Meet The Executive Team of Fountain City UMC
At Fountain City United Methodist Church, we believe leadership in the body of Christ is a sacred trust. The Executive Team exists to steward that trust faithfully, prayerfully, and in alignment with our calling as United Methodists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world (Matthew 28:19–20).
Who We Are
The Executive Team is comprised of our Lay Leader, Church Council Chair, Finance Chair, Trustees Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee Chair, Clergy, and Treasurer. Each member has been entrusted by our Church Council with positional authority to lead significant portions of our church’s operational and missional life (¶ 244–258, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church).
Why It Matters
The Executive Team helps us live out the connectional nature of the United Methodist Church by working collaboratively and transparently (¶ 247.3). We do not replace the role of the Church Council, which retains final decision-making authority, but we help strengthen it by ensuring the matters brought forward are well-prepared, well-understood, and aligned with our mission.
Through prayer, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the gospel, the Executive Team seeks to lead with grace, wisdom, and courage, so that all we do together will help our church grow in love of God and neighbor.
Feel free to reach out to our leaders, or clergy, if you have questions, ideas, or concerns. We are a better church when we are in ministry together.
Walden Buttram has attended FCUMC since 2010 with his wife, Jessie, and children, Max and Ellie. He is originally from Alabama and moved into the area for work after graduating from Maryville College. Walden loves FCUMC because of the congregation’s evident love of God and steadfast commitment to serve with their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. To contact Walden, please reach out to the church office by phone at 865-689-5175 or by email.
R. Larry Smith grew up in Fountain City. He and his wife, Sharon joined FCUMC over thirty years ago. R. Larry is a former Sunday Discipleship teacher and feels that FCUMC is doing in the community what Jesus would be doing if he was among us today. You can reach Larry at rlsmithins@yahoo.com.
Bill Gentry grew up in Fountain City while attending Magnolia Ave UMC. Bill joined Fountain City UMC in 2019 and is part of the Whobodies Sunday School Class. In addition to being Chairman of the Trustees, he is member of the Church Council and on the Executive Leadership Team. Bill has been married to his wife, Kim who is also actively involved with FCUMC, for 46 years. Bill may be reached at bgentry51@gmail.com.
In addition to his SPRC role, Don Howell also serves on the Executive Committee and Church Council. He has been a member of FCUMC for thirty-five years. Don can be reached at ddhktn@outlook.com.
Kelly Hardin has been a member of FCUMC since 1998. She is member of the Chancel Choir, Tollers handbell group, and the FOCUS Sunday School class. Kelly has served on numerous committees over the years and what she loves most about FCUMC is the way our members love and care for each other in all the seasons of life. You can reach Kelly at kellymhardin@gmail.com.
Misty McComas grew up in FCUMC and has attended since 1984. Misty has volunteered with the youth and been in the Chancel Choir or the Celebration Band since her college graduation. She loves the people of this church, and has witnessed the impact youth ministry has on the lives of young people and the power music has to act as a direct line between the congregation and the Spirit of God. Misty can be reached at mistyjomc1@gmail.com.