Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, resident bishop of the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, released this statement regarding a realignment of the supervision of the 12 districts of the conference:
My friends, there has been much discourse and conjecture surrounding the ongoing reset that is taking place within our denomination, our conference, and our local churches. Two things are certain as this resetting continues to unfold in the coming months: God is leading us where God wants us to go, and we will follow.
Beginning June 26, we will take our next steps together with a new model for leadership, as 10 superintendents will oversee and serve as chief missional strategists for our 12 districts. This decision comes after much prayer, discernment and discussion.
Here’s how it will work:
Four of our current superintendents – from the Charleston, Greenville, Greenwood and Walterboro districts – are transitioning out of their current appointments at the conclusion of this conference year.
The Rev. Chris Lollis will succeed the Rev. Dr. Stephen Love as superintendent of the Greenwood District. Rev. Dr. Love has served the Greenwood District since 2016. He will receive a new appointment at the 2024 Annual Conference.
The Rev. Chris Lollis will succeed the Rev. Dr. Stephen Love as superintendent of the Greenwood District. Rev. Dr. Love has served the Greenwood District since 2016. He will receive a new appointment at the 2024 Annual Conference.
The Rev. Jeffrey Salley will succeed the Rev. Dr. Sandra Stevens Poirel as superintendent of the Charleston District. Rev. Dr. Stevens Poirel has served the Charleston District since 2016. She will receive a new appointment at the 2024 Annual Conference.
The Rev. Jeffrey Salley will succeed the Rev. Dr. Sandra Stevens Poirel as superintendent of the Charleston District. Rev. Dr. Stevens Poirel has served the Charleston District since 2016. She will receive a new appointment at the 2024 Annual Conference.
The Rev. Telley Gadson, who has served as superintendent of the Hartsville District since 2021, will succeed the Rev. Joey McDonald as superintendent of the Walterboro District. Rev. McDonald has served the Walterboro District since 2020. He has requested not to be considered for appointment at the 2024 Annual Conference.
The Rev. Telley Gadson, who has served as superintendent of the Hartsville District since 2021, will succeed the Rev. Joey McDonald as superintendent of the Walterboro District. Rev. McDonald has served the Walterboro District since 2020. He has requested not to be considered for appointment at the 2024 Annual Conference.
The Rev. Jim Dennis, who has served as superintendent of the Greenville District since 2019, is retiring at the 2024 Annual Conference.
The Greenville and Hartsville districts each will pilot a shared coverage model – with superintendents from the surrounding geographic regions offering collaborative leadership:
- The superintendents from the Anderson, Greenwood and Spartanburg districts – Rev. Steve Patterson, Rev. Lollis, and Rev. Cathy Mitchell – will serve the Greenville District in addition to their home districts.
- The superintendents from the Columbia, Florence and Rock Hill districts – Rev. Fran Elrod, Rev. Terry Fleming and Rev. Dr. Anthony Hodge – will serve the Hartsville District in addition to their home districts.
- The district offices in the Greenville and Hartsville districts will remain in operation, and the dedicated staff in those offices and members of district boards and committees will continue to serve.
As people of faith, we know with blessed assurance that God works all things for good for those who love the Lord.
I am grateful for the creativity and collaboration of those working toward smooth transitions into this new leadership model – the clergy and laity serving in district leadership, current superintendents, and those newly assigned superintendents. Conversations with lay and clergy leaders within the districts where these changes will take place have revealed enthusiasm and hopefulness for the future possibilities that will spring forth in response to our faithful stewardship.
Friends, we serve a gracious and loving God who has plans to give us hope and a future. We, therefore, remain committed to seeking a more excellent way on the leading edge of ministry. May we keep this at the forefront in our hearts and minds as we continue to prayerfully respond to the evolving reality of the context in which we work to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Grace and peace,
L. Jonathan Holston
Resident Bishop
