Newly appointed Pastor George Lanier shares the rich history of Grace United Methodist Church. Grace Methodist has been a part of the Covington community for more than 150 years. A predominately African American church Grace United Methodist knows what it takes to survive in the 21st century church.

Their belief is to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Often referred to as a small membership congregation Grace Methodist their goal is to equip every believer of Christ with the skills to influence their global and local community.

As a staple in the local community this ministry balances both tradition and progression. In speaking with Pastor Lanier he comments on the evolution of the 21st century church. He comments that “more churches today are more interactive with their communities leading with a direct hand.”

Pastor Lanier believes that in the 21st century church it is important for small churches like Grace United Methodist to realize the Paradigm shift. This term refers to the evolution of the culture of the church.

He states “the church is the institution to make the change, the changing people from the inside and sending them into the world.” With a growing children’s ministry Grace Methodist hopes to be leaders in the shifting of traditional Methodist church. Still functioning as a very traditional congregation, Grace Methodist foresees vast progression in the near future.
However, despite the ministries progression they still make time to document every step they make. In the hallways of Grace Methodist they have a timeline of photos of the ministries growth dating back to the 1930s. In reviewing the photos Pastor Lanier states that the old building was torn down with the new building built on top. This church appreciates the old and the new.

When this church is not busy pouring into the next generation they are serving. Every Thursday at noon they open their doors for free eating and fellowship. They also have a transportation ministry. The church bus goes into the community taking local citizens to run miscellaneous errands.

To learn more about their church history stop by and taking a tour in their hall of fame.