I'm Stephen Poore, a local licensed pastor in the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, though my path here started completely outside the box — touring with the punk band Ten 33 and navigating the Assemblies of God tradition. That raw energy out on the road shifted everything for me, sparking a drive to build communities where complex theology is brought down to earth and rooted in daily life.
I've spent my ministry testing the boundaries of how we gather — launching experimental college ministries at West End Assembly of God, moving to Chicago for seminary at North Park while working at Soul City Church, and planting Center Church in Richmond. My approach to leadership and church as a movement was shaped along the way through cohorts with missional architects like Alan Hirsch, Doug Paul, Todd Wilson, Dave Ferguson, Rich Robinson, and JR Woodward.
When the pandemic hit, my team adapted by popping up in bars and theaters, which eventually led to a providential merger with Boulevard UMC — a historic neighborhood congregation looking toward its next chapter of remissioning. Together, we formed Common Table, a vibrant, justice-forward church family that grew to nearly 200 people.
Today, I'm carrying that same collaborative spirit into my role at Welborne UMC and partnerships like recently co-hosting a church planting conference with the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. For me, the whole point is to remission growing, impactful congregations by blending deep liturgical expression and radical hospitality to serve the people right in front of us.
"Blending historic depth with a creative, collaborative spirit to serve the people right in front of us."
