Our Guest Minister for May 12, is Rev. Paul Christy. Rev. Christy was born in Avery County and is the son of a United Methodist preacher. He grew up in a parsonage family and has one sister who is a UM preacher and 2 brothers who likewise are UM preachers. He holds degrees from Brevard College, Pfeiffer University and Duke University. He has been in the active United Methodist ministry since 1988 and has served appointments in Statesville, Providence and Cool Spring UMC, and North Morganton UMC in Morganton, NC, at First UMC Sylva, at Highlands UMC, and now is happy to be at First UMC in Hickory.
He has served the United Methodist Church in different capacities over the years, not only as a local church pastor but in the Conference as well, as the Director of Lay Speaking ministries for the Smoky Mountain District, on the District Board of Superintendents, and on the Conference Board for Equitable Salaries.
One of Rev. Christy's greatest joys is being a part of foreign missions. He has been to Bolivia, Haiti, Jamaica, and Bosnia on several occasions teaching and building either churches or barns in these countries.
He is married to Jamye Cartner Christy and they have two children - Zack who is married to Crystal and they are the parents of Paul and Jamye's grandchildren, Elijah and Ella Ann. Zack is a United Methodist Minister in Cherryville, NC at First United Methodist Church. Their other child Caroline was recently married and she and her husband reside outside Charlotte, NC.
Rev. Christy enjoys spending time with his family, fly fishing, playing golf and running.