IGNITE PROVIDENCE, Providence UMC’s collaborative strategic planning process, is moving from vision to action as we begin implementing the goals and priorities shaped by our congregation. Through continued collaboration, prayer, and shared commitment, we will bring our collective hopes to life and take meaningful steps toward the future God is calling us to create. Rooted in Faith, we will work together to Reimagine Tomorrow for a bold and vibrant future for PUMC. Our vision for Providence is:
By 2031, Providence is a vibrant, diverse, Christ-centered community calling all generations to life-changing love, discipleship, and service.
GOALS & STRATEGIES
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Develop a clear, compelling, and distinct brand identity, communications strategy, and marketing plan.
Cultivate and equip leaders of all ages to support the church's next season of ministry and mission.
Reimagine, modernize, and optimize the buildings and grounds of the Providence campuses.
Establish a solid foundation for long-term financial vitality.
Implement target growth strategies across a broad range of prospective member demographics.
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Strengthen and grow ministries that encourage cross-generational connections and support spiritual growth, prayer, discipleship, and pastoral care.
Develop, implement and effectively communicate innovative adult ministries and programs that attract, retain, form, and disciple adults of all ages.
Strengthen and grow children, youth, young adult and family ministries and programs.
Reinvigorate worship to offer transformative encounters with God for all.
Grow and cultivate an expanded diverse congregation that reflects the broader Charlotte community.
Nurture a culture where all are welcomed, included, supported, and engaged in lives inspired by Christ's teachings.
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Equip and mobilize members as disciples of Jesus Christ who intentionally and impactfully witness to others and invite into God's redemptive love, justice, and mercy in our community and beyond.
Broaden the reach and impact of meaningful outreach and service to and engagement with neighbors, including marginalized populations.
Leverage technology to extend reach, amplify witness, and increase accessibility to faith formation and spiritual connection across generations.
Ignite Providence Implementation Prayer
(based on 2 Timothy 1:6 and 2:2)
Gracious God,
rekindle within us the gifts you have given
and ignite in us a deeper love for Christ.
Strengthen us in faith,
build us together as the body of Christ,
and send us boldly into the world.
By your Spirit, make Providence
a vibrant and diverse community
where every generation discovers
life-changing love,
grows as disciples of Jesus,
and finds joy in serving others.
May all that we build
and all that we become
bring glory to you.
Amen.
Meet the Goal Champions
CHRISTIAN BOHMFALK
Years at Providence: 21
Why I'm excited about Ignite Providence: The initiatives in our plan - and within goal 1 specifically - represent the hopes and dreams of our congregation, and will set PUMC up for years of lasting impact in our members’ lives and the community. I’m excited to see how we bring God’s vision for our church to life.
Affiliations / Connections at Providence: BridgeBuilders Sunday School, Church Council (former chair), Scouts, Youth Basketball, Usher, Sages Men’s Group
ASHLEY HILL
Years at Providence: We have been members at PUMC since 2018. We briefly attended Mercy Church during COVID but returned to Providence in 2024 and have loved being back!
Why I'm excited about Ignite Providence? I’m excited to watch Providence stretch ourselves to continue to grow and be God’s hands in a world of people who desperately need to see His love. Personally, I am looking forward to being a part of community building efforts for young people and families across the church and more broadly in our city, with the hope of providing opportunities that make people feel they have a place they truly belong and are seen.
Affiliations / Connections at Providence: Tabitha Women’s Circle, Preschool Sunday School teacher, Discipleship Committee Co-chair (until now / will be passing the baton in order to assume the goal champion role)
RICK HAMMOND
Years at Providence: 5
Why I'm excited about Ignite Providence: I am a passionate believer that connections with people and programs in the church can be transformative not only for the individual, but also for the church and the community. Before coming to Providence, I was fortunate to be a part of another vibrant church through a period of dynamic growth and change, and am a member of a small group Bible study that my wife and I have attended for many years. My whole family has always sung in church, and I have been in traditional choirs like Providence's as well as a more "contemporary" church choir, praise team, and even a gospel quartet! My daughter is grown now, but she and I have both benefitted from being a part of nurturing children's and youth ministries, and we were both language majors in college because we have a passion for understanding and uniting people from different cultures and backgrounds. I also spent my entire career in the Hospitality Industry. From the first sermon on my first Sunday at Providence, I have known the Lord led me here, and after lots of prayer and being a part of Ignite Providence through all of its stages so far, I truly feel He has led me to this exciting opportunity to be a Goal Champion for "Building the Body of Christ."
Affiliations / Connections at Providence: Chancel Choir, Choir Social Committee Co-Chair, Assists with decorating the church for the Christmas and Easter seasons.
GREG KING
Years at Providence: 15
Why are you excited about Ignite Providence? I’m excited about Ignite Providence because there was such an incredible energy in the church during Visioning Day and during Initiatives Drafting day. All of our generations came together to focus and point our church in a direction forward. I’m honored to be a Goal Champion to help guide the effort to turn those visions into realities. As far as Goal 3, my heart lies with missions and in introducing more people in Charlotte to Providence through our actions. I’m very excited to work with Tiffany and see where God takes us.
Affiliations / Connections at Providence: Soul Purpose Sunday School, Men’s Small Group, Sunday Shuttle Bus + Golf Cart, Youth Basketball, What’s Next Mentor
TIFFANY MCARTHUR
Years at Providence: Our family felt led to find a new church home after being part of our previous church for 20 years. We’ve been attending Providence UMC for the past year and are so grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received. We’re thrilled to now be members and are excited to continue growing in our faith here. It’s been especially meaningful to see our oldest daughter become involved in the youth ministry, and we’re looking forward to her Confirmation journey this year.
Why are you excited about Ignite Providence? What excites me most about Ignite Providence is the opportunity to prayerfully imagine what God has in store for our church while building on the strong foundation that’s already been laid. I love that this process invites every voice to be heard and encourages us to think beyond simply maintaining what we have to dreaming about how we can better serve our community, welcome new people, and deepen discipleship. I’m excited by the possibility of creating a church where people of every age and stage of life feel seen, connected, and inspired to grow in their faith. Most of all, I’m excited to be part of a congregation that is willing to listen for God’s leading and step forward together with purpose and hope.
Affiliations / Connections at Providence: Being relatively new to Providence, we’re still getting plugged in and finding where we can best serve. I really enjoyed being part of the Attic Sale team and helping lead the Children’s Clothing section. It’s been a wonderful way to meet people and be involved in the life of the church. Our oldest daughter has also become active in the youth group, and it’s been fun getting to know other parents through those activities and seeing her build friendships as well. We’re looking forward to continuing to deepen our connections and finding other ways to serve and grow at Providence.
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