Welcome to Rev. Leslie Frietch!
Welcome to Our New Pastor, REV. LESLIE FRIETCH! She has already blessed us by jumping into the life of FUMC Many with enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and deep commitment. As an introduction, here is a brief autobiography in her own words. We look forward to getting to know you better, Pastor Leslie, and to serving Christ and our community together!
“I was born in Gaston County, North Carolina and lived there most of my life with a few exceptions until we moved to Pineville, Louisiana in 2019. I received my early childhood teaching certification in 1993 and began teaching preschool while in college. I graduated from Gaston College with an Associate’s of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology in 1996 and worked in that field for many years before returning to the classroom as a preschool teacher in 2012.
“I entered the ministry as a volunteer children’s director in 2008 while still working. After our move to Louisiana in 2019, I was hired as the full-time children’s director at Pineville FUMC. In 2021, I began serving as the youth director in addition to children’s director. I entered candidacy in 2023, completed licensing school through the Louisiana Conference and Candler School of Theology and was appointed local pastor in 2024 at Bayou Chicot UMC where I had previously served as supply the year prior. I currently enjoy serving on the Happening Steering Committee and the Conference Youth Ministry Visioning Team, as well as participating in the NOLA Hub 4 Innovation Cohort. I am currently attending LSUA with an expected graduation date of December 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies and plan to begin seminary thereafter.
“My husband, Bill, is a State Fire Marshal and firefighter. We have 3 children. Our oldest daughter, McKenzie, is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte and works as an accountant in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our middle daughter, Allison, is a nursing student and cheerleader at LSUA. Our youngest son, Trace, plays football and golf and anticipates graduating high school in 2026. He hopes to join the National Guard this summer. As a family, we enjoy attending sporting events, community events and meeting new people.
“As I continue my journey in ministry and education, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to serve others and grow in my faith. My experiences—both in the classroom and the church—have reinforced my belief in the power of community, compassion, and service. I look forward to what God has in store for me and my family as I continue to pursue God’s call on my life, further my education, and contribute to the lives of those around me. It is my hope that, through my work, I can inspire others to embrace their own paths of service and faith, making a positive impact wherever we go.”
