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TRYON—The Tryon United Methodist Church at 195 New Market St. has announced its new interim pastor, Michael Bailey, who officially started on February 2. Bailey, a fourth-generation minister in the Methodist tradition, brings a wealth of experience and an interesting background to the congregation.

Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and raised in parsonages mainly in the Memphis area, Bailey has served congregations of various sizes across the US and even abroad in Northern Europe. His career spans numerous roles, including that of a district superintendent in the Winston-Salem area, overseeing more than 200 clergy and 175 congregations until his retirement in July 2021. 

Bailey holds degrees from Lambuth University, Vanderbilt University, the Graduate Theological Union in San Francisco, and Columbia Theological Seminary. His experience in ministry has been extensive, covering rural circuits as well as urban, suburban, and large congregations.

Bailey is eager to learn more about the church and its congregation, which he describes as reflecting the character of Tryon itself. He recognizes that the church predominantly attracts retirees and people from various backgrounds, including professionals and educators. 

“We want to invite everyone interested to this wonderful church,” said Bailey. “Because it has an engaging, friendly congregation with a surprisingly large footprint in terms of community impact, and hear some good preaching in the process.”

Bailey says he intends to foster community engagement through various initiatives. Being community-oriented, he hopes to canvas local businesses and support residents, reinforcing the church’s presence beyond its walls.

In addition to these community-focused efforts, Tryon UMC continues to host a range of regular gatherings, including Chancel Choir practices, Qi Gong classes, and adult groups like AA and Living Clean. For more information on the church and its programs, visit tryonumc.org.

As Bailey embarks on this new chapter, he looks forward to connecting with the community.