A UMC.org Feature by Joe Iovino*

One Sunday during worship, you notice a visitor who looks vaguely familiar. Suddenly the pastor invites her forward to address the congregation. Now you remember. She is your District Superintendent. Oh no! Why is she here?

A numbness overcomes you as you hear the words. Your pastor is leaving. In several weeks, he will move to a new church. The DS then promises to return soon to introduce you to your new pastor.

United Methodist churches repeat this scene whenever elders are appointed to new churches.

Read more at umc.org: We’re getting a new pastor! What can I do?