Our Mission & Vision
Our church mission is to make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.
God has a vision for First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City Tennessee: We believe God envisions us as a diverse Community of Faith who:
- passionately seeks and worships the living God,
- boldly demonstrates the love of Christ while striving to serve the need of the local community as well as people in need around the world,
- prayerfully grows in the faith, knowledge, and understanding of God in the world while actively encouraging others to live in Christ, and
- confidently shares the Good News of Jesus Christ and His salvation for all.
The “Home Team:”
Our staff is a dedicated team which recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that we are shepherds who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We desire to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Our passion and goal is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry until we all attain maturity in the fullness of Christ.
Doug Wilder, Senior Pastor
As the primary teaching pastor, Pastor Doug has a passion for carefully unpacking the truths of Scripture. He has served at First Church for five years. He and his wife have three adult sons. Doug is passionate about ministries and and is a gifted teacher.
Mitch Cain, Associate Pastor
Pastor Mitch’s main responsibility is in student ministry and the Connection contemporary worship service. Mitch grew up in Jefferson City and was led to the ministry while a member of First Church. He and his wife have three children and are well-rooted in the community. He is passionate about teaching the youth.
Laura Ritter, Music Director
The Bible has a lot to say about music, and Laura really helps us hear it through many voices. Laura received her Master’s of Music in Choral Conducting
from the University of Illinois and her Bachelor’s in Music Education from Furman University. She received further instruction in organ performance from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She has served as choral director at Walters State Community College since 1994 and assumed the position of Assistant Dean of Humanities in 2010. Laura was involved in the children’s and youth choirs at First Baptist Church of Morristown during her childhood, where she developed a passion for sharing music in worship with people of all ages. She is the artistic director of the Lakeway Children’s Choir in Morristown and also a company member of Encore Theatrical Company. For more information about the music ministry and opportunities at FUMC, please contact Laura at laura.ritter@ws.edu.
Cindy Curington, Office Manager
During the week, when you first enter the church offices, Cindy’s smiling face is the first to greet you. Cindy has a heart for serving and a compassion for those in need.
Worship times and styles
We recognize that individuals are closest to God when they are able to worship in the style in which they find comfort. For that reason, we offer three worship services on Sundays; each service has its own feel
- 8:15 am — Our chapel service takes place (surprisingly) in our chapel. The smaller venue draws the worshipers close. The music is designed with piano-led congregational songs.
- 10:00 am – Our sanctuary service is a larger venue and draws upon what is often considered a traditional worship service design. Our Chancel Choir brings beautiful choral reditions to the anthem. The sermon message is often identical to the chapel service.
- 11:15 am — The Connection worship service is designed as a blended contemporary service. Music is often led by an amplified band (guitars, keyboard, drums, wind instruments) and a song leader. The sermons are often interactive and are usually supported with video.
