LEAD PASTOR

Rev. Elizabeth Gaines

The Rev. Elizabeth Gaines is an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church.  She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in English and minored in Childhood Development and Music.  She also graduated from The School of Theology at The University of The South, Sewanee as a Master of Divinity.
    
Pastor Beth is a sixth-generation Methodist who represents the fourth generation of her family to be ordained.  Prior to coming to Divine Street UMC, she was the pastor of Wesley Chapel UMC and Sarecta UMC in Duplin County, the associate pastor of St. Paul UMC in Goldsboro, and most recently the pastor of Fairmont UMC in Raleigh.  She also pastored Whiteside UMC and Ray's Chapel UMC in Tennessee.

She has been a children's director, a music director, a director of ministries, and the district ministries associate. In addition, Pastor Beth has served our conference and district offices in the following ways:
     - NCCUMC Professional and Sexual Ethics Committee, Chair
     - NCCUMC Board of Ordained Ministry
     - Capital District Committee on Ordained Ministry
​     - Capital District Board of Trustees, Chair
​     - Capital District Committee on District Superintendency 
     - Capital District Mission Strategy Team

In our community, Pastor Beth is the vice chair of the DUMA Board of Directors (Dunn United Ministerial Association) and serves as a chaplain to the Dunn Police Department.

Pastor Beth is married to Bill and they have three children: Sarah Grace (married to Mark), Hannah Faith and Luke. As of Christmas Day 2020, they have one grandson: Nolan! 

Isn't he precious?

The whole family loves visiting with family and friends so come on over - bring marshmallows for the fire pit!