In last year’s Appointive Recommendation, The Staff Parish Relations Committee indicated to the Bishop and his cabinet that: “Our [Abilene First UMC’s] mission can be met with our current pastor, but we would also be open to a new pastor who has gifts/skills in the area(s) of [a] fresh perspective to re-invigorate and help the church grow.” I agreed with this assessment wholeheartedly. For the same reason, I indicated that I was ready for a move on my own appointive recommendation.

After a process of careful discernment, the Bishop is appointing me to Manhattan College Avenue UMC effective July 1. The Bishop and Cabinet will work hard to discern the pastor who will take my place and make that announcement as soon as possible, but I will continue to serve as your pastor until the end of June.