Thirty people who give leadership to our districts in North America have the term “superintendent” in their title. I carry that term in my title as well and am deeply grateful for my district superintendent colleagues as we together engage in leading the translocal ministry of The Wesleyan Church. It has become increasingly clear throughout recent months that we are in a fast-paced learning process as God begins to birth a movement among us. God is moving quickly and powerfully, and we are striving to keep pace.
The Superintendent Institute, which also included the Executive Cabinet, was held January 24-26 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, future site of The Gathering 2019. The Institute was marked by a second year of unprecedented collaboration between districts, as many are working together on unique multiplication initiatives, shared ministry services and intentional missional partnerships. Several superintendents provided presentations on a variety of topics including leadership development and cross-district ministry strategies. Their passion and creativity to empower our churches was inspiring and will infuse our district conferences this summer.
I continue to be humbled by the district superintendents’ shared desire to lead The Wesleyan Church prayerfully, selflessly and purposefully. It was my additional privilege to honor five long-serving district superintendents who have publicly announced their pending retirements:
- Dan Berry served 22 years (Eastern New York-New England District from 1993 to 2001 and South Coastal District from 2004 to 2018)
- Stan Hoover served 18 years (Chesapeake District from 2000 to 2018)
- Paul James served 17 years (Kansas from 1994 to 2001 and Eastern New York-New England/Northeast from 2008 to 2018)
- Buddy Rampey served 14 years (South Carolina District from 2004 to 2018)
- Randy Swink served 18 years (Western Pennsylvania District from 2000 to 2018)
Each will serve through their district conferences this summer. I am deeply grateful for the leadership they have provided through the years and for their continued interest in the days ahead.
The Wesleyan Church is building bridges in new ways and in new places. Pray with us as we continue serving our God who is making all things new.
