Located in beautiful East Tennessee our church is open and friendly to all. We are very casual in our ways but serious about serving God. Please come and see for yourself.
Located in beautiful East Tennessee our church is open and friendly to all. We are very casual in our ways but serious about serving God. Please come and see for yourself.
Surgoinsville First United Methodist Church
A Growing Church In The Heart of a Small Town
Pastor Chris Ray
I grew up in the North Georgia Conference of the U.M.C. I graduated from Gilmer High School in Ellijay, GA. I began my college journey at Reinhardt College and later completed my undergrad degree at Toccoa Falls University. I had my first experience of ministry in a 10-week summer program as a youth and children’s intern in 1996. I have been in ministry ever since. I have served churches as a youth director, children’s director, and missions and discipleship minister. After serving on staff at FUMC Gulfport in Mississippi and completing my undergraduate degree, we moved to Atlanta where I attended Candler School of Theology and served New Hope UMC as a part time pastor while in seminary. I was ordained as an Elder in the Holston Conference in 2019. I enjoy being outside, hiking, going on walks, and spending time with family. I am looking forward to serving as your pastor and know that God will do amazing things with First UMC Surgoinsville.
