We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Sarah McWhirt-Toler to Belmont UMC as our next Senior Associate Pastor! Sarah will begin her appointment at Belmont on November 2, 2026.
Sarah has served as Associate Pastor at Connell Memorial UMC in Goodlettsville for the past six years, providing leadership in pastoral care, faith formation, worship planning, staff supervision, and community engagement. She also chairs the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW).
An ordained deacon, Sarah has served in both the local church and extension ministry. Her ministry focuses on pastoral care, faith formation, and walking alongside people as they grow in their love of God and neighbor. She has written extensively for children’s and intergenerational faith formation, and Belmont has been blessed to use some of her curriculum in our own Sunday school classes. Sarah is also in the final year of a Doctor of Ministry program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, focusing on creative writing and public theology.
Sarah is partner to Clay, mama to Frances and Lyle, and daughter to Jennifer – all of whom you may have seen around Belmont. She is excited and honored to be coming home to serve alongside God’s people on the corner of Acklen and 21st. We look forward to welcoming Sarah and celebrating this new chapter in ministry together!