News Summary
The Holston Conference United Methodist Church is prioritizing accessibility by conducting disability audits in church facilities, aided by grant funding and volunteer support. This initiative aims to improve inclusion for people with disabilities, ensuring all individuals can participate in worship and activities. The recent annual meeting highlighted key updates and plans for outreach programs targeting younger congregation members and ongoing humanitarian efforts. The commitment to accessibility emerges as a vital element of the conference’s mission to foster welcoming environments for all.
KNOXVILLE, TN –
The Holston Conference United Methodist Church (UMC) has announced a renewed focus on improving accessibility in church facilities through the implementation of disability audits. This initiative aims to enhance inclusion for the estimated one billion people worldwide—representing approximately 15% of the global population—living with a disability.
To facilitate this effort, grant funding is available to assist churches in making necessary modifications to their facilities. Additionally, a dedicated team of volunteers is ready to support churches in conducting these accessibility audits. Steve Richardson and Mary Ellis offer their services to perform free annual audits that take about two to four hours to complete. Recently, they conducted an audit at St. Paul UMC located on Garden Drive in Fountain City. The church leadership expressed gratitude for the audit, acknowledging the significance of creating an environment welcoming to all individuals.
This announcement comes amidst broader discussions and decisions made during the Holston Conference’s annual meeting, held from June 1-4, 2025, at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. During this meeting, the conference licensed 15 local pastors and made several staffing adjustments in response to recent disaffiliations. As a result, the 2025 budget was revised to $6.2 million, with the 2026 budget further cut to $5.9 million.
Additionally, the conference undertook a reorganization, consolidating from nine to six districts, which is expected to streamline operations and reduce overhead costs. Local congregations actively contributed to humanitarian efforts, preparing and sending over 4,000 kits for distribution in Liberia and Zimbabwe.
Engagement with younger congregation members was a focal point of the meeting, with delegates discussing various initiatives aimed at reaching children, youth, and young adults. Programs such as camping, Resurrection, and Wesley Foundations were highlighted as key components of this outreach. Furthermore, a new initiative named “New Places for New People” aims to foster small prayer teams across the Holston Conference, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and support.
Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett conveyed a sense of optimism for the future of the Holston Conference, supported by the strength of its 522 congregations and 451 appointed clergy. Currently, the conference boasts a total membership of 109,986 members, transitioning into the new century with hope and renewed purpose.
Changes in pastoral assignments are anticipated to be announced before July 1, 2025, as the Holston Conference continues to adapt and respond to the needs of its communities. The commitment to accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities, stands out as a significant facet of the conference’s mission to promote inclusion and create welcoming churches for all.
Overall, the Holston Conference UMC’s focus on conducting accessibility audits marks a meaningful step toward ensuring all individuals, regardless of ability, can fully participate in community worship and activities, fostering a more inclusive church environment.
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Additional Resources
- Knox TN Today: Disability Audits at Methodist Churches
- Wikipedia: Disability
- The Colorado Sun: Denver Civic Center Statues
- Google Search: Accessibility in Churches
- St. Albert Gazette: Equal Access for Every Child
- Google Scholar: Inclusive Churches
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Accessibility
- Google News: Church Accessibility
