Special to IFN
Broad Street United Methodist Church will host its 2025 Fall LEAP Lecture and Preaching Series on Sunday, November 16.
The series, which celebrates leadership, excellence, and preaching, will welcome the Rev. Dr. James C. Howell, senior minister of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, one of the largest United Methodist Churches in the state and in the entire denomination. Howell has served there for more than two decades. Prior to his appointment at Myers Park, he was senior minister at Davidson United Methodist Church at a time when the church experienced unprecedented growth and revitalization.
Howell received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, along with graduate work, including a PhD in Hebrew Bible from Duke University’s Divinity School. He is the author of numerous books and has served on denomination-wide legislative bodies and committees for years. A preacher to the preachers, he has mentored and guided countless preachers in their work and craft.
Broad Street UMC will host Howell’s lecture at 10 a.m. on Sunday during its Sunday School hour in the Fellowship Hal. Howell will speak on the Fruits of the Spirit and what we might gain from thinking about them in today’s culture.
At 11 a.m., during a special worship service, Howell will preach and guest musician Joseph Terrell will lead in worship. Terrell recently finished the final tour of his folk music chart-topping band Mipso, which has its roots in Chapel Hill. The band not only met critical acclaim but also performed in numerous venues, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Terrell is currently embarking on a solo tour throughout North Carolina and beyond.
“For me, this is kind of like having all your heroes over to your house for dinner,” said the Rev. Dr. Rob Lee, a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church and coordinator of the LEAP Preaching and Lecture Series. “This church is a special place, and we have a long, storied, and historic precedent of great preaching and music in our beautiful sanctuary.
“Dr. Howell is an amazing, gifted preacher and then additionally having Joseph Terrell of Mipso fame to help guide our worshipping experience will make this a service you don’t want to miss,” he added.
The LEAP Lecture and Preaching Series is a ministry of Broad Street United Methodist Church, located at 315 West Broad Street in Statesville. Learn more about the church at www.broadstreetumc.org.