The Church at The Barn: How One Church Is Reclaiming Its United Methodist Identity

In the heart of Stone County, Mississippi, where United Methodist churches once flourished, a faithful remnant of believers found themselves displaced when all the United Methodist congregations in their area disaffiliated. Faced with a choice to scatter or stand firm, they chose the latter. What began as a small group gathering at the Wesley Foundation at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Perkinston, Mississippi) has become a growing and vibrant United Methodist congregation committed to embracing their Methodist identity.

Leading this new congregation is Reverend Cleo McQueen, whose journey into ministry is a testament to faith and perseverance. A Tennessee native and former member of the U.S. Army, Pastor Cleo’s path was shaped by global experiences, military service, and a deep spiritual calling that led her to pastoral ministry later in life. After serving for a decade on the church staff or as the associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Gulfport, she was appointed in October 2024 as the founding pastor of this newly established United Methodist congregation.

A Church Born Out of Loss and Hope

Stone County’s United Methodist community experienced a deep rupture as local congregations disaffiliated, leaving those who wished to remain United Methodist without a spiritual home. “They were left by themselves,” Pastor Cleo said. “Every church around them had disaffiliated. They wanted to remain United Methodist but had nowhere to go.”

Rather than dispersing, two young sisters in their thirties, Calista Mills and Samantha Thames, took the initiative to gather fellow believers the next Sunday. Meeting at the Wesley Foundation building known as “The Barn,” they held worship, prayed together, and continued in fellowship. What started as a temporary solution quickly transformed into something more permanent, a testament to their unwavering faith.

By November 2024, with the support of the Mississippi Annual Conference, the congregation was officially established as a new United Methodist church. Pastor Cleo described it as a deeply emotional and healing process for people who had lost the churches they grew up in. “Some of them couldn’t even drive past their old churches because the pain was too great,” she said. “But they never lost their conviction of what it means to be United Methodist. Open hearts, open minds, open doors—that’s what they practice.”

Embracing the Radicle Methodism 2025 Project

As the church grew, its members committed to rediscovering what it truly means to be United Methodist. One of the key ways they are doing this is through the Radicle Methodism 2025 Project, which they have integrated into their worship services every other week. Instead of a traditional sermon on those Sundays, the congregation engages with video teachings, discussions, and historical explorations of Methodist theology and practice.

Pastor Cleo credits her worship coordinator with bringing the idea forward. “She said, ‘I think we can do this.’ And I thought, ‘Why not?’ It’s a great way for people new to the United Methodist Church to learn about their roots. For lifelong United Methodists, it’s a wonderful refresher,” she explained. “It’s brought such energy and excitement to our worship. Even our music director chose a Charles Wesley hymn to honor our Radicle Methodism journey.”

During these services, Pastor Cleo poses questions before and after the video sessions, creating space for open discussion. The congregation, which includes people of all ages—from babies to retirees in their eighties—has found deep meaning in revisiting Wesleyan theology.

“Our members, especially those who have been United Methodists for decades, are rediscovering parts of our history that they had forgotten,” she said. “It’s been eye-opening and reaffirming for many.”

A Church Without Walls, Rooted in Community

Unlike traditional church settings, this congregation does not own a formal church building. Instead, they share a space with the Wesley Foundation at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Worship takes place at the Wesley Foundation; small groups meet in homes, and weekly gatherings occur at a local coffee shop.

“For some, it may seem unconventional,” Pastor Cleo admitted. “But I remind them—where did the early Christians meet? In each other’s homes. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Despite its challenges, the congregation has fully embraced its identity as a church deeply engaged in the community. They organize food drives, support local ministries, and find creative ways to reach people outside the traditional church model.

One of their most impactful ministries has been providing a space for healing. Many members still carry the emotional wounds of disaffiliation, and part of Pastor Cleo’s mission has been helping them process their grief. “This has been a yearlong process of healing,” she said. “Some people have cried on my shoulder, expressing how deeply they’ve been hurt. We’re not just building a church; we’re restoring people’s faith.”

The Joy and Challenge of Growth

While the congregation has a strong foundation, one of the biggest challenges is spreading the word and inviting new members. “We’re not located in the center of town, so we have to be intentional about outreach,” Pastor Cleo explained. “That’s why our presence in the community—whether at the coffee shop or local events—is so important.”

However, there are also exciting signs of growth. Since the church’s founding, several individuals and families have officially joined, and more are inquiring about membership. “It takes patience,” Pastor Cleo acknowledged. “But every new member is a testimony that God is at work.”

Perhaps the most vibrant part of the church’s life is its children’s ministry. With seventeen children actively participating, the church ensures that young people are fully included in worship. “They light the candles, collect the offering, and even lead prayers,” Pastor Cleo explained. “One little girl, Evelyn, was so excited about our Halloween decorations that she ran up to tell me, ‘It looks like Halloween!’ It’s moments like those that make all the work worth it.”

A Message of Hope for Those Still Searching

For those who have experienced church disaffiliation and haven’t yet found a new home, Pastor Cleo offers encouragement: “Never lose hope. There is always a place for you, and God will guide you to it.”

She believes that stories like hers and her congregation’s are reminders that the United Methodist Church is alive and well, rooted in its historic mission of grace, justice, and discipleship. “John Wesley taught us to do no harm, and that’s exactly what we are practicing,” she said. “We are choosing to love, to build, and to move forward in faith.”

As this young congregation continues to grow, one thing is clear: their commitment to discipleship, hospitality, mission, and the core values of Methodism is creating something truly special. In the midst of change, they have found a deeper calling—to be a beacon of faith, resilience, and renewal in their community.

To God be the glory.

You can read more about the church here: District 6 Celebrates New Faith Community.

Reflection Questions

1. How can your church be more welcoming to those who feel displaced or are searching for a faith community?
2. How can you help people heal from past church conflicts and rebuild their trust in a faith community?
3. How can your church engage in intentional discipleship, similar to how Pastor Cleo’s church uses the Radicle Methodism 2025 Project?
4. What role does history and tradition play in your church’s spiritual growth, and how can you make Methodist theology more engaging for your congregation?

Pastor Cleo McQueen and her husband, Wayne, have lived in Gulfport, Mississippi, since 1987 after returning from an overseas tour with the US Air Force in England. They have raised two sons, Wayne David (Amy) and Joe, and have five grandchildren and three schnauzers. Pastor Cleo feels her life has been fulfilled through her calling into ministry and her recent appointment as pastor for the United Methodist Church at the Barn.

Radicle Methodist 2025 is an enriching program brought to you by the General Commission on Archives and History in collaboration with Discipleship Ministries.

This resource was created by Discipleship Ministries staff with assistance from AI tools.