NEWS

Davidson United Methodist Church is pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley as the church’s new Senior Pastor, officially beginning her appointment on July 1, 2026.

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley brings nearly three decades of ministry experience, extensive leadership within The United Methodist Church, and a passion for helping churches navigate growth, transformation, and faithful community engagement.

Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley

Ordained in the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church in 1996, Elizabeth most recently served as President and CEO of the Georgia United Methodist Foundation. Prior to that role, she spent five years serving in leadership positions with the Western North Carolina United Methodist Foundation, supporting churches and ministries across the conference.

Her leadership experience within the broader United Methodist Church includes serving as a Jurisdictional Delegate to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, Vice President of the Western North Carolina Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, and as a member of both the Council on Finance and Administration and the Administrative Review Committee.

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley is especially passionate about helping organizations lead through seasons of transition and change. She earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, where her studies focused on “Leading in a Culture of Change,” and also holds a Certificate of Non-Profit Management from Duke University.

A graduate of Presbyterian College, Elizabeth earned degrees in Spanish and English before answering a call to ministry that led her to Duke Divinity School. There she met her husband of 32 years, Jonathan, who also serves in ministry as pastor of Woodlawn Community Fellowship.

Early in their marriage, Elizabeth and Jonathan served together in the Alaska Missionary Conference. Today, they have two adult children, Owen and Lora, along with their Bernedoodle, Homer.

As Davidson United Methodist Church begins this new chapter, the congregation is excited for the leadership, pastoral care, and vision Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley brings to the Davidson community.

Community members will have the opportunity to officially welcome Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley during her first Sunday leading worship on July 12, 2026. Following the 11:00 a.m. worship service, the church will host a special “Picnic with the Pastor” welcome reception.

For more information about Davidson United Methodist Church, visit the website.