The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler (right) speaks with the Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross, the first African American woman appointed to Noblesville First United Methodist Church in Indiana. Zoom video courtesy of the Rev. Butler, via YouTube.
The latest installment of the “Hollering for Change” series continues to look at women “firsts” in the denomination. The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler speaks with the Rev. Nicole Caldwell-Gross, the first African American woman appointed to Noblesville First United Methodist Church in Indiana. Caldwell-Gross describes being fearful before affirmation from her son overcame that fear and made her consider other places God had sent her to prepare her for this next step.
The United Methodist Church continued to see its U.S. membership slide in 2025. But data collected by the denomination’s administrative agency also shows signs of growth.
