For both Rich Shaffer and Kristi Wilkerson, serving in West Virginia Annual Conference leadership roles seemed natural.
Shaffer grew up in the church, the son of a Methodist minister. Except for a period in his younger years, Shaffer has attended worship at a local church and has taken on leadership roles. Over time, he became involved in his district and in the annual conference, culminating with his role as the Conference Lay Leader, starting in 2008.
As Conference Lay Leader, Shaffer had the opportunity to add his voice to several committees and agencies. Moreover, in 2016, Shaffer served as a delegate to general and jurisdictional conferences, adding to the influence that West Virginia United Methodism had on global church matters.
It has always been important for Wilkerson’s family and for her to be active in a local church wherever they have been living. She has served on the staff of local churches as a Christian educator. She has been nominated and served on local church committees. Additionally, she has been invited to serve on district and annual conference committees and agencies, culminating in her most recent role as the Associate Lay Leader. During the Aug. 1 Special Annual Conference she was elected to succeed Shaffer as Conference Lay Leader. She also serves as director of the Upshur Parish House in Buckhannon.
In 2019, Wilkerson was elected as a delegate to the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference, which means she also is a reserve delegate to General Conference.
Even though it is common for the Associate Lay Leader to become the Conference Lay Leader, Wilkerson was surprised to learn that she had been nominated for the Conference Lay Leader role. When asked why, she noted that the role is a visible position in West Virginia United Methodism and takes a certain skill set. She said she is not only honored and humbled by the nomination, she also is excited at the opportunity to work with others in building the kingdom.
Wilkerson acknowledges that The United Methodist Church is facing divisive times, with the prospect of a split a potential reality. It has left her feeling uncertain and unsettled. But this pivotal time has also challenged her to have faith in God to lead the General Conference to work things out. In the meantime, the Great Commission calls United Methodist Christians to the work of making disciples for the transformation of the world, and Wilkerson is heartily committed to that work.
Wilkerson expects to build upon Shaffer’s foundational work of equipping and empowering the laity. She plans to emphasize that the appointed clergy are not the only leaders in local churches. In fact, she plans to highlight the role of the Certified Lay Minister, who is often being called upon to fill pulpits due to a clergy shortage. She wants to travel around the state, hearing the call stories of her fellow laity.
For his part, Shaffer said that serving as the Conference Lay Leader has been an extreme honor and privilege. He said it has been a rewarding experience; a time of personal and spiritual growth. He said he handed over the Conference Lay Leader position with several highlights in mind.
One was his participation in ordination services through the laying on of hands. Also, during each year of his term, he delivered the Laity Address. He once wrote a song set to the tune of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” from the movie Frozen, a song called “Do You Want to Make Disciples?” He also used his skills as a stained-glass artisan to produce artwork for the 2100 initiative, a project of the Annual Conference to reach 2,100 new professions of faith.
When asked what words of wisdom he had for the new Conference Lay Leader, Shaffer shared the following words: stay open to the direction of the Holy Spirit; pray for the Church and the Bishop; grow in your relationship with the Lord; show grace to yourself, since the responsibility is large; and depend upon God for strength and guidance.
They’re Shaffer’s words for Wilkerson and all West Virginia United Methodists serving the Lord.