Bishop Shelton Announces New Cabinet Appointments Beginning July 2024

We have extraordinary churches and leaders in the NC Conference. How do we leverage churches and leaders to impact more people in our connection? With fewer churches, the NC Conference is “right-sizing” conference staff and the cabinet to serve with strength to alleviate additional financial stress on the remaining local churches.

At the beginning of 2022, the NC Conference had 786 churches. Moving into 2024, we stand firm at 439 churches.

“God is doing a new thing in the NC Conference. Innovation through new district configurations and diverse leaders collaborating on community-building ministry will strengthen our capacity to make disciples of Jesus Christ who transform the world,” said Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton.

It is with great hope for the future that Bishop Shelton announces new appointments for the North Carolina Conference, effective July 1, 2024.

Rev. Ismael Ruiz-Millán, current Heritage District Superintendent, will transition to Executive Director of Connectional Ministries (DCM) following the retirement of Home Missioner Steve Taylor after 23 years of faithful leadership as DCM (2015-24) and Director of Outreach Ministries (2001-15). The DCM role will join the Cabinet to foster alignment between the conference, districts, and local churches.

The Cabinet will embark on two district experiments for the next two years, with two new Superintendents serving their present congregation half-time and serving a district half-time. An associate pastor will join each congregation to support this new work.

After serving at First UMC (Rocky Mount) for three years, Rev. Dr. David Joyner will move to half-time at First UMC and become the Heritage District Superintendent half-time, overseeing 51 churches. Joyner is a Rural Fellow with The Duke Endowment and Duke Divinity School Thriving Rural Communities Initiative.

After serving at St. John UMC (Avon) for eight years, Rev. Gina Miller will move to half-time at St. John and become the Beacon District Superintendent half-time, overseeing 45 churches. Miller is also a Rural Fellow with The Duke Endowment and Duke Divinity School Thriving Rural Communities Initiative.

Rev. Jon Strother has faithfully served the Beacon and Sound Districts over the last year. While Rev. Strother will retire this year, he will continue to serve the Sound District half-time, with 43 churches. Rev. Tara Lain will continue as the Harbor District Superintendent, supporting 41 churches and piloting additional innovative mission initiatives.

After five years of faithful service as the Corridor District Superintendent, Rev. Mike Frese will return to the local church to begin serving at First UMC (Wilson). After serving First UMC (Graham) for five years, Rev. Claire Clyburn will become the new Corridor District Superintendent, supporting 79 churches.

Three District Superintendents will continue their current roles: Rev. Sunny Limm as the Fairway District Superintendent, with 67 churches; Rev. David Blackman as the Gateway District Superintendent, with 57 churches; and Rev. Dr. Chris Brady as the Capital District Superintendent, with 56 churches.

Thank you for your continued prayers for the Cabinet and all clergy and congregations in transition. View the entire appointive Cabinet below, effective July 1, 2024.