Dear Congregation,
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) would like to begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Mac for his leadership over the past year. In a time marked by uncertainty, Mac brought a calming presence and a spirit of unity that greatly strengthened our congregation. His willingness to step into leadership and the love he has shown our Church family has not gone unnoticed. Mac, we love you and thank you sincerely, and we hope you will always consider Athens First Methodist your home.
Following the end of Kenny Baskin’s contract, the SPRC has been prayerfully and diligently working to identify our next Senior Pastor in accordance with our adopted bylaws. Over the past year, we have conducted interviews with five candidates for both interim and full- time roles, held discussions with search firms, and met with leaders from the Global Methodist Church to better understand what support would be available should we choose to affiliate with the GMC.
Given that Mac’s current contract concludes on August 15, and with our Church still discerning between affiliation and independence, the committee agreed it was time to move forward in our search.
After extensive prayer, thoughtful discussion, and many late-night meetings, the SPRC presented a recommendation to the Administrative Board to approve the hire of John Ryberg as Senior Pastor of Athens First Methodist Church. This recommendation was made contingent upon his formal disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church.
We are pleased to share that this recommendation was unanimously approved by the 48 voting members of the Administrative Board during the meeting held on June 3rd.
John’s first Sunday in the pulpit will be June 22nd, and we look forward to the next chapter in the life of our church under his leadership.
With gratitude and in service,
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee
Colby Medlen, SPRC Chair
Athens First Methodist Church
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) would like to begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Mac for his leadership over the past year. In a time marked by uncertainty, Mac brought a calming presence and a spirit of unity that greatly strengthened our congregation. His willingness to step into leadership and the love he has shown our Church family has not gone unnoticed. Mac, we love you and thank you sincerely, and we hope you will always consider Athens First Methodist your home.
Following the end of Kenny Baskin’s contract, the SPRC has been prayerfully and diligently working to identify our next Senior Pastor in accordance with our adopted bylaws. Over the past year, we have conducted interviews with five candidates for both interim and full- time roles, held discussions with search firms, and met with leaders from the Global Methodist Church to better understand what support would be available should we choose to affiliate with the GMC.
Given that Mac’s current contract concludes on August 15, and with our Church still discerning between affiliation and independence, the committee agreed it was time to move forward in our search.
After extensive prayer, thoughtful discussion, and many late-night meetings, the SPRC presented a recommendation to the Administrative Board to approve the hire of John Ryberg as Senior Pastor of Athens First Methodist Church. This recommendation was made contingent upon his formal disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church.
We are pleased to share that this recommendation was unanimously approved by the 48 voting members of the Administrative Board during the meeting held on June 3rd.
John’s first Sunday in the pulpit will be June 22nd, and we look forward to the next chapter in the life of our church under his leadership.
With gratitude and in service,
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee
Colby Medlen, SPRC Chair
Athens First Methodist Church
RECENT SERMONS
Traditional
Service
Contemporary
Service
Wherever you are, however you are – come as you are. You are welcome here at Athens First Methodist Church.
If you are our guest for this service, we’re delighted to have you with us today. We would love for you to check-in and let us know you’re here. We extend a hearty welcome to you today and hope to see you soon.
If you are our guest for this service, we’re delighted to have you with us today. We would love for you to check-in and let us know you’re here. We extend a hearty welcome to you today and hope to see you soon.
UPCOMING LIVE SERMON
Here at Athens First Methodist Church, we know that everyone has a story.
The beauty of the gospel is that no matter what your life's story is, Jesus has come to
redeem it and give it another ending. That's why we proclaim that we can not stop
speaking about what we have seen and heard!
All are welcome!
Redeem your story
Join our prayer wall
Prayer is a key part of our church. We have created a prayer wall on our app to share prayer needs and requests. This is a powerful tool for bringing people together in prayer for others. When we pray we develop a burden and then a action to move. By participating in our prayer wall, individuals can feel connected to a larger community and know that they are not alone in their struggles. It is a beautiful way to show love and support for others, and to honor the power of prayer.
