As a Leader

Paul Leeland would put the ‘hop’ back in ‘bishop.’

—Rev. Ben Williams
Probationary Member, St. Mark’s UMC, Raleigh

Paul holding his Red Shoe award certificate

“In 2007, the North Carolina Conference Clergywomen’s Association awarded our ‘Red Shoe’ recognition to Paul Leeland for his advocacy, support and encouragement of women in ministry. Paul has a commitment to inclusive ministry, solid Christian character, and depth of knowledge of our connection.”

— Rev. Para Lee Rodenhizer Drake, President, NC Conference Clergywomen’s Association

Paul is a visionary leader who seeks to be centered in God’s will for the church. He is committed to a “partnership” of ministry empowering laity and clergy together to make disciples of Jesus Christ. He is a great communicator who inspires others to serve God with heart and soul.

—Emily Innes
NC Conference Lay Leader

Paul brings to the church the gift of discernment as well as the God-given ability to be a peace-maker. He can listen to a discussion, hear the important issues to be resolved and then peacefully lead others to work through these issues.

As a deacon in full connection, I am also thankful for Paul’s support of the Order of Deacon as he has helped to interpret the Order to the Church.

—Rev. Patricia Archer, Chair
Order of Deacon, NC Conference

As an Administrator

On the Council on Finance and Administration, Paul showed vision and wise leadership involving conference expenditures and great sensitivity to the local churches.

I presently serve with Paul on the Commission on Equitable Compensation. He exercises prudence and sound judgement in dealing with issues involving struggling churches.

—Mack B. Parker, President
UM Retirement Homes Board of Trustees

Paul is a deeply spiritual pastor and a remarkably gifted leader. On the Board of Ordained Ministry, I have seen his ability to understand complex issues, articulate them to others, and find a way through.

As a foundation officer, I see a need for the church to have episcopal leadership keeping us faithful to the Gospel while exploring creative ways to relate the Gospel to human need and outreach in the world. Paul is that kind of leader.

—Rev. W. Joseph Mann, Director
Rural Church Division, The Duke Endowment

A Different Set of Values

I was a young man who fought against God’s call to ministry. Paul Leeland reached above and beyond to nurture me. Paul Leeland talking with three people He lives by a different set of values and made a profound impact on my life. Any annual conference would thrive under his kind of sacrificial, servant leadership.

—Rev. Chad Pullins
Probationary Member,
Organizing pastor of a new congregation

Paul Leeland models the best of United Methodist balance, passion, outreach, and warmth. His style of ministry is collegial, not Lone Ranger; his style of life is what is right, not what is easy.

—Dr. F. Belton Joyner, Jr.
Retired Clergy

With Equal Respect

I have found Paul to be intentionally inclusive, a strong leader, an educator, a visionary. He holds immense compassion and passion for all God’s children.

—Darlene Jacobs, Executive Director,
Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency for Native American Ministries

I am amazed at Paul’s knowledge of the Word, Discipline, Methodist beliefs and their intent. Paul is passionate about God’s call for lay people to be in ministry with clergy. He treats everyone with equal respect.

—Eston C. Brinkley, lay member
NCC Board of Ordained Ministry