The Rev. Jeff Severt, lead pastor at New Song Church in New Bern has been named director of New Faith Communities for the North Carolina Conference, The United Methodist Church, Bishop Al Gwinn has announced.
As director, Severt will utilize partnerships with congregations and the conference to launch new communities of faith for all people in all areas of the conference.
“Jeff has proven ability in equipping, encouraging, and empowering others through his effectiveness in founding a dynamic congregation in New Bern which has grown to over 700 in weekend worship,” said Bishop Gwinn.
Previously, development of new communities and revitalization of existing congregations was the responsibility of Congregational Development. Under a restructure of how these ministries are accomplished, New Faith Communities has the responsibility for new ministries and the Conference Connectional Ministries will be work with existing congregations on revitalization.
The specific date Severt will begin his new appointment was not announced, pending the appointment of a new lead pastor at New Song.
Severt is noted for his unconventional approaches to ministry. He has preached from the rooftop of the church, flown to an outdoor service on a helicopter, and conducted a wedding on the bottom of the Caribbean. During the past 12 years, he has worn a tie to church only three times.
He has used his gifts in music, art, drama and video editing creatively in his ministry. Geocaching, outdoor scavenger hunting using gps coordinates, is included in his numerous interests.
Severt was ordained a Deacon in 1993, graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1994 and was ordained an Elder in 1996. He began New Song in 1998.
He has been a member of the Commission on Congregational Development and currently serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry. In 1997, he was presented the Denman Evangelism Award. He has completed the Church Planting program at the National Institute for New Church Development and the Royce and Jane Reynolds Program for Church Leadership.
Jeff and his wife, Monica, have three children: Callie, age 11, and three-year-old twins, Spence (a boy) and Skylar (a girl). Monica is a public school teacher.