CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 35 FA I T H L E A D E R P R O F I L E S Manna Church Michael Fletcher has served Manna Church as Senior Pastor for over 30 years. In that time, the church has grown from a small group of 350 worshippers to a congregation of over 8,000 in 2019. Combining sound biblical teaching with relevant, practical application and cutting-edge outreach, Michael and the pastoral staff have worked to create a culture that advances the Kingdom of God "across the street" and around the globe (the church's mission teams are actively engaged in 63 countries). Michael's heart is not only to see God's people equipped to change their world, but also for the planting of churches with the same world- changing vision. Under Michael's leadership, Manna has helped to plant over 100 churches to date and is presently engaged in planting a version of Manna Church near every U.S. military base in the world. Michael has authored seven books, including Building Successful Relationships, How to Get Promoted, Overcoming Barriers to Church Growth and, most recently, Empowering Leadership. Michael and his wife Laura married in 1979 and live in Fayetteville. They have eight children and 24 grandchildren (and counting). In their spare time, they both enjoy training and competing in endurance sports, with over 27 marathons (Michael), 22 marathons (Laura), three Ironman finishes (Michael) and a 50- and a 75-mile Ultra Marathon finish (Laura) to their credit. 910.867.9151 5117 Cliffdale Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28314 www.manna.church Laura and Michael Fletcher, Senior Pastor 910.630.7000 | www.methodist.edu 5400 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Imagine a university whose stated mission "owes its origins and values to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ." Imagine a university whose graduates are uniquely prepared for a life well-lived, who have compassion for the world, while also reaching top-tier academic achievement, and professional success. This is Methodist University. As a community grounded in truth, justice, virtue, and love, the Monarch community seeks to develop whole persons who will contribute substantially and creatively to the professions and to civic life. Intentional, constant integration of the spiritual across academic, social, and personal realms urges enlightened minds and responsible spirits, as well as curiosity and a continuing thirst for knowledge. Imagine a university that has a chaplain (Rev. Kelli W. Taylor, pictured here) and other campus leaders available to students seeking spiritual support along their journey. Imagine campus religious life fostering a spirit of hospitality that supports and encourages students, faculty, and staff in honoring the sacred. You really don't have to imagine, because it's right here in Fayetteville. This is Methodist University. Methodist University PREPARING FOR A LIFE WELL-LIVED

• Cover