Many years ago, a United Methodist Bishop named Earl G. Hunt said that something called the itineracy was “the naturing quality of Methodism.” At the time I was new to ministry, and I wondered what he meant – but I have since become convinced that he was onto something.
Unlike those in the broad majority of denominations, United Methodist churches do not hire their pastors. (We have no search committees, no trial sermons or resulting votes, no two year-windows with an interim clergyperson!) No, in each Conference a bishop and her or his Cabinet of superintendents sends (“appoints”) nearly 100 clergy to new churches, each and every year.
This poses some key advantages. The “talent pool” available to the Cabinet is not four or five pastors, as might be the case for local-church interviews, but more than 500. Moreover, because all Methodist clergy who move in a given year do so on the same day, in theory no church is without a pastor for a few hours! It’s quite a feat, honestly.
The system depends on local churches and pastors communicating consultative feedback, regularly, as to the needs for leadership. Any year can be “a move year.” Quite often churches or pastors with a move have made themselves available for consideration for a change. And sometimes, neither the church nor the pastor requests consideration for a move, and the Cabinet still discerns a need for redeploying leadership.
The congregation at Williamsburg received news this past Sunday (“Announcement Sunday”) that both our itinerant Elders, Pastor Meghan and I, would this summer begin new appointments – and under different circumstances. I will let Pastor Meghan describe hers to you:
A letter from Pastor Meghan
In Fall 2017, I had the unexpected joy of moving back to a place and people I already loved, and that love has only deepened. Nearly eight years later, my time as one of WUMC's pastors is coming to a close. I praise God for Williamsburg UMC and the ministry we have shared.
Starting July 1, 2025, I will be appointed to school only, in order to complete my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William and Mary. My fieldwork will be at Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center, and I anticipate graduating in May 2026. I hope to obtain licensure as a professional counselor. You have been my cheerleaders the entire time - thank you!
My last day will be Sunday, June 1. Our family will still reside in Williamsburg, VA, and Josh remains on staff as Digital Media Specialist with Williamsburg UMC. You will also see our son James in worship and Family Ministries. Appropriately, I will keep a respectful distance as the new clergy team is established. However, you may see me in my role as mom from time to time.
I give thanks to God for this church and the ministry we have shared. I am excited for what God is doing and will do through you! I am also hopeful for and happy about the projected pastoral appointments. I know you will embrace them and their wonderful families, as you have loved ours. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
With Love and Gratitude,
Meghan
…and a Letter from Dave
As a former District Superintendent, I am among those who should certainly know “that every year is a Move Year.” While my family and I love ministry in Williamsburg, we are also loyal to the greater Church that has not once, but twice, sent us here to be in ministry. Those years, which will tally eight in full at Williamsburg (as both Associate and then Lead Pastor), are among the brightest and most memorable of my life.
On June 25, which is Moving Day this year, two remarkably able and very well-regarded pastors will succeed Meghan and me. Rev. Brian Johnson and Rev. Madison Ailinger will become that day your new Lead and Associate Pastors, respectively. Meghan and I have already begun meeting with them and are very encouraged by the “match” that the Appointive Cabinet has discerned. We see God’s handiwork in it, truly. In the coming weeks, you will get to learn more about, and hear from, both Pastor Brian and Pastor Madison. Until then, we invite you to pray for them as they say goodbye to church families whom they love and who love them and prepare to become your next pastoral team. You and they will be blessed.
After June 25, I will serve as Lead Pastor for Trinity UMC in McLean VA. Prior to then, Meghan and I are and will be working with Deacon Troy and our extraordinarily dedicated and able church staff to prepare for the very best and smoothest transition in pastoral leadership we possibly can.
In not just Methodist churches, but in all churches, pastors come and go. It’s the redemptive web of relationships that the Spirit makes possible among the people of God that endures. That’s how the world is changed - and us along with it.
The best is yet to come.
Dave
