New Pastor and New Beginnings for Foley UMC

New Pastor and New Beginnings for Foley UMC
On Sunday, July 3rd, Foley United Methodist joyfully ushered in a new beginning by welcoming (pictured) Dr. Nolan B. Donald and his wife Susanna, and two sons, Asher and Ezra to Foley United Methodist. Dr. Donald comes to Foley from Fulshear, TX after spending the last 7 years planting a new church there. He grew up in Auburn, and attended Auburn University, and subsequently attended Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY where he earned two master degrees and a doctorate degree. He served as associate pastor at Spanish Fort UMC, where he met his future wife, Susanna Lowe, a native of Mobile. He then worked at Prattville Methodist, and later as Minister of Compassion Ministries at Grace Fellowship UMC in Katy, TX. Foley UMC is presently hosting 18 listening groups in members’ homes for Dr. Donald to get to know the members.
At Prattville Dr. Donald designed and implemented a contemporary worship service that in one year grew to over 300 worshippers per week. Under his leadership, Foley UMC will grow and revitalize the contemporary worship service.
As well as expanding all worship opportunities, Dr. Donald likes Churches to return to New Testament concepts of intentional discipleship that will lead to fruitful mission in the community and abroad. In Katy, TX at Grace Fellowship UMC, he developed the first “The Church Has Left the Building Sunday”, where almost 2,000 people served in the community for the day. He desires for the Church to have a greater impact on addressing the needs in the local community.
Dr. Donald brings new vision of what it means to be a “church member.” He also brings a strong Biblical background, church growth experience, and a tremendous spiritual commitment to bringing church members into a transformed life with Christ, who live their faith outside the church walls. It will be an exciting time as we endeavor under his leadership to discover the path that God now intends for Foley UMC to take!
Foley UMC currently has three Sunday worship services: The Galilean Service at Gulf Shores State Park Pavilion at 7:30 a.m.; The 8:30 a.m. contemporary service in the Spirit Center at North Pine; and the traditional service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Sunday School begins at 9:45 for children and adults. Foley United Methodist is located at 915 N. Pine St. More info: foleyumc.org or call 251-943-4393.