Welcome New Pastors
Matthews United Methodist Church welcomes the Rev. David Christy as Senior Pastor and the Rev. Dr. Susan Heafner-Heun as Executive Pastor on July 1, 2025. The first Sunday they will be with us in worship is July 13.
Senior Pastor
Rev. David Christy was born in Jefferson, NC, into a family with deep ties to The United Methodist Church where his father served as clergy. After completing his undergraduate degree at Pfeiffer University, Rev. Christy graduated from Duke Divinity School in 1991 and subsequently served a two-point charge in Franklinville and Rehobeth in Randolph County. He was then appointed to Fair View United Methodist in Mooresville then went on to serve Epworth UMC in Concord. From there, he served at Central UMC in Canton and was then appointed to First UMC in Gastonia in 2012 before being appointed as District Superintendent in 2020.
Rev. Christy is married to Pamela Reeves Christy (Pam), First Grade Teacher and mother to their two grown children, Luke (32) who serves as the pastor at Mills River UMC along with his wife Kelly and their two young children and Maggie (29) who serves as the Youth Director at First UMC in Sylva.
Rev. Christy would like us to know, "Pam and I are so excited to get to join you all in ministry through Matthews UMC! We know of the amazing work of Chuck and the incredible staff. We truly feel blessed to be appointed to serve God with you. Thank you for the welcome!"
Executive Pastor
Rev. Dr. Susan Heafner-Heun is a Charlotte native who received an undergraduate degree at Greensboro College and has been privileged to serve a wide variety of appointments including large church, small church, and even leading a new church start. She attended Duke University then Union Theological Seminary in NYC where she received a Master of Divinity. Rev. Dr. Heafner-Heun holds a Doctor of Ministry in Social Justice from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury. Most recently, she served The Vine UMC and Christ UMC in Charlotte.
Rev. Dr. Heafner-Heun is married to John Heun, and they have two children, Ava and Olivia.
Rev. Dr. Heafner-Heun shares "I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be in ministry with Matthews UMC. I have already begun to pray that the journey you have begun will continue as we strive to follow Jesus for the transformation of the world. The welcome and hospitality has been an incredible expression of God's grace and love. Thank you!"
The Matthews UMC Staff Parish Committee believes that the providence of God is at work in these appointments. Not only are Rev. Christy and Rev. Dr. Heafner-Heun deeply rooted in The United Methodist Church, they also represent a generational shift in leadership for our congregation that will meet the dynamics of both a growing community and the changes in our denomination. We are certain that these are the right spiritual leaders at the right time for Matthews United Methodist Church and look forward to their service for years to come.
View the April 2025 All-Church Gathering and watch the fun interview with our new pastors, the Rev. David Christy & Rev. Dr. Susan Heafner-Heun!
Celebrate Pastor Chuck's Retirement June 8 following the 11:00 service.
