Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith

Two Pastors Meet

I had the opportunity today to meet with Bill Wiggs, my successor come July 1.  We had lunch together and a very good conversation about First Church.  Even though Bill and I have been acquainted with each other for many years, this was the first time we had ever sat down to have an in-depth conversation.  

Outgoing pastors are always highly protective of the congregation they are leaving.  I am no exception to that rule.  It is like a father—meeting some guy who plans to date and marry your daughter. 

Except– in the United Methodist Church, the impending “marriage” has been arranged by the bishop.  Even so, I am no less on guard.

But at the end of the lunch, I came away very grateful that Bill will be my successor.  The two of us will hold several other meaningful conversations as we work together to make the transition healthy, smooth, and stress-free (as much as possible.)

Bill has an open invitation from me to come as often as he can break away—in order to be among us, relax, and enjoy the people and place—before he comes on July 1 to take up the heavier mantle of leadership.