ABOUT
About the Pastor
Pastor Natalie Gonzalez brings a heart for God, a love for people, and over a decade of experience serving in ministry. Prior to serving at Mount Pleasant Methodist Church, she was the Senior Pastor at City Road United Methodist Church in Henderson, NC, for five years. In addition to her pastoral leadership, she has worked with churches to strengthen their ministries and create spaces where people can grow in faith and community.
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Natalie has dedicated much of her ministry to working with children, youth, and families—overseeing programs that nurture spiritual growth, build lasting relationships, and equip the next generation for leadership in the Church and beyond. She has led and supported various youth programs and outreach initiatives, always with the desire to help others encounter the transforming love of Jesus Christ.
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Her leadership style is hands-on and relational—leading by example, teaching in simple and clear ways, and inviting others to grow alongside her. She believes in the power of passionate worship, extravagant love, and bold witness, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit to carry the Church forward in its mission.
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When she’s not serving in the church, Natalie enjoys encouraging others through speaking, writing, and coaching, drawing from her own journey of faith and leadership. She counts it a blessing to walk alongside the people of Mount Pleasant Methodist Church, helping them grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and live out their calling in the world.
Our Mission
Mount Pleasant Methodist Church joined the newly formed Global Methodist Denomination in 2022. Departing from its former denomination, the church seeks to honor Christ's teachings and ancient church traditions, including the authority of Scripture and God's design for gender and sexuality. Embracing Jesus' all-inclusive love, however, the church follows His example of befriending sinners, inviting all people to be transformed into Jesus' own image through the grace of discipleship. After the resurrection of Christ, He now seeks to enter hearts, empowering a journey toward becoming more Christ-like. The church's mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.
For detailed beliefs, visit the GMC website:
Church History
Founded in 1817 with a donation from Mr. Lazarus Strickland, Mount Pleasant Methodist Church holds a significant role in Bailey's history. The original vision was to build a Methodist Episcopal Church to serve the community and glorify Christ. Amidst many challenges, but with deep conviction and divine guidance, the original trustees and founders established the church. The name "Mount" signifies the church's location atop a ridge, symbolizing its role as a spiritual beacon. The original structure stood for 85 years before being replaced by a new building in 1902. The church's history includes circuit-riding pastors who traveled on horseback to serve. The current brick building was erected in 1953. Throughout the years, the church has been part of various charges, now standing as a station church. In 1968, it joined the United Methodist Denomination, and later in 2022, it disaffiliated to align with the newly formed Global Methodist Church.
