: Rev. Laura Auten

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Laura Auten, a member of the Class of 2005. Laura returned to local church ministry in 2023 after eight years as district superintendent for the Uwharrie District. She serves South Point UMC in Belmont.

Day Five: Rev. Randy Blanton

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Randy Blanton, a member of the Class of 2006 and pastor of Aldersgate UMC in Shelby.

Day Four: Rev. Pam Blackstock

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Pam Blackstock, who answered the call to ministry following a distinguished career as a teacher and public schools advocate. Pam serves St. Paul UMC in Winston-Salem and is also a Foundation board member.

Day Three: Rev. Jae Lee

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Jae Lee, a familiar face in the Western North Carolina Conference thanks to his service in the local church and as district superintendent for the Smoky Mountain District. Jae is the first Asian-American to hold such a role in the WNCC.

Day Two: Rev. Holly McKim

Today’s reflection comes from Rev. Holly McKim, a member of the Class of 2024. Holly recently transitioned to an appointment at Spruce Pine UMC following 10 years at Hudson UMC.

Day One: Revs. Janice Virtue and Tom Latimer share the origin story