Same as the old boss?
Not exactly.
In United Methodism, local pastors (like me) are supervised by what we call District Superintendents. A DS functions essentially as a pastor to pastors — and as a listening ear to congregations who may not be enamored with their pastor.
For the last eight years, Dr. George Thompson has served as the Superintendent of the Charlotte District — and, therefore, as my boss. Though he came into the position relatively unfamiliar with modern worship styles, he has grown a deep love for the full color nature of what we do at Good Shepherd.
George has reached the age of mandatory retirement in the United Methodist Church, and June 26 was his final Sunday in active ministry. The Charlotte Observer ran a very nice piece on him in Monday’s edition which you can read about here.
So who’s the new boss?
Gary Royals, the current pastor of Jamestown UMC near High Point. Gary served as pastor in the Charlotte area throughout the 90s and early 2000s, most recently at St. Andrews UMC near SouthPark.
I’ve known and respected Gary for years. He is a graduate of Asbury Seminary which means that we have a theological kinship. He also understands how and why a church like Good Shepherd operates.
He’s new to the arena of pastoring pastors, but given his record of ministry success, I believe he’ll catch on quickly.