Christina Parrish

I am humbled and excited to serve as the senior pastor of Wakefield UMC! My calling to pastoral ministry began while serving on a mission trip in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and is best expressed through my desire to serve others. My greatest joy is leading the church in growing in love of Christ and one another and serving its community.

Originally from Florida, I have called North Carolina “home” since 2012. While I appreciate the Duke-UNC rivalry, I have my own thoughts about what shade of blue is best. Having graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering (and minors in Religion and Business), I think blue is best paired with orange. But that didn’t stop me from becoming a Blue Devil for a season when I attended Duke Divinity School and received my Master of Divinity in 2015.

My primary roles as the senior pastor of Wakefield UMC include preaching, planning and leading worship, pastoral care, administering the life and business of the church, presiding over the sacraments of Holy Communion and baptism, and leading the church in mission to its community.

I am married to my college sweetheart, Matt, who is a civil engineer and owns his own business. We have a fearless toddler named Carrolyn and a sweet baby named Emi. For fun, we enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, hiking, playing board games, traveling, and watching college sports.

My hope is that Wakefield UMC might be a place where all feel welcomed and that the church wholeheartedly embraces its mission of “Inviting, Engaging, and Strengthening all on your Journey with Christ!” The church is at its best when it invites all people to experience the love of God; engages people’s gifts and dreams; and strengthens people in their faith with Christ so that they can make a difference in the world. I’m excited to see where God leads us next!