About Metro Ministries

Our Mission

Metro Ministries, Inc. – working in conjunction with the Central District, its member congregations, lay and clergy leaders – connects resources to ministries and ministries to resources for the cause of Christ.

Metro works with churches and community organizations to:

Build relationships

Share resources

Stimulate shared learning

Our Vision

In the service of Christ, partners identify needs, relationships are developed, and new passionate initiatives are created to serve our neighbors.

Our Core Values

  • Christ-Centered
  • People-Focused
  • Community-built
  • Outreach-driven
  • Learning Organization

What We Do

Metro connects, convenes and communicates with 105+ United Methodist Churches so that church members are empowered, engaged, and equipped to help meet the needs of persons in their communities throughout Central Indiana.

Through Metro's Grants programs, new initiatives are developed and existing ones are extended in the areas of:

  • Christian Leadership Development
  • Growth and Well-being of Children and Youth
  • Engaging in Ministry with Under-resourced Persons
  • Racial Equity and Justice
 

Who We Are

Patty Fisher

Executive Director

Amy Sell

President

Sherrae Davis

Vice President

Deanne Heidrich

Treasurer

Pastor Debb Ebersole

Secretary

Jana Buckler

Board Member

Minister Lydia L. Davis

Board Member

Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright

Conference Superintendent, Central District

Rev. Michael Gant

Board Member

First Lady Racelder – Grandberry Trimble

Bishop Trimble Designee

Craig Guhl

Board Member

Pastor Kristen Hanson

Board Member

Elizabeth (Liz) Mason

Board Member

Stephen Moore

Board Member

Pastor Jeffery D. Postell

Board Member

Edward Santiago

Board Member

History of Metro Ministries

1923

Founded – led by Exec Committee & Exec Secretary; charged with focusing energies and monies on local mission projects.

1930

Auxiliary formed from UMW groups of each congregation; increased support for local missions

1968

After formation of UMC from EUB and Methodist merger, stated purposes included securing church sites; purchases and sales of property

1972

Net worth > $2m; church planner served as P/T director under Exec Secretary – appointed elder/clergy

1974

F/T director appointed; Board consisted of 45 members with 16 member Exec Team

1981

Flagship program began: supporting Community Center Food Pantries

1995

Ecumenical in nature with focus on: short-term agency funder, urban ministry development, training academy; Development Office created

2009

ED was hired position for first time; incoming ED had 30 years experience as admin assistant to Metro and Central District; further property purchase and sale transactions transitioned from Metro to Board of Trustees

2017

ED announced retirement; Metro Board determined need for new perspective and enhanced focus on outreach

2019

New ED with social work, program management and community outreach and resource background

2023

100th Anniversary of Metro Ministries Inc! We are imagining now what our second century will look like!