Bishop Farr Announces Conference Staffing Changes
Bishop Farr intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Roger Ross to the extension ministry of Spiritual Leadership, Inc. (SLI) as a coach/specialist effective July 1. Roger joined our staff in 2017 from the Illinois Great Rivers Conference after years of pastoring local churches. Over the course of five years, he has introduced Missouri pastors and laity to the concepts of multiplication, helped churches of every size think creatively about new places for new people, developed a process for revitalizing existing churches (MKI) and created a Planting Academy. He has championed Emotionally Healthy spirituality and Alpha which are making a real difference in our local churches. We are grateful for his wisdom and experience. Thankfully, he won’t be going far. He and Leanne plan to stay in Columbia and continue worshipping at Community UMC while he works in the area of pastor coaching and church consultation. Bishop Farr, in consultation with the Cabinet, intends to appoint a clergyperson to the position for the beginning of the appointive year.
After consultation with Bishop Farr, Director of Next Generation Ministries Jeff Baker has decided to work full-time on his business, HYK Outdoors, effective March 1. Jeff started on staff with the Missouri Conference in 2008 as the Volunteers In Mission coordinator. In 2012 Baker was named the Conference Director of Mission, Service and Justice. In 2017, he moved over to direct the newly created Office of NextGen. Jeff has served faithfully in multiple areas of Conference leadership during his 14-year tenure. Bishop Farr plans to reassess organizational needs and update the job description in the coming weeks. Rev. Mark Statler, Director of Leadership Excellence, will oversee the NextGen staff until a hire or appointment is made.
Appointment Season Begins
New appointment changes were announced on the Missouri Conference website today. Pending clergy appointments are posted to the Missouri Conference website after local congregations have been informed about upcoming moves. To read the latest list, go to www.moumethodist.org/appointments.
Faith After Ferguson Monthly Book Study
Join us this spring for a four-part, virtual book study on Rev. Dr. Leah Gunning Francis’s work Faith After Ferguson: Resilient Leadership in Pursuit of Racial Justice. During each 90-minute session, Gunning Francis and guest facilitators will guide us in fruitful conversation, reflection and learning related to our shared race and culture work. Learn more and register at https://www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/15860674?month=2&year=2022&day=1&display=m
Online Church Workshop
A workshop an Online Church led by Cathy Townley is being planned for the Missouri Conference later this fall. Missouri churches that are interested in online church are advised to participate in this workshop. The date will be announced at a later time.
