Today we’d like to introduce you to Vance Rains.
Hi Vance, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m the Lead Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Orlando. I became the Lead Pastor in July, 2019. But, I joined “First Church” after college (1989), where I experienced an unexpected “call” to ministry (I thought I would work in corporate sales!), and became the Director of Youth Ministry in 1990-1991. Since 1991, I attended Duke Divinity School and Asbury Theological Seminary, became a United Methodist Pastor, and have served churches and ministries across Florida.
Since returning to First Church in 1990, we experienced Covid and discovered new ways to be in ministry (primarily online), we have significantly increased our service to the community, and we have become a “Reconciling” church – affirming and welcoming all people, including the LGBTQ+ community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ministry is messy and challenging, because people are messy and challenging. I’m messy most days! But ministry has been extremely rewarding! I’ve had the privilege of being intimately involved in people’s lives, contributing to their spiritual growth, and walking with many through grief, trauma and recovery. I’ve had many opportunities to be part of meaningful work that I believe has made a difference in the world.
Recent years have been much more challenging, as fewer people are looking to traditional churches for community, belonging, and spirituality. Covid and the growing political divide have also had significant negative impacts on churches. Some of these challenges include shrinking congregations and financial support, and larger buildings than are currently needed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a United Methodist pastor, I’ve served in diverse roles – as an Associate Pastor in charge of administration and programming at a large church, starting a brand new church, as a campus minister at Florida State University, as an employee of the denomination, and as the “senior” or “lead” pastor of three larger, established, traditional churches.
Most of my ministry was as a campus minister, which was incredibly rewarding. During that time, I got to know hundreds of students, and was priveleged to be part of decisions they made about careers, values, relationships, etc.
I also took hundreds of students to Guatemala to do mission work in a small, remote village in Guatemala, working alongside indigenous Mayans, which was life-changing for many and made a positive impact in Guatemala. Many of those students are still connected to friendships that started in Guatemala
In more recent years, I am probably most known for my affirming support of the LGBTQ+ community, especially in the church (which has a sad history of exclusion and condemnation).
I’m also known for being creative in my preaching and programming.
I’m not, in most ways, a “typical” pastor. I didn’t grow up in church, and was shocked to experience a “call.” Shortly before pursuing ministry, I was a stereotypical “fraternity” bro. I have tattoos, drive a truck, used to ride a Harley, grow bonsai trees. I have titles “Reverend” and “Pastor” and “Doctor,” but I don’t wear them well. Most people just know me as “Vance.”
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I read broadly – striving to read diversely. I read in the areas of spirituality/theology, leadership, self-help, fiction, and personal interest. As I teach classes and preach weekly, I am constantly researching – looking for credible information wherever I can find it. And, I try to stay informed about local, national and world news. I’m increasingly striving to expand the varieties of inputs I take in, so as to not to be limited to those in my echo chamber.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.firstchurchorlando.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstChurchOrlando.org
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstChurchOrlando
