Rev. Travis Wilson stands in the sanctuary of one of Madison’s oldest church congregations, Madison United Methodist Church (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – A native of Florence, Rev. Dr. Travis Wilson is now serving as pastor at Madison United Methodist Church.

In his last assignment, he served about 175 members at Skirum United Methodist Church near Geraldine. Madison UMC, a larger congregation, has approximately 590 members. His other assignments have included Moody UMC and as associate minister at Trinity UMC in Huntsville.

Wilson, 42, earned a bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and a master’s degree in public health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He then pursued divinity study with a master’s degree at Emory University and doctorate’s degree at Asbury Theological Seminary.

“I was called by the Lord in the ministry over a period of years. I am stubborn, but the Lord is patient,” he said. “I only began the process of ordination in 1999 at 27 years old.” Wilson’s great-uncle and two cousins also are ministers.

Wilson said ministries at Madison UMC are doing well. “The Lord will lead us to further vibrancy. Madison UMC is a place where people don’t have to feel like a number. They can know Jesus and be known. Isn’t it great when people know your name?”

Wilson wants to nurture all demographics represented in the congregation — children, youth, young couples, young-at-heart couples and “ministry with those folks who are blessed with extra years of zest. Everybody!”

This church values its “multi-generational nature. I see it as a living reality each Sunday,” Wilson said.

His wife Becca teaches third-graders at Mill Creek Elementary School. Their daughters are 7 and 5 years old.

In spare time, Wilson enjoys membership in the Alabama Woodworkers Guild, “a group of amateur and professional woodworkers that makes sawdust and tells lies (wink).” (alabamawoodworkersguild.org) “There’s nothing like sharing in the trade around which our Lord was trained in.”

Madison UMC is working with e3partners.org for an evangelism trip to a closed country.

Madison UMC’s address is 127 Church St. in the downtown historical district. For more information, call 256-772-9761 or visit madisonum.org.