First Methodist Church of Douglas — Church Directory

Quick Facts

Pastor — the shepherd God holds accountable Pastor Paul Elliott

Founded Historic congregation; joined GMC May 2023

Denomination Global Methodist Church

Service Times Sundays (check website for specific times)

Men's Ministry No

Kids Ministry Yes

Website douglasfirst.com

Pastor Credentials Pastoral credentials not listed on website; leads congregation through post-UMC transition

10-Point Theological Scorecard

Christology

Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)

GMC Trinitarian orthodoxy.

Strong

Scripture

Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?

GMC biblical authority affirmed.

Strong

Men's Discipleship

Intentional formation for men?

No dedicated men's ministry listed; verify.

Caution

Soteriology

Faith alone? How is salvation presented?

Wesleyan grace-alone salvation.

Strong

Gender / Biblical Design

Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?

GMC allows women clergy (local option) — current pastor Paul Elliott is male. Site uses generic welcome language; no explicit LGBTQ+ affirming language detected, but homepage thin.

Caution

Leadership Structure

Male elders/pastors? Accountability?

Male pastor Paul Elliott; verify elder structure.

Caution

Preaching Style

Expository or topical/therapeutic?

Not reviewed; verify.

Caution

Mission Clarity

Great Commission central?

Active congregation with children's preschool ministry (Jaime Anderson — Preschool Director).

Strong

Cultural Alignment

DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?

Disaffiliated May 2023 from UMC — recent orthodox commitment.

Strong

Accountability Structure

Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?

GMC affiliation not visible on homepage; public contact email still reads 'douglasfirstumc@gmail.com' — branding has not fully updated post 2023 disaffiliation. Verify current GMC status via About page.

Strong

Assessment

First Methodist Church of Douglas is a South Georgia congregation that disaffiliated from the UMC and joined the GMC in May 2023. Pastor Paul Elliott leads the church, supported by Hayden Morris (Assistant Pastor/Youth Director), Jaime Anderson (Children's Director/Preschool Director), and other staff. As a recently-transitioned GMC church, the institutional commitment to orthodox Wesleyan teaching is strong — leaving the UMC carried real costs. Staff depth includes active children's and youth ministry plus a preschool program. The GMC South Georgia Conference stance on women elders should be verified. Overall a credible orthodox Wesleyan option in rural South Georgia.

Pastor Signatures & Affiliations [Orthodox-aligned signatures]

Public statement signatures and organizational affiliations of this church's named pastors. "People is policy" — these are evidence-weighted signals about doctrinal trajectory, not the sole determinant of any rating.

Dallas Statement (Social Justice & Gospel)

Pastor Paul Elliott

Source: statementonsocialjustice.com — hover for details