General Church attendees of The Wesleyan Church’s (TWC) 22 district conferences described the prevailing conference mood as one of anticipation.
“There was an obvious energy in each district conference’s celebration of God’s equipping and leading in the ways its local churches and individuals were personifying the promise and power of Acts 1:8,” said General Superintendent Wayne Schmidt.
Compilation of 2024 district statistics is underway. Final statistics released at the November 18-19 General Board meeting will be included in the following WesLife General Board meeting recap. Early projections show increases in onsite worship attendance, membership and baptisms.
Florida, Shenandoah and South Carolina district conferences elected new superintendents in 2024, while The Wesleyan Church announced a key executive cabinet position change.
General Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer retirement
Kevin J. Batman retired on August 31, 2024, after 17 years of service to the General Church. He began working in the General Treasurer’s Office during his undergraduate studies at Marion College, now Indiana Wesleyan University, became the General Treasurer/CFO in 2007, and served alongside five general superintendents.
“The fact that Kevin began his official retirement from The Wesleyan Church on Labor Day weekend is appropriate,” said Wayne Schmidt. “Kevin had labored tirelessly, selflessly and faithfully as our General Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer. I know you share my deep gratitude for Kevin’s faithful leadership in stewarding TWC’s mission and finances.”
“It has been my great joy and privilege to do the Lord’s work for so long with so many outstanding servants,” said Kevin.
On September 1, TWC controller Jennifer (Jenny) Rouse became interim General Treasurer/CFO. Jenny, a certified public accountant, joined the finance team in 2021.
“I’m grateful for the expertise Jenny brings to this role,” said Dr. Schmidt, “and for her willingness to step in as an interim member of the executive cabinet and the finance office team leader.”
Florida District superintendent election
Assistant DS Reverend Derek Atkinson was elected district superintendent on July 12 to a four-year term following the retirement of former District Superintendent (DS) Reverend Patrick Styers. Patrick retired after serving the Florida District 16 years as DS. In his 28-year pastoral career, Patrick ministered at The Lighthouse Church in South Florida after spending several years serving in Kansas.
Speaking to the future of TWC and the Florida District, Patrick said, “Our focus needs to always be on loving and lifting people. The Wesleyan Church has always been a great ministry that puts the welcome mat out, but I don’t think we’ve crossed the bridge of having all people have that voice or that deep involvement that allows for more creative thinking when it comes to accomplishing ministry.”
Of the new DS, Patrick said, “Derek brings youthfulness and energy, and also knowledge and experience in terms of church development or redevelopment to the role. He is going to bring to the pastoral team here in Florida wisdom and understanding of how to help a church grow.” Derek will be expanding on what the district has done in Central Florida to create multiple network hubs led by local leaders.
Shenandoah District superintendent election
Assistant DS Reverend Janet Guthrie was elected interim district superintendent on July 8 to a one-year term following the resignation of former DS Timothy Kirkpatrick. She is the second woman in the history of TWC to serve as a DS and the first to be elected as a solo DS.
Janet has served in various district roles following her ordination in 2020. Prior to her ordination, she served in church pastoral and leadership positions. She plans to enhance Shenandoah’s next-generation focus, mission field expansion into neighboring communities and clergy care.
“I’m seeing pastors who want to get involved and help other pastors and get more involved in the district too, and that excites me,” she said.
South Carolina District superintendent election
Assistant DS Reverend Richard Hall was elected interim district superintendent on July 13 to a one-year term. Richard, senior pastor of Eden Wesleyan, Chesnee, South Carolina, has served as acting DS following the March 2024 resignation of former DS Tom Harding.
Richard and the district leadership team commit to creating a culture of high integrity for ministry leaders, equipping and empowering leaders to make disciple makers, and celebrating and supporting district ministers and ministries.
Reflecting on this new strategy, Richard shared, “We are working hard to create a culture of growth and community among the pastors.”
District conference digital resources
The General Church provided district conferences multiple digital resources, including a General Superintendent message. Click here to access all 2024 District Conference digital materials.
Jennifer Jones is a freelance journalist who serves as the North Carolina East District administrator.
