My name is Rev. Dr. Birgitte Thaarup French, but please call me Pastor Bee. I am a lifelong United Methodist, and grew up as a PK in Copehagen, Denmark.
In 1983 I became a medical missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries and for the next 13 years I served in Zaire (now Congo,) Algeria and Kenya. After graduating from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, I was consecrated and ordained Elder in the North Georgia annual conference. In Georgia I served an inner-city church and as staff pastor in a large suburban church. In 2005 my family and I moved the Memphis, where I have served several congregations and in extended ministry. I have served on the McKendree-Metro dCOM for 10 years and currently serve as chair of Metro dCOM. I also serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministries, as chair of the Family Care Ministry, as well as serving on the full Board of Ordained Ministry since 2016.
I am married to Niels French and together we have two children, Fletcher who lives in Chattanooga with Casey, and our daughter Hanna lives in Little Rock. We have a dog named Lou whom I love to take on long walks. I read mysteries, love to cook a good meal, bake bread and knit.
Contact Pastor Bee at pastor@stpaul-lakeland.org.