Michael and his wife Julie Lehman have lived in Asheville since 2002. Michael currently serves as the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Spruce Pine. Julie works at the Montreat Conference Center as the Director of the Montreat Fund and Major Gifts.
Rev. Michael Poulos
On the occasion of celebrating your 200th anniversary of ministry, I thank God for your witness across two full centuries, with special gratitude for the time I was able to spend with you from 1992 to 1996 as your first Associate Pastor with Youth and Their Families. ‘
Fresh out of seminary with no idea how a large congregation and multi-layered staff operated, it was truly a baptism of fire and also one of love! I found myself not only the youngest member on staff but also the youngest member of a youth ministry team of veteran teachers and youth advisors, all of whom empowered me to find my voice and claim my identity as a pastor.
During these years I experienced my first trip to the Montreat Youth Conference as well as my first international mission trip, to Trinidad; I discovered my love for teaching confirmation classes, and witnessed the transformative power of adult leaders who really cared about the young people. I witnessed how a congregation can engage deeply in mission both locally and through Presbyterian partnerships, and I learned so much about how clergy and lay leaders can extend pastoral care in life-giving ways.
Though the time Julie and I spent with you was relatively short, these years were formative in all aspects of my ministry. One of the legacies of your 200 years of ministry is certainly the impact you had on shaping young pastors like me!
