Learn More About Us

Who We Are

Our church’s mission statement – Love. Serve. Follow. – reminds us that the spiritual life is never static. You’re welcome to come and join us wherever you are on your spiritual journey, whether you are entirely new to church, a life-long Christian, or somewhere in between. Everything we do stems from our love of God, expressed and nurtured in worship. You’ll find lots of groups, Bible studies, and classes to help you follow Jesus and grow in your faith. And this is a church that takes to heart Christ’s call to serve our neighbors with humility and generosity.

Come join us as we love, serve, and follow, walking in the way of Jesus. We’d love to have you join us on the journey!

Our Denomination

We’re part of the United Methodist Church which puts us in communion with Christians all over the U.S. and throughout Africa, the Philippines, and Europe–nearly 13 million strong. The people of The United Methodist Church are putting our faith in action by making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, which is the mission of the UMC. Through the power of our connection, we are making a positive difference in more than 125 countries. John Wesley, who founded the Methodist Church as a reform movement within the church of England in the late 1700’s, preached grace as the starting and ending point of our lives and called for a thinking faith that would engage both our heads and our hearts. His core beliefs and practices continue to shape the church today. Learn more about these beliefs at UMC.org and reach out to a pastor if you have questions.

We have a fabulous and committed staff of clergy and laypersons who work with our congregational leaders to guide and shape vital ministries for children, youth, and adults. Some of them have been here for more than forty years (Rev. Lee) and some for only a few years (Rev. Narae). Everyone brings gifts, passion, and experience to the table and has a heart for the people of this church and community. You’ll find our staff loves to get phone calls, emails, and feedback, and they’ll be happy to talk with you. Learn more about our staff and how to contact them here.

Our Staff

Pastors

Our team of Pastors and Youth Leaders work together to build life-giving relationships and serve everyone around us in love.

Ron Foster

Lead Pastor

Rev. Ron is passionate about finding creative ways to make faith real and engaging for people of all ages. Connecting this ancient path of following Jesus to our 21st century lives, he loves to put the Gospel in conversation with contemporary culture, current events, and everyday situations. He enjoys hanging out with youth, talking with children, teaching adults, and engaging in hands-on mission alongside of others. Prior to coming to SPUMC in July of 2014, he served churches in Boonsboro, Reisterstown, and Bethesda.

Rev. Ron and his wife, Holly, have two grown daughters, Sara (married to Hunter) and Christine (married to Ross), and a granddaughter Charlie who lights up their lives with joy and laughter on a regular basis.

rfoster@severnaparkumc.org

Narae Kim

Associate Pastor

Narae Kim was born and raised in South Korea. She came to DC in 2012 to begin her Master of Divinity in Wesley Theological Seminary. She became a Provisional Elder in the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference in 2018 and served LaVale UMC in LaVale as an associate pastor for two years. She met her husband Heerak Kim at Wesley and they have two daughters, Ana and Ruah. Noel is their gray tabby kitten.

Narae is interested in expressing faith in creative and fun ways. She likes to study about minorities in the Bible and read the Bible through different perspectives. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying local restaurants and collecting art supplies.

nkim@severnaparkumc.org

Lee Ferrell

Minister of Christian Education and Youth

Lee Ferrell was born in Baltimore and raised in Towson, a lifelong United Methodist. She graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Education and graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary with a Masters in Religious Education. Lee is certified through the annual conference in both Christian education and youth ministries. She has been employed by/associated with SPUMC since the mid 70’s. Lee was ordained as a full Deacon in 1997.

Lee likes: sunrises, teenagers, jigsaw puzzles and chocolate. She has two daughters: Beth is a Certified Recreational Therapist. Tricia, is in Communications. Lee is the proud grandmother of Maggie, Paige, and Piper.

lferrell@severnaparkumc.org

Byron Brought

Minister of Pastoral Care

Rev. Byron was raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and studied at Cornell University, Drew Theological Seminary, and the University of Edinburgh. Now retired from full-time service, he has been the pastor of numerous churches in the Baltimore-Washington Conference and a Methodist congregation in Bangor, Northern Ireland. Old timers at Severna Park may remember that he was the superintendent of the Annapolis District from 1985-1992.

Byron and his wife, Mary Kay, have two sons and four grandchildren. Their older son, Byron, is the pastor of Bel Air UMC in Bel Air, MD. He and his wife, Kristen, have two sons, Josiah and Nicholas. Younger son, Andrew, is an attorney in Kansas City, Mo. He and his wife, Kristen, have two children, Alex and Rowan.

bbrought@severnaparkumc.org