Tim McClendon has been endorsed by the South Carolina Delegation as its Episcopal Nominee. Dr. McClendon has exhibited a fruitful ministry in the parish as well as a District Superintendent. The delegation feels that his passion and skills for leadership make him a prime nominee at this critical time in the UMC. He has had a fruitful ministry from the local church, district, annual conference, to the General Church level. He has come close to election before and his love of Christ and the church are still needed.
Dr. McClendon reported, “I feel called to this because God has laid on my heart a passion for energizing the United Methodist Church to make disciples for Jesus Christ. He has blessed me through many avenues and experiences for ‘such a time as this.’ With a degree of awe and humility, I hereby answer this call so that we may offer Christ and His hope to a hurting world. I will work for the unity of the church as well as guard the Gospel and teach the faith. I want to be an accessible and prophetic leader who brings out the very best in an annual conference and the whole church. I truly believe the UM distinctive, ‘Together We Can Do More!’”
Some qualifications: Effective local church pastor and recipient of the Denman Evangelism Award; 8 years as Columbia District Superintendent exhibiting an excellent partnership with laity and clergy including receipt of the SEJ St. James Award; intentional focus on missions through mission trips to five different countries and numerous US based opportunities; Delegate to 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 General Conferences; elected as Conference Parliamentarian (21 years); Chair, Annual Conference Restructuring Committee; Ten years as member of the Bd. of Ordained Ministry and Executive Committee; Current member of General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR); Member of General Council on Ministries; SC AC Comm. on Native American Ministry; Member for 8 years of The UMC Connectional Table; Member of World Wide Nature of the UMC Study Committee, Taught “Theology in the Wesleyan Spirit” and “UM Discipline and Polity” at Candler (12 years), and UM History at Lutheran Seminary; Chair, SEJ Rules Committee, and 3 quadrennia on SEJ Episcopacy Committee; General Conference BOD legislation writer for 4 General Agencies of the UMC; published in Circuit Rider numerous times; and author of “A Potter’s View” Blog which has been frequently cited on UMC.org.
“Tim McClendon has a genuine passion for the United Methodist Church. You sense this whenever you engage him in a conversation around the local church, the district or the annual conference. He is one who wants to see the UM church continue to be a strong voice in this world. Tim is known for his energetic personality and his love for the laity and clergy. We are excited to have Tim as our SC nominee.” said Barbara Ware, Conference Lay Leader and Vice Chairman of the SC Delegation.
