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 Spirit.
Karolyn “Kristie” Banes, Pastor
Rev. Karolyn Banes—better known as Kristie, Grew up in Pulaski, VA on her grandparents’ dairy farm. She graduated Radford University with Bachelors of General Studies in 2003, graduated Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC with a Masters of Divinity in 2009, and Ordained Elder in the Holston Conference in 2011. She just celebrated her 20th year in pastoral ministry in July 2020.
Pastor Kristie is passionate about God, Jesus and the working of the Holy Spirit which will come across in her conversations and preaching. For her, it is ALL about relationships with God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), each other (community of believers), our neighbors and sharing the message of Jesus in multiple ways. She enjoys working with other churches for community events, i.e. prayer gatherings, joint services and outreach. And also, building relationships in the local community.
She says, “I believe God is limitless in possibilities if we have the courage to step out in faith trusting He will provide the way. May God overwhelm you with His love, shower you with His grace, and surround you with His mercy.”
Dr. Brandon Hollihan, Music Director
Brandon will be joining the team on August 1, 2021. Brandon believes in the importance of utilizing the talents of all worshipers, all of whom are diverse in nature and share different cultural experiences, and nurture each individual’s gifts and provide them with experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. First Church is excited to have him join our staff. Contact him at MusicDirector@firstumcjc.com
Mary John Wilson, Director of Children’s Ministry
Mary John Wilson
Mary John Wilson is the Director of Children’s Ministry. She grew up in First Church and has helped with children for as long as she can remember. She has taught elementary and middle-school at Rush Strong School since 1995 and enjoys leading young mathematicians to “a-ha moments.” She also delights in teaching children about God’s love and encouraging them to become disciples of Jesus. Mary John is a planner and organizer and hopes to grow the children’s ministry at FUMC. If you would like more information about children’s programming at FUMC, you may contact Mary John at:
maryjohnwilson@gmail.com.
Mike Rivera
Mike has been hearing God’s call since a teenager and served God as a chaplain, youth mentor, and pastor. He fills the ministry with his passion and energy. It was the influence of strong mentors that brought him into God’s service in early adulthood and that drives his passion for reaching teenagers through Christ. He has an associate degree in addictive counseling from ICDC College progressed toward Bachelor of Science in religion from Liberty University and Grace Christian University. He was ordained by The Missionary Church International in 2013. Mike is also a veteran of the US Army, having served as a staff sergeant and helicopter crew chief during his eight-year military career. Contact Mike at MikeRivera@firstumcjc.com
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 time Sundays 8 am & 10 am
