Giving thanks for the faithful leadership of Anne Martin

Anne Martin’s tenure coincided with a season of change for the Conference and denomination. Her guidance helped the Foundation to not only endure, but grow stronger.

Speaking to Annual Conference attendees in Lake Junaluska, Anne connected the Foundation’s theme for the year, …And God does the rest, to doing our part as people of faith, sustained by the confidence that comes from believing in God’s promises.

“People often describe the Foundation as a steadying influence in times of uncertainty,” Anne said. “Disaffiliation, political division, and economic worries have caused all of us in this room to be challenged. And yet we are here today, declaring our trust in God’s faithfulness.”

During Anne’s 15 years on the Board of Directors, including the past three as chair, the Foundation found ways to help churches and ministries adapt to changing circumstances.

• A strategic visioning process brought together 100+ clergy and lay persons to discern how the Foundation should evolve. The resulting blueprint lays out priorities informed by the needs and aspirations of those we serve.
• An all-time high of $347 million in total assets serves as a testament not only to strong leadership, but also the trust and faithfulness of those we serve.
• A 10% tithe of operating income, as well as a tithe of surplus operating cash, in each of the past four years strengthens the Western North Carolina Conference amid tight budgets and ever-increasing needs.
• A multi-year commitment to recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene seeks to bring a spirit of hope and renewal to Western North Carolina.

Deep roots in the church

Starting with William Hammet, Anne’s family tree includes eight generations of Methodist ministers. She’s married to Dan Martin, a retired elder in the WNCC. Her son, Duncan, is lead pastor at Hawthorne UMC in Charlotte, and daughter-in-law, Meredith, is also a United Methodist pastor.

“My United Methodist faith is about more than family heritage,” Anne wrote shortly after stepping into the role. “It is about the Church’s commitment to serving ALL the people of our diverse world.”

Serving on the board, Anne said, offered a lesson in why the Church of Jesus Christ must adapt to speak to the spiritual needs of every age.

“Faithful people, people with vision, those who dream of eternal salvation in Jesus Christ, are people of courage — not fear,” Anne said. “This is what defines our call as United Methodist Christians.”

Anne’s calm, steady presence, coupled with the unique perspective of an eighth-generation Methodist, were just what the Foundation needed.

“I think it’s fair to say,” President David Snipes said, “that she has made her family – and all of us – proud.”