About Us
Who We Are
Salem is a small church with a huge heart. We believe in the absolute truth of God's Word, personified in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We love serving our community and truly welcome everyone. "Come as you are" is not just a slogan here. We believe that Jesus commands us to preach the gospel to panta ethne (Gk.) all people. We are not afraid of hard questions about faith and the Bible. As a matter of fact, we welcome them. Come check us out if you are not afraid of being loved on by authentic Christians (those who try to live like Jesus lived and do as He has commanded us to do.)
Our Pastor
Welcome to Salem! ALL are welcomed here.
I am so glad to have the opportunity to serve this community of faith and I am excited about God’s plans to grow His church in this congregation and the surrounding community. I just wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself and to tell you what you might expect when you come and visit.
About me: I’m a regular guy. It’s been a long road from my wonderful Christian upbringing by 2 amazing parents to returning to a walk of faith some 28 years after I walked away and then 11 more years until I answered God’s calling on my life and became a pastor. I am a recently retired Chief Warrant Officer from the United States Army. I served our Country for more than 36 years. I am married and have seven children and four wonderful grandchildren. And I love making Barbecue!
As to what you might expect if you were to come and visit Salem United Methodist Church, my first Sunday here, I made the following statements/promises to our congregation:
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I spent 36 years and 8 months in the Army and National Guard. God is still in the process of sanctifying my mouth so if you hear me slip, I ask for forgiveness and grace.
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I don’t have a poker face. Whatever I’m feeling on the inside is written in large, bold type font in neon colors all over my face.
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I have very strong political beliefs, but my politics are between me, God, and the ballot box. You won’t see them on Facebook and you won’t hear them from the pulpit while I’m here no matter how badly I may be tempted.
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What you will hear is The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” I am holding you accountable to hold me accountable on this. If my sermons don’t point to Jesus, I expect to be Called Out!
I would love for you to come and visit our wonderful church.
History of Salem United Methodist Church
Salem Methodist Church was the direct outgrowth of the work of Bishop Francis Asbury. In 1813, Bishop Asbury established a prayer meeting that continued until 1836. In this year, the Salem Church was organized as a result of the prayer meeting begun by the great pioneer preacher twenty-three years earlier.
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The site of the original Salem Church was on the Aaron Payne place near Stanton Bridge about five miles from Greenville. The location of the church was moved to its present location, 2700 White Horse Road, in 1850.
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The present sanctuary was built in 1951 and the current educational building was consecrated April 7, 1968. The Family Life Center was dedicated November 30, 1986.