We are middle of the road, everyday people, who come together in order to grow spiritually. The United Methodist denomination was born out of a movement within the Church of England, led by an ordained minister named John Wesley. Today’s United Methodist Church represents a diverse people who are strongly connected in the US and around the world. Like Wesley, we strive to grow spiritually through worship, Bible study, prayer, fellowship and service. We believe that Jesus Christ is God’s son who died for our sins and opened a way to eternal life through a simple faith in Him. God through Jesus accepts us as we are, but wants us to grow and become more like Him in word and deed!

Who are we?

Who is our pastor?

What do we teach?

All the people! We believe that all Christians are called to be in ministry or to support ministry in some fashion. Together, we make the greatest difference!

Who are our ministers?

At First United Methodist, we have four primary areas of emphases. First, we strive to welcome all people, regardless of gender, status, orientation, color or class. Second, we are intentional about relating to one another. We encourage small groups of fellowship and spiritual growth, where we can get to know each other and support one another. Third, we offer leadership training and leadership resources to carry on the work of ministry. We try to minister to both the spiritual needs and physical needs of those in our congregation and community. Fourth, we provide opportunities to serve in a variety of ways in order to put our faith into practice.

What are our core values?

The Rev. Brian Seders is our senior pastor. Brian grew up in Weirton, WV, and graduated from Alderson-Broaddus College (now University) in 1988. He worked briefly as a men’s clothing store manager in Raleigh, NC, and then transitioned into seminary, graduating from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio, in 1994, with a Masters in Divinity with an emphasis on Pastoral Care. He served churches in Barberton, Ohio, Sistersville, WV, and Clarksburg, WV, before becoming the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Elkins, WV, in 2017. Brian is married to Susan, the music director at our church; and together they have three adult children and four grand-children. Brian is also a certified life coach.

315 Kerens Ave, Elkins, WV 26241 | 304-636-0660

We use both the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Holy Bible as the foundation for our faith and the inspiration for our daily lives. We try to put those teachings into practice at home, work, school and during our leisure time.