Three United Methodist Faith Leaders Among Most Influential

According to The Oklahoman, three Oklahoma United Methodist leaders rank among the most influential in the Oklahoma City metro area.

First listed is Bishop Jimmy Nunn, who retired in August. The article noted his leadership through the difficult disaffiliation season and his helming of both the Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Missionary conferences.

The article also quotes the nine words Bishop Nunn uses to illustrate his faith: “Love God, love people, make a difference, make disciples.”

Rev. Trina Bose-North, pastor of Crown Heights UMC, also made the list. She shared her thoughts on leading that church. “In 2016 as I was appointed to this church, the United Methodist Church was clashing over marrying and ordaining gay people,” shared Bose-North. “My image of God as love placed me on the side of inclusion. My theology found a home in Crown Heights UMC.”

The church voted to become part of the Reconciling Ministries Network and has served as an example of an inclusive church.

“Earlier this year, the United Methodist Church removed all the bans on gay marriage and ordination. I celebrate this step forward. Doing this work for inclusion has been a joy because I have done it with the support of the wonderful people at Crown Heights UMC.”

Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase was listed as an influential Oklahoma faith leader.

“I have sought to influence Oklahoma United Methodists by simply telling the story of our impact,” he said. “We are in ministry everywhere. When disaster strikes, we are there. When people are hungry, we feed them. We help students learn to read and we are in ministry with people throughout their lives in all circumstances. As director of connectional ministry, I simply tell others about what I see and hear in hopes of inspiring them to effective ministry in their own contexts. I am so proud of who we are in the United Methodist Church across Oklahoma.”

While this list included leaders from across denominations and cultures, it could not begin to illustrate the influence United Methodist clergy and laity have on their communities. When faith leaders - whether ordained clergy or lay persons or even, or especially, children - share their faith, big things can happen. Just ask the members of Crown Heights UMC!