Angus joins historic downtown church

By AMY FOSTER / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

First United Methodist Church pastor Steve Angus has been with the local church for about three months. Steve and his wife, Gretchen, have six children.

After just three months at First United Methodist Church, Pastor Steve Angus has settled into his new position in McMinnville.

“The people I’ve met here are probably among some of the most loving people I have ever met,” Angus said. “There is a sincerity and gentleness amongst the folk that have been here a long time and it seems to carry over to the new members. It’s kind of a contagious thing.”

Angus was placed at the 800-member church after the retirement of minister Bob Case.

“I was placed here after prayer and a lot of meetings through the Methodist system,” Angus said. “My wife and I, along with the church, believe we are here because we believe that God works through that system to bring us here and it has been a really great match thus far.”

Angus, a Columbia, Tenn., native, served in Clarksville at the Providence United Methodist Church for nine years. The MTSU graduate has over 30 years experience under his belt as a preacher along with a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University and a doctoral degree from the University of the South in Sewanee.

Angus and his wife, Gretchen, who is a guidance counselor at Bobby Ray Memorial Elementary School, have six children. One is an U.S. Marine while another is getting ready to join the Army. Angus credits the influence of Clarksville for his children’s involvement in the Armed Forces.

Pastor Steve, which is how he is known to most of his congregation, said his favorite thing about being a preacher is caring for God’s people.

“I love helping people grow in their walk with God,” Angus said. “I love helping children. That has always been a strong part of my ministry. There are a lot of things I have a passion for.”

Angus, along with First United Methodist Church, offer many different types of programs for people wanting to get involved with the church.

Angus preaches a contemporary service on Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. This is an informal service that is held in the old H.G. Hill grocery store the church bought and renovated. A large screen has also been installed so Angus can use Power Point presentations during the service. Communion also occurs every week during this service of which over 200 people attend.

“They remodeled completely and there is a large worship center over there and not many people know about that,” Angus said. “We have a full, contemporary band which includes five to eight instruments and four vocalists.”

Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m., with the traditional service following at 10:30 a.m. During the traditional service there is a 20-person robed choir and more traditional hymns are sung.

During every evening of the week, a series of small group ministries meet at the church. These groups study different subjects such as characters in the Bible. Each of these classes are taught by different people.

Aside from the study groups and the different services, the church also offers youth programs which includes a children’s sermon and a youth band.

Angus invites all to come and join them on Sundays and said there is something for everyone at First United Methodist Church.