Congregational Specialists
Congregational specialists engage, equip and empower congregations to fulfill their mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. No one knows more about your community and your congregation than you. Congregational specialists come alongside you, and together you discern the plans that God has for the life and ministry of your congregation. The most effective leaders don’t provide the answers. They simply raise powerful questions that allow you to see more clearly the pathway that God has for you!
Rev. Jim Arant
Greenwood &
Orangeburg Districts
jarant@umcsc.org
803-727-0327
Specializing in leadership development and strategic planning.
Rev. Cathy Joens
Anderson &
Greenville Districts
cljoens@umcsc.org
864-940-1893
Specializing in age-level ministries and Safe Sanctuaries.
Chris Lynch
Florence, Rock Hill &
Spartanburg Districts
clynch@umcsc.org
864-590-4628
Specializing in youth ministries, next-gen discipleship and practical technology for churches.
Rev. Walter Strawther
Columbia &
Hartsville Districts
westrawther@umcsc.org
803-203-1648
Specializing in African-American ministries.
Rev. Suzanne Walker
Charleston, Marion &
Walterboro Districts
sbwalker@umcsc.org
843-300-9642
Specializing in revitalizing congregations & worship design.
Engage
Connect with congregations with their presence by listening and building relationships and establishing trust.
Challenge congregations to be more than they think they can be.
Help congregations grow in their relationship with God and in understanding and doing God’s will.
Equip
Lead congregations through a process and give them the flexibility to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.
Provide congregations with leadership and training based on their particular needs.
Utilize years of experience by constantly learning and sharing what they’ve learned.
Empower
Inform congregations so as they grow in faith, they grow in competence and confidence.
Celebrate with congregations as they move toward God’s preferred future.
Step aside so congregations can be released to do God’s calling.
On call so that when a congregation needs help again, a specialist will be there.
