No King But Jesus

At Fairhope UMC, authority is shared rather than concentrated — because decisions belong not to one person, but to the body of Christ. Our lay leadership committees carry that conviction into the everyday life of the church.

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity." — Psalm 133:1

Lay Leaders

Fairhope UMC is represented beyond our own walls by lay members who serve the broader United Methodist connection.

Steve Christensen serves as our Congregational Lay Leader, acting as a liaison between the laity and pastoral leadership and advocating for the ministry of all believers in the life of the church.

Steve Pearson and Cheri Forte serve as our Lay Members of the Annual Conference, representing Fairhope UMC at the regional gathering where United Methodists make decisions together about doctrine, ministry, and mission.

"Write the vision and make it plain." — Habakkuk 2:2

Board of Stewards

The Board of Stewards is the governing body of Fairhope UMC. It sets the vision and direction of the congregation, approves the budget, and ensures the church remains faithful to its mission. We use the historic name "Stewards" to reflect our tradition of faithful, servant-hearted leadership.

The Board meets regularly throughout the year and meetings are open to all members of the congregation. One third of its membership rotates each year, keeping leadership fresh and broadly representative of the congregation.

Chair
Trey Canida
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." — Luke 16:10

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee oversees the financial health of Fairhope UMC. It develops the annual budget, monitors income and expenses throughout the year, and ensures that our resources are used wisely and in alignment with the congregation's mission and priorities.

The Finance Committee works closely with the Board of Stewards and reports regularly to the full congregation. One third of its membership rotates each year.

Chair
Allen Mitchell
"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." — Psalm 127:1

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the physical and legal wellbeing of Fairhope UMC. Trustees care for our buildings and grounds, oversee property maintenance and improvements, and ensure that the church's assets are protected and properly maintained for the sake of the congregation and the community we serve. One third of its membership rotates each year.

Chair
Jennifer Jones
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition... but in humility value others above yourselves." — Philippians 2:3

Staff-Parish Relations Committee

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) serves as the primary link between the congregation and its staff. It supports and encourages staff members, provides a channel for congregational feedback, and works with the district superintendent on matters related to pastoral appointments.

Importantly, United Methodist pastors are not hired by the local church — they are appointed by a bishop. The SPRC's role is not to employ the pastor but to nurture a healthy, accountable relationship between staff and congregation within that appointive system. One third of its membership rotates each year, and members serve in strict confidentiality.

Chair
Noah Funderburg
"He gave some to be apostles... so that the body of Christ may be built up." — Ephesians 4:11-12

Committee on Nominations & Leadership Development

The Nominations Committee is responsible for identifying, recruiting, and recommending members of the congregation to serve on all other committees and leadership bodies. It is the engine behind the rotation system — each year, it prayerfully considers who is called and gifted to serve in each role.

Beyond filling slots, this committee takes seriously the development of leaders over time. It looks for opportunities to match people's gifts with the church's needs, and to grow the next generation of faithful servant-leaders at Fairhope UMC. The pastor serves as chair of this committee by denominational tradition.

Chair
Rev. Michael Precht