As the NC Conference continues to “right-size” for a future with strength, the Office of Connectional Ministries announces the following staff responsibility changes moving forward:
Rev. Ernesto Barriguete
Rev. Ernesto Barriguete, who has served as the Director of Race Equity & Justice Ministries for the past seven years, transitioned to a quarter-time role in his current position on July 1. Concurrently, he began serving Edgerton United Methodist Church on a three-quarter-time basis. Ernesto will continue directing the H.E.A.R.T. curriculum and implementing the Intercultural Development Inventory. Other responsibilities will shift to other staff within Connectional Ministries.
Rev. Rhonda Grant Jordan
Rev. Rhonda Grant Jordan, Director of Peace Building & Outreach Ministry, will now be the staff liaison for the Race Equity & Justice Ministry Team as well as the Outreach Ministry Team, including the following associated committees:
Race Equity & Justice Ministry Team
- Multicultural Ministries
- Asian Ministries
- Hispanic-Latinx Ministries
- Native American Ministries
- Strengthening the Black Church Ministries
- Refugee & Immigration
Outreach Ministry Team
- Congregations for Children
- Creation Care
- Health Ministries
- Disaster Readiness & Response
- Missions & Outreach
Leah Wiebe-Smith
Leah Wiebe-Smith will continue in her role as staff liaison for the Christian Formation Team, the Leadership Development Team, and the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. She adds the Commission on the Status and Role of Women to the committees that she staffs:
Christian Formation Team
- Evangelism & Discipleship
- Financial Discipleship
Leadership Development Team
- Board of Laity
- Lay Servant Ministries
- Center for Leadership Excellence
- Christian Unity & Interreligious Relationships
- Church & Society
- Safe Sanctuaries
Race Equity & Justice Team
- Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW)
Rev. Dr. Jason Villegas will continue to staff the two youth committees under the Christian Formation Team.
- Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM)
- Youth Operations Team
Rev. Ismael Ruiz-Millán
Rev. Ismael Ruiz-Millán will continue developing the vision and strategy for Race Equity & Justice Ministries by infusing values of inclusion to all and anti-racism as together we seek to make disciples, form leaders, and foster peace building in our conference.
View a complete list of committees and their staff liaisons at nccumc.org/about/cct.
These adjustments reflect our ongoing commitment to adapting our structure and resources to best support the mission and ministries of the NC Conference. Please join us in praying for Ernesto, Rhonda, Leah, and Ismael as they step into these new and adjusted roles and continue to serve our communities with dedication and passion.