5 Monumental Shifts At Athens First Methodist Church: From UMC Disaffiliation To The Saye Building Controversy

The landscape of faith in downtown Athens, Georgia, has undergone a significant transformation, marked by a major denominational split and a deep-rooted preservation battle. The church formerly known as First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Athens GA has stepped into a new era, officially disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church (UMC) in April 2023 and rebranding as Athens First Methodist Church (AFMC). This monumental shift, which occurred amidst a wider schism in the UMC, coincides with the congregation's celebration of its 200th anniversary, positioning the institution at a critical crossroads of history and independence as of this current date, December 24, 2025. The church’s journey over the last two years has been anything but quiet, encompassing a controversial demolition project and a renewed focus on its independent identity. This article dives into the five most crucial developments, revealing the current status, leadership, and community impact of Athens First Methodist Church.

Athens First Methodist Church (AFMC) Profile and Leadership

Athens First Methodist Church, located at 327 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601, stands as a historic beacon in Clarke County. Its recent move to become an independent Methodist church has defined its modern profile, yet its core mission of making disciples remains steadfast. The church office maintains hours Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday until noon.

Key Staff and Leadership

• Senior Minister: Rev. Robbie Scott
• Pastor: Lucy Crawford
• Executive Assistant to Senior Minister: Kelly Roberson
• Administrative Team: Alisha Bain, Patty Lutz, Mark Maxwell, Eleanor Sams, Gary W. Sergent, Olivia Synan, Erin Towe, Dan Smith, Jennifer Bowden, Mindy Dolman, Dan Inman

Worship and Services

AFMC hosts its main worship services both in-person and online, with a typical start time of 9:30 a.m.. The church also offers a variety of spiritual growth opportunities, including:

• UNITED Nights: Monthly worship events specifically tailored for college and young adults.
• Bible Studies: Recent studies have included a ten-week study of *Soul Feast* by Marjorie Thompson and in-depth exploration of the New Testament.
• Concert Series: A dedicated program enriching the community with musical performances.

The Monumental Shift: Disaffiliation and the New Identity

The most significant recent update for the congregation was its formal split from the United Methodist Church. This decision concluded a period of deep internal debate across the denomination.

Disaffiliation from the UMC

In April 2023, the congregation officially disaffiliated from the UMC, adopting the name Athens First Methodist Church. This choice positioned it as an independent Methodist church. The disaffiliation was part of a larger schism within the UMC, primarily centered on theological and biblical interpretations concerning LGBTQ+ issues.

North Georgia Conference Vote

The decision was ratified during a special called session of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, which was notably held in Athens. This session granted permission for 261 to 265 congregations in the region to break away from the denomination. The vote was a major event in North Georgia religious news, marking a historic and emotional split over differing viewpoints on church doctrine and social issues.

Controversy and Preservation: The Saye Building Demolition

The church found itself at the center of a local "preservation dustup" that garnered considerable media attention. This controversy involved a historic downtown building the church owned.

The Battle for the Saye Building

Athens First Methodist Church sought to demolish the historic Saye Building, a structure dating back to the 1920s, to create a small, much-needed parking lot for its members. The building, located at 110 W. Hancock Avenue, had been purchased by the church in 2004.

Opposition and Resolution

The proposed demolition faced fierce opposition from local preservationists and community leaders, including Commissioner Melissa Link, who argued for the adaptive reuse of the historic structure. Despite the public outcry and efforts by groups like Historic Athens to preserve the building, an agreement was eventually reached with the Athens-Clarke County (ACC) Commission, and the Saye Building was ultimately demolished. This event highlighted the complex challenges churches face in balancing historical preservation with the practical needs of a growing congregation in a dense urban setting.

A Milestone Celebration: The Bicentennial Anniversary

While navigating denominational and structural changes, the church has also taken time to celebrate its deep roots in the community.

Two Centuries of Ministry

The year 2024–2025 marks the church's bicentennial, celebrating 200 years of ministry and making disciples for the transformation of the world. This milestone is a testament to the church's enduring presence in Athens.

Bicentennial Events

The bicentennial celebration included a series of special events designed to honor the church’s long history and look toward its future. These events included:

• Bicentennial Worship Services: Special services commemorating the church's journey.
• Church History Talk: An educational event detailing the institution's two centuries of history.
• Missions Celebration Brunch: Focusing on the church’s ongoing commitment to community outreach and global missions.
• Celebratory Dinner: A formal event to mark the significant anniversary.

The Future of Athens First Methodist Church

The disaffiliation and the bicentennial celebration together paint a picture of a church that is simultaneously honoring its past and boldly defining its future. The congregation is now focused on its identity as an independent Methodist church, free from the constraints of the larger UMC schism. The leadership, including Rev. Robbie Scott, is steering the church toward continued growth in its independent status. The focus remains on community engagement, spiritual formation through programs like the College & Young Adult UNITED Nights, and maintaining a strong presence in downtown Athens, even as it addresses practical needs like parking following the Saye Building project. Athens First Methodist Church is entering its third century with a clear, self-determined path.

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