April 26, 2026
Dear Providence UMC Church Family,
The Rev. Steve Autrey has been appointed Senior Pastor of our church by Bishop Carter and the Appointive Cabinet after a season of thoughtful and prayerful discernment with significant input from PUMC leaders.
Steve is an approachable and engaging faith-based leader. Enthusiastic about his appointment, Steve is already devoting much time to learning about our church and congregation.
Current Appointment: Senior Pastor of Denver United Methodist Church
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in History from UNC-Asheville (1992)
Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School (1996)
Pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Missional Innovation from
Duke Divinity School (anticipated completion May 2027)
Family: Wife Marcy Cooper Autrey and two daughters Elizabeth and Maggie
During his tenure at Denver UMC, Steve has played a pivotal role in establishing the congregation’s financial health and well-being. He has successfully developed a high-performing staff, overseen the expansion of church facilities, managed improvements to the church’s physical plant, facilitated the acquisition of additional property, and guided the construction of a dedicated ministry center.
Click Here to Learn More About The Rev. Steve Autrey
We are also pleased to share that Bishop Carter and the Appointive Cabinet have reappointed the Rev. Teresa Dunn and the Rev. Brandon Dirks to continue their ministry at Providence. We are grateful for the ongoing leadership of the Rev. Dr. Bill Jeffries, who, though retired from the Conference, continues to serve faithfully on staff at PUMC.
At the same time, we give thanks for the inspiring ministry of the Rev. Dr. Randy Harry and the Rev. Nina Wynn (St. John’s campus), who have announced their retirements. As they begin this new chapter, we hold them in our prayers with deep gratitude and love.
We invite you to join in prayerful support of our ministers, staff, lay leaders and entire church family as we remain rooted in faith and reimagine tomorrow at Providence.
In HIS service,
Dave Guilford – Staff Parish Chair