New Reynolds director wants to help clergy stay in love with God

In a season of disruption, Annalee Allen sees an urgent need for pastors to understand themselves as leaders, learn how to manage the inner workings of a church and discover new ways to reach the people.

The Foundation is pleased to welcome Annalee Allen as our Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs.

Annalee, who joined the team in January in a program support role, brings a unique blend of experience well-suited to the needs of the position.

An ordained elder in the Western North Carolina Conference, Annalee has been a friend and partner of the Foundation for several years, most recently during her time in the Conference office as Associate Director of Ministerial Services.

Reclaiming a vocational mandate

Pastors in the United Methodist Church face a complex set of challenges related to polarization and social unrest. Many congregations have to maintain buildings and property while contending with smaller budgets and higher upkeep costs.

“It can be easy to go into self-preservation mode and forget who we are called to be,” Annalee says. “Reynolds leadership programs are all about helping the Church navigate contextual challenges and reclaim our vocational mandate to make disciples of Christ.”

During her tenure in the Conference office, Annalee helped coordinate programs of the Board of Ordained Ministry, including Call and Vocation, Candidacy, and Residency in Ordained Ministry. She has been a clergy member of the conference since 2005 with appointments in Salisbury (Park Avenue, Coburn Memorial and Main Street) and at East Asheville.

The vision of Royce Reynolds

The generosity of the late Royce Reynolds, and his wife, Jane, has touched countless lives through grants made from the Reynolds Ministry Fund and leadership development opportunities offered by the Foundation.

“Royce was unwavering in his conviction that we are here to make disciples for Jesus Christ,” said David Snipes, Foundation President and CEO. “Not only does Annalee share this belief, but she also carries it out every day through her call to ministry.”

Since joining the Foundation in January in the role of Executive & Program Support Specialist, Annalee has earned praise as a humble and empathetic leader who looks for ways to elevate the work of her peers. In April, Annalee facilitated a two-day gathering of the Reynolds Leadership Academy for Evangelism and Discipleship.

“It is not easy to be a United Methodist pastor, and the climate we find ourselves in makes it even more challenging,” said Tom Latimer, Foundation board member and Reynolds Team Leader. “Annalee understands this reality as someone who has served in the local church. She will be an incredible asset to clergy who need our support more than ever.”

More about Annalee

Annalee, a native of Franklin, graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a degree in Business Administration. She earned an M.Div. at Hood Theological Seminary.

Annalee and her husband, Rev. Craig Allen, have two daughters, Claire and Joy. The family bought a mid-1900s home in Mooresville last year, and in her spare time, Annalee enjoys doing home renovations and tending to the fish in her koi pond.

Please join us in congratulating Annalee and giving thanks for the gifts she will bring to the Foundation.