PASTORAL TRANSITION 2025
Greetings Beloved of God,
If you weren’t able to be in worship last Sunday, I want to make sure you hear some important news directly from me: I will be receiving a new pastoral appointment this July.
This announcement feels sudden because it was a surprise to me, too. I didn’t ask for a change. No one here at Coronado requested it. There’s been no conflict, no issue, no pressure. No one is forcing this change.
When I was invited to consider the move, the surprise and sacrifice of the decision weighed heavily on me. Ed and I deeply love New Smyrna Beach and serving alongside you. You are dear to us. Coronado has become home. In our hearts, we even imagined retiring here. And yet, we always knew I might be asked to move. This is how our United Methodist appointive system works. As clergy, we make a vow to go where we are most needed, trusting that the Spirit is at work through our connectional system.
Clergy are like doctors. Some doctors specialize in treating hearts, others specialize in treating bones, while others specialize in treating eyes. Clergy specialize as well. Some are gifted in fundraising and building projects, some in starting new congregations, while others are gifted in stabilization or discipleship.
Another congregation in our conference is facing a pastoral transition due to a retirement. The Bishop and Cabinet discerned my new congregation needs my particular gifts and experience in this new season. They also knew Coronado was strong enough and stable enough to welcome a new pastor.
Of course, knowing all that doesn’t make this transition any easier. Starting over in a new place and saying goodbye to all that we treasure here is especially hard. The change will be challenging for our congregation. Ed and I have carried this news privately for the past month, alongside our Administrative Team, and we are relieved to finally share it with you openly so we can walk through this together.
I ask you to join me in trusting God to provide the wisdom, grace, and energy we will all need for this change. God would not be calling me away from our incredible congregation if God did not have a great plan for Coronado and its future lead pastor. God is already at work—in me, in Ed, in our congregation, and in the pastor who will soon arrive. The same Spirit who led me here is leading all of us forward into a new season.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Pray for Ed and I, our church family, and the pastor preparing to join you. Pray for grace, healing, protection, and openness during this tender time.
Honor your feelings. This news may stir a range of emotions: sadness, anger, anxiety, even excitement. All of it is valid and welcome. We have enough time to process the news and work through the transition. The Care Ministers, Staff, and I are ready to listen and help.
Trust each other and trust God. God is near. God is good. God will see us through. Psalm 30:5 reminds us, “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Keep the lines of communication open. We will have a full page on our website devoted to the pastoral transition. If something isn’t clear or if you have a concern, please speak up. Any question is a good question. You are never a bother.
Remain committed to God’s work in us and through us at Coronado Community UMC.
Our work as faithful leaders here in New Smyrna Beach continues. Our missional partnerships continue. Our commitment to building community, growing faith, and compassionate service continues.
The ministry of Coronado doesn’t rest on any one person. We’ve worked hard to build collaborative teams and honor the gifts, calling, and wisdom of each other. Your presence, leadership, and prayers are still very much needed. As Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “I am confident of this, that the One who began a good work among you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6).
We worship a God who never stops moving, guiding, and renewing. Even in the ache of change, joy is rising. A new chapter is beginning at Coronado Community UMC, and it is filled with hope, promise, and purpose. You will want to be part of what’s next.
With deep love and gratitude, your sister and servant in Christ- Lisa <><
IMPORTANT DATES
Sunday, April 27
During worship, we will share the name of Coronado’s next lead pastor and the location of my new appointment.
Sunday, June 1
This will be my final Sunday in the pulpit at Coronado. The following week I’ll attend Annual Conference in Lakeland and then complete the last details of the transition. Guest preachers will lead worship throughout the rest of June. Our new pastor will move to NSB later in June.
Sunday, July 6
Our new pastor’s first Sunday at Coronado Community UMC. A new season begins.
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TRANSITION GUIDE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How are Pastors in the United Methodist Church Appointed?
In the United Methodist Church, pastors are appointed by the Bishop and the cabinet (the District Superintendents). When a new pastor is needed, the Bishop/Cabinet consults the congregation’s Staff Parish Relationship Committee (SPRC). The SPRC outlines the ministries of the congregation, and the qualities needed in the new pastor to lead the congregation forward in fulfilling its mission. At Coronado Community UMC, our SPRC is called the Administrative Team.
The Bishop and Cabinet know and assess the clergy available for a new appointment. Then the Bishop and Cabinet deliberate, pray, select, and then send the best clergy leader available to lead each congregation forward. This is different from the “call” system where a congregation interviews and selects their own pastor after a lengthy search process.
All Elders, Provisional Elders, and Local Pastors are available to move every year. Itinerating within the Florida Conference connection of congregations is part of our vows. Even so, the Bishop/Cabinet recognizes the disruption a pastoral change brings to the congregation, the pastor, and their family. The Bishop/Cabinet supports need-based exceptions whenever possible.
Who is our District Superintendent?
Rev. June Edwards currently serves as the Interim North East District Superintendent. She is responsible for representing Coronado Community UMC, Pastor Lisa, and Pastor Staci in the appointment-making process.
When does the Cabinet meet?
Early in the year. There were several Cabinet appointment-making sessions scheduled for this year: February 10 - 12, March 3 - 6, and March 27.
When will we know who our new Lead Pastor is?
Once all the appointments have been confirmed, first with pastors and then with their congregation’s SPRCs, a public announcement is ready to be made. The public announcement of Coronado Community UMC’s new lead pastor will be made on Announcement Sunday, April 27, during worship. The announcement will also include information on Pastor Lisa’s new congregation.
Congregations across the Florida Annual Conference connection make pastoral appointment announcements on the same day and pastors begin their new appointments on the same day.
We were given special permission to announce Pastor Lisa’s departure on April 6 as her move wasn’t expected and because she wanted to be present for the announcement. Pastor Lisa will be on vacation on Announcement Sunday, April 27.
When will our new Senior Pastor start?
The new pastor will begin serving our congregation and community on July 1. The new pastor’s first Sunday leading worship will be July 6.
Can this pastoral change be reversed or stopped?
No.
Will this change affect Pastor Staci?
No. Pastor Staci will remain our part-time Associate Pastor.
How will this change affect Pastor Lisa’s husband, Ed?
Ed currently serves as the Risk Manager for the City of Port Orange. Ed will continue working for the city and living in their NSB home four days a week. He will commute to Pastor Lisa’s city and parsonage for the remainder of the week.
Will Pastor Lisa be available to come back for special services, including baptisms, weddings, or funerals?
No. Pastor Lisa will no longer be our pastor. Please open your hearts to the new pastor and allow them to serve you in these meaningful ways.
Your additional questions are most welcome. Please use the form below to ask your question.
