Three district superintendents in The Wesleyan Church retired or transitioned to other ministries in the summer of 2019.
Dr. Peter Rigby retired from the superintendency of the Central Canada District after serving for six years. Prior to his serving in district leadership, he was senior pastor at Kingston Standard Wesleyan Church, Kingston, Ontario, for 34 years. Dr. Eric Hallett was elected district superintendent (DS) to follow Dr. Rigby.
Rigby is thankful for the opportunity to have served.
“The district board of administration, the pastors and congregational leaders recognize their calling to be the people of God and, as people of God, to make a difference in our communities, our country and the world,” said Rigby.
Rev. Ed Rotz transitioned from serving as district superintendent of the Kansas District, a post he held since 2007, and will take a part-time position with PastorServe, a national organization that serves pastors by providing coaching, crisis support and consulting. Prior to his 12 years as district superintendent, he served as senior pastor of Fairlawn Heights Wesleyan Church (now called Grace Point Church) in Topeka, Kansas, for 18 years. Rev. Rotz’ successor is Rev. Nate Rovenstine.
“As a greenhorn, fresh-faced rookie pastor, I never envisioned the possibility of serving as a DS,” said Rotz. “But I have enjoyed serving Jesus and the interests of his kingdom in this role for the past 12 years far more than I would have thought possible.”
Rev. Max Colaw retired from serving as district superintendent of the Tri-State District. He was elected in 1990, so at a tenure of 29 years, he was the longest-serving active Wesleyan DS in North America at the time of his retirement. Prior to serving as DS, he was senior pastor at Cedar Ridge Wesleyan Church (formerly First Wesleyan Church) in Enid, Oklahoma, for 20 years. Elected to follow Rev. Colaw is Dr. Devon Smith.
“Ruth Ann and I have found the role of district superintendent to be rewarding and most enjoyable,” said Dr. Colaw. “We are thankful God has provided us the opportunity to serve in this area of ministry for the past 29 years. During these years we have been privileged to love, invest in, serve and work alongside some of the greatest pastors and laity one would ever meet. We will miss visiting the Tri-State District churches, but we are also looking forward to what God has for us in the future. We have been truly blessed by the many friends we have made on this journey.”
Pictured, left to right: Peter Rigby, Ed Rotz and Max Colaw.
