As Senior Pastor, Karen serves as the spiritual leader of FUMC, preaching and teaching the good news of Jesus Christ, leading the staff team and laity to carry out the mission of the church and share Christ’s love with the community and world, connecting with new people, and providing pastoral care. Pastor Karen grew up in Asheville. She earned a BA degree and Master of Regional Planning degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, and her MDiv degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She and her husband Nick Bayne have three adult children and two grandchildren. Pastor Karen enjoys hearing people’s stories and sharing how our own stories are part of God’s great story of love and hope.