Meet Our Staff

Rev. Nikki Raye Rice

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Pastor Nikki Raye has served as the minister at Bethany United Methodist Church since July 2023. She earned her B.A. with a focus on creative writing from Gardner-Webb University in 2011 and her Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in 2014.

Nikki Raye brings a love of scripture, creativity, and contemplative faith into her leadership and ministry, often weaving art, poetry, and diverse voices into worship, preaching, and spiritual formation. She is passionate about nurturing Christian communities rooted in grace, curiosity, and radical belonging.

Outside of church life, she enjoys hot tea, painting, Star Trek, bird watching, doting on her thirteen nieces and nephews, and spending time with her two beloved dogs.