Carrie-Lee Farnham, Lay Supply Pastor
I was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, and spent parts of my childhood in Raleigh and Smithfield before settling in Apex when I was in the fifth grade. I was baptized Episcopalian as a baby but began attending White Plains United Methodist Church in Cary in 2006 and was confirmed there two years later.
I began college at Shaw University, where I studied Athletic Training, was a member of the Women’s Bowling Team, and was active with the Raleigh Wesley Foundation. After two years, I transferred to East Carolina University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Management with a minor in Psychology. While at ECU, I was involved with the Greenville Wesley Foundation and FUSE College Ministry.
During my time at ECU, I began discerning my call to ministry and entered the candidacy process in the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. As part of that discernment, I participated in the Conference’s Taste and See internship program, serving a rural two-point charge in Edgecombe County. It was through that experience that I discovered a particular passion for rural parish ministry.
Before seminary, I worked in several roles serving children and families, including as Assistant Children’s Director at White Plains UMC. In 2023, I moved to Madison, New Jersey, to attend Drew Theological School, where I earned my Master of Divinity with a focus in United Methodist Ministry in May 2026. During seminary, I also served as a Children, Youth, and Family Minister.
I am a Certified Candidate for ordained ministry in the North Carolina Conference and am pursuing ordination as an Elder. On July 1, 2026, I began serving as a Lay Supply Pastor here at Salem United Methodist Church and at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Four Oaks, NC. I have a particular passion for youth and young adult ministry and rural parish ministry, and I enjoy helping people of all ages find their place in the church, grow in their faith, and discover ways to use their gifts to serve God and their community.
Music Director
Lynette Overman
