Stan Copeland and Scott Gilliland tell what a church has taught them through uplifting a vision to be "one diverse community, passionately engaging the Bible, uplifting Jesus in worship and loving service, and challenging in Love that which divides." Together supports the denomination moving forward by allowing local congregations, and area Conferences, to do authentic, Christ-centered ministry in their local mission fields. Together recognizes the long-standing theological and sociopolitical diversity within United Methodism as Traditionalist (Templers) and Progressives (Tabernaclers), but we all gather around a long, broad Table that the Lord sets, and to which He invites ALL of us to feast.
Stanley R. Copeland: Born and reared in rural East Texas and a cradle United Methodist, Rev. Dr. Stanley R. Copeland has served urban congregations in the hearts of Houston and Dallas. Serving 20+ years as pastor of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, he is a self-proclaimed Wesleyan Evangelical and is always ready with a faith-uplifting story. He is in love with the UMC that has led him into powerful local ministry, outreach, and global missions in Africa, Central America, and Russia. He is the author of Lord He Went: Remembering William H. Hinson, Abingdon Press, 2006.
Scott Gilliland: A Texan by birth and a Methodist since 3rd grade, Rev. Scott Gilliland believes the best years of United Methodism are still ahead of us. He serves as an Associate Pastor at Lovers Lane UMC. In June 2018, he and his wife, Raegan, were ordained as elders in the North Texas Conference. They serve as Co-Pastors of a growing worship community, called "Thrive," at LLUMC and continue to learn the ropes of leading a large, diverse congregation.