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Welcome to the Western North Carolina Association

One of three Associations of the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ, WNCA comprises 62 churches in four program districts. Professional staff, working with specialized commissions and committees, strengthen the spiritual and community life of individuals and congregations across the Association.

Church Pew

WNCA Staff

WNCA participates in the Conceptual Staffing Model adopted by the Southern Conference in 2012, which identifies positions and individuals who focus on specific areas of the Association’s ministry.

The Rev. Dr. Tom Warren

WNCA Associate Conference Minister

Stephanie Leichman

Registrar

Ministry Specialists

WNCA’s Ministry Specialists assist congregations and pastors with conflict resolution, search and call, and implementing church policies. To learn more about assistance from a Ministry Specialist for your church, contact the Association office.

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Board of Directors

Each year at its Annual Gathering in October, the Western North Carolina Association elects members of the Board of Directors, who meet each month to manage the business and direction of the Association.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President — The Reverend William Sowers (Catawba)
Vice President — Mr. Mark Thomas (Catawba)
Treasurer — The Reverend Terry Parrish (Rowan)
Secretary — Mr. Caleb Myers (Davidson/Forsyth)

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DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES
Guilford/Randolph
Ms. Thelma Copeland
The Reverend Eric Griffin
The Reverend Ted Wilkinson

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Davidson/Forsyth
The Reverend David Crook
Ms. Kathy Hunt
VACANCY

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Rowan
Mr. Terry Baxter, Sr.
The Reverend Ed Holloway
Ms. Phyllis Little

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Catawba
Ms. Kathy Alexander
The Reverend Amy Rinehults
VACANCY
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Commission on Ministry (COM)

The Commission on Ministry (COM) upholds the standards of ministry on behalf of the Association, and works with Ministry Specialists who assist congregations and pastors with conflict resolution, search and call, and implementing church policies. The COM’s responsibilities include:

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  • Interviewing candidates for standing in the Western NC Association

  • Recommending candidates for ordination and standing (including transfers of standing, privilege of call, etc.)

  • Receiving individuals as Members in Discernment (MID) and overseeing the MID process

  • Promoting the welfare of local churches and their clergy

 

Kathy Wood
Chair, Committee on Ministry

WNCA Districts

Guilford/Randolph

Davidson/Forsyth

Rowan

Catawba

Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond and Rockingham counties

Davidson, Forsyth and Yadkin counties — and Carroll County in Virginia

Cabarrus, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Monroe, Rowan and Stanly counties

Buncombe, Caldwell, Catawba, Henderson, Iredell, Lincoln, Polk and Watauga counties

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Office Address: 204 Lantz Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144

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Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4265, Salisbury, NC 28145

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Email: office@wnca-soc.org

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Telephone: 704-633-3191​​​

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© 2025 by Western North Carolina Association

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