News Summary
The United Methodist Church in North Alabama has undergone a significant clergy reshuffling, with new appointments including Rev. Robin Crews Wilson as senior pastor at Tuscaloosa First United Methodist Church. Wilson, who has held various pastoral roles, will deliver her inaugural sermon following her appointment. Other notable appointments include Rev. Kevin Thomas at First United Methodist of Birmingham. This reshuffle aims to meet the evolving spiritual needs of congregations in the area.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama — The United Methodist Church in North Alabama has experienced a significant clergy reshuffling, with many pastors beginning new appointments this weekend. Among them, Rev. Robin Crews Wilson has taken on the role of senior pastor at Tuscaloosa First United Methodist Church, effective July 1. Today, Wilson will deliver her inaugural sermon during the 11 a.m. service at the church.
Before assuming her new position, Wilson served as the executive director of stakeholder relationships for the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, a role she held since July 1, 2024. A native of Prattville, Alabama, Wilson has a strong academic foundation, with a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and a master of divinity degree from Duke University. She is an ordained elder and has previously pastored several congregations across Alabama, including those in Mobile, Dothan, Opelika, and Phenix City.
Additionally, Wilson has held the position of director for the Healthy Clergy and Congregations Initiative and is recognized as the author of the 2016 devotional, “God is With Us: An Advent Study Based on the Revised Common Lectionary,” published by Abingdon Press. In her new role, she succeeds Rev. Clinton Hubbard Jr., who made history as the first Black pastor of Tuscaloosa First United Methodist Church. Rev. Hubbard will transition to become the district superintendent of the East District in the North Alabama Conference, also effective July 1.
In a related move, Rev. Kevin Thomas has stepped into the senior pastor position at First United Methodist of Birmingham, also effective July 1. Thomas will deliver his first sermon today at First Birmingham. His background includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, a master of divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary, and a doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. Having spent 30 years in pastoral ministry, the last decade was spent at Forest Lake United Methodist Church, where he was the pastor prior to this appointment.
Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, who served as the first woman senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Birmingham since 2018, stepped down in February. She accepted a new role as the general secretary of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women of the United Methodist Church, starting March 1. Arnold had been on staff at First United Methodist since 2010.
The clergy realignment also includes several other appointments across the North Alabama Conference, with new pastors taking their positions today. These appointments comprise:
- Rev. Andy Curtis at Jacksonville First United Methodist Church.
- Rev. Mike Butler at Red Ridge United Methodist Church.
- Rev. Earl Freeman at Sylacauga First United Methodist Church.
- Rev. Chris Cone at Centre First United Methodist Church.
- Rev. Elizabeth Crosby at Long Memorial United Methodist Church.
- Rev. Andy Yarnell at Mosaic Church in Gadsden, overseeing junior college ministry.
- Rev. Don Barnett at Red Bay United Methodist Church.
- Rev. Megan Morris-Barber at Section/Dutton/Upper Sand Mountain parish, alongside Rev. Stephen Barber as associate pastor.
- Rev. Arthur Harrison at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
- Rev. Brittany Camp at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.
- Rev. Dale Capron at Tanner/Green Hill.
- Rev. Belinda Freeman at Columbiana United Methodist Church.
- Rev. Belinda Rives at Forest Lake United Methodist Church.
- Rev. Joe DeWitte at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.
This extensive network of clergy changes reflects the ongoing evolution and dedication of the United Methodist Church in North Alabama to meet the spiritual needs of its congregations. As clergy embrace their new roles, they bring unique experiences and backgrounds, promising to foster community and spiritual growth within their respective churches.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: United Methodist Clergy Reshuffle
- Wikipedia: United Methodist Church
- Rocket City Now: North Alabama Methodist Conference
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christianity
- WDHN: Wiregrass Methodist Churches Close
- Google News: United Methodist Church Recent News
- MSN: Healing Church Hurt
- Google Search: United Methodist Conferences
- AL.com: New Pastors Appointed
- Google Scholar: United Methodist Church Leadership
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