United Methodist pastor arrested in Upstate sting

By Jessica Connor

SIMPSONVILLE – A South Carolina United Methodist pastor has been arrested and charged in a prostitution sting.

Dr. Michael Wolfe, senior pastor of Advent United Methodist Church, Simpsonville, reportedly stopped to help a woman he thought was a stranded motorist June 1 in the Interstate Highway 85/Augusta Road area.

He was one of 14 people arrested that night in a prostitution sting and a total of 48 arrested over the weekend, according to a WYFF4 news report.

Wolfe has not been removed from his appointment at Advent though, as required by the United Methodist Book of Discipline, as of June 7 he has been suspended from all clergy responsibilities until the matter is resolved.

Per the conference’s official statement on Wolfe’s suspension, “This is in keeping with the procedures outlined in The United Methodist Book of Discipline, 2008. This action has been taken for the well being of all parties. We will be in prayer for all those affected by this unfortunate event.”

Several church members have told the Advocate they believe charges will be dropped. He was charged with prostitution first offense.

Wolfe recently helped lead the large-scale Stop Hunger Now service day hosted by Advent for the Greenville District. A historian and theologian who has taught at colleges and universities, he is also the author of the Advocate’s history book, “In the World, Not of the World.”