From J. Michael Smith—new pastor of Sullivan First UMC
As the clock struck midnight last night, not only did it abruptly become 2026, but I suddenly became the 70th pastor in the history of Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church. (Thank you Janet Roney, our church historian, for adding up all those preachers!) I am merely the latest in a long line of pastors who have been sent to Sullivan by the bishop to care for the people and the congregation.
My appointment is effective January 1 and extends through June 30 of this year. That doesn’t seem very long, but don’t be deceived. We have much to do. I expect our time together to be intense, filled with love and joy, and teeming with opportunities for us to grow together in the likeness of Christ. I think of it as a period of intensive care.
Every change of pastors is hard on a congregation. Many of you have had to say a difficult goodbye to Mike and Beth. Furthermore, each new pastor has to be “trained” to fit into your unique church. People feel anxious about what the new pastor will want to do. Every pastoral change brings a season of extra vulnerability to the congregation.
My response to all these anxieties and curiosities is this: let’s talk. I am eager to meet each one of you, learn your unique story, and respond to your concerns. My first role as “shepherd” is to love the sheep—each one. That means getting to know something about the holes in your lives, the burdens you carry, and the aspirations that you harbor.
Our congregation has been going through times of difficult transition in the past several years. Conflicts are inevitable—and even necessary in such times. But they are not insurmountable. With God, nothing is impossible.
We are entering a season of healing. It has already started. As pastor, my role is to preach nourishing sermons, listen carefully to each person, teach the Bible, and supervise our programs in order to maximize the fruitfulness of God’s love. Your role is to let your words and actions be governed by the better angels of your nature—and see what happens from there. When the people of a church avail themselves to be filled with God’s spirit—who knows where it will go.
Because this is a short term pastoral appointment, I will continue to live in my permanent house in Urbana—traveling back and forth several times during the week. I would appreciate planning our get togethers ahead of time—as much as possible.
If you haven’t met me yet, don’t be surprised to find out that I’m pretty old. That’s why I only do 6 month tours with churches these days—instead of marathon pastorates. But in a six month stint, I go pretty fast for an old geezer. Don’t be surprised if you wear out before me as we do ministry together. We’ll see when July 1 gets here.
This coming week I plan to be in Sullivan Monday through Thursday. Please think about a time when you have between 30-60 minutes to let me meet you one-on-one. Call, text, or email me and let me know. I want to meet everyone—not just officers and leaders. (But especially if you are an officer or leader—give me a call.) I’m very flexible on times.
You may contact me at 217-898-3148 or at jms754@gmail.com Anytime. If I don’t answer the phone when you call, please leave a message (so I will know you are not trying to sell me an extended warrantee.)
Our worship this Sunday, January 4, will be held at 9 a.m. in Friendship Hall. The sermon is from Matthew 2: 1-12. Our songs will include The First Noel and I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. Starting the following Sunday we will go back to the two worship services.
Please write or text back.
(A Different) Pastor Mike
Repertoire 