Slideshow: A look at local pastors

*Click on the i in the upper left-hand corner above the slideshow to display caption information. To turn captions off, simply click on the caption. View slideshow fullscreen»

 

For the United Methodist News Service series “Trending Local,” about the growing importance of licensed local pastors in The United Methodist Church, photographer Mike DuBose traveled around West Virginia and Kentucky — two states with lots of local pastors. He captured images of them in their church settings. For some who are bivocational, he also photographed them at their secular jobs. The slideshow includes examples of lovely rural United Methodist churches encountered along the way.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Mission and Ministry
Filipino United Methodists living in the United Arab Emirates gather in Dubai for an annual meeting and celebration that included special choir performances and worship. Screenshot from video by the UAE Media Team.

Filipino United Methodists celebrate mission in Middle East

Philippines Regional Conference bishops join church members working abroad in the United Arab Emirates for a time of fellowship and spiritual renewal.
Mission and Ministry
Sister Confianza, a member of the Amigas del Señor (Women Friends of the Lord) Monastery in Limón, Honduras, rides her bike through the village alongside a neighbor. Originally from the United States, Sister Confianza founded the monastery with another woman in 2006. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

2025: The year in photos

United Methodists around the world are living into the denomination’s new vision to "love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.” UM News, the denomination's official news service, documented a year in the life of United Methodism worldwide.
Local Church
 Video/photo caption: A display behind Grandville United Methodist Church in Michigan tells the Christmas story in a 15-minute light show set to music with an original soundtrack. Video image by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

The Nativity story comes to life in lights

A United Methodist church in Michigan wows neighbors with a 15-minute light show set to music.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved