Josh Britton, Pastor

I am humbled and thrilled to be the pastor of Hickory Grove since July 2024. In my 10 years of vocational ministry before Hickory Grove, I’ve had the sacred privilege of being the sole pastor of three churches. I also had the wonderful opportunity to serve on the pastoral staff of a larger, downtown church. Additionally, I served as the executive director of a camp and retreat ministry for seven years.

I was born and raised in the United Methodist Church, and I’ve been shaped by several churches. I came into a living relationship with Jesus as a teenager, and since then God has been steering me toward a life of ministry. I did my undergraduate studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, and I went to seminary at Duke. I have a deep love of scripture and the church, and I consider it a privilege every day to be a pastor.

My wife works in the public school system, and our three children keep us busy. We enjoy hiking, tennis, App State football, reading, and spending time with our extended family.

Hickory Grove is a place with lots of different people from lots of backgrounds, but there’s still room for you here.

Carol Hartis, Music Director

For the past 40 years, my greatest joy in music has been helping church musicians make a joyful noise.  From playing piano since age 5, to teaching choral music in public schools for 30 years, music has surrounded  my life. My other great joy is my family.  My children Adam, Lindsay and my dear husband of 28 years, Randy, have always participated in and supported me in all my musical endeavors. I give all the glory to God.  I love my Hickory Grove UMC family and my prayer is for you too, "to make a joyful noise"!