Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ!
I am honored and excited that Bishop Tracy S. Malone has appointed me to serve as the Senior Pastor of the Sunbury United Methodist Church. Rebekah and I are filled with joy as we anticipate joining the vibrant ministry of a congregation known for its support of youth, its investment in the community, and its desire to grow in faith and grace.
I was licensed for ministry in 2013 and have since served rural and suburban congregations in Guernsey County, Ashland County, and Stark County. While there is much I cherish about pastoral work, I have a particular love for preaching, facilitating Bible Study, and building deep relationships with the members, friends, and leaders of the communities I serve.
In my life and ministry I hold on to a passage of Scripture from the book of Acts, “I hold nothing higher, not even my life, than the task of finishing my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus: to testify to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). There are many things that lobby for the Church’s attention, but Jesus commissions us with just one: make disciples of all nations, baptize them and teach them. God has seen fit for us to work together for this next season of ministry in Sunbury – and Rebekah and I are proud to be part of the ongoing work of the Kingdom in this region.
We currently have six marvelous children, four of which are children experiencing foster care. They range in age from 4 years old to 14 years old. Rebekah is an educator and will be working as a preschool teacher in Sunbury. We also have an English Bulldog named Cadet.
A congregation receiving a new pastor and a pastor receiving a new congregation is a bit like getting a new pair of shoes. You have to walk together for a while to find your stride and get comfortable with one another. As we step into these new shoes together, I am committed to learning from your experiences, listening to your hopes and dreams, and leading with a heart open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I invite you to join me in prayer for this transition. Since the announcement of the appointment was made I have been fasting every Monday until dinner time. I invite you, if it is safe for you to do so, to fast and pray with me.
Together we will grow in faith, reach the rapidly growing community of Sunbury, and advance the work of the Kingdom so that others come to know the deep, deep love of Jesus.
Stay encouraged,
Pastor Jake