Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball recognized Rev. Rick Swearengin as the new District Superintendent of the Wesleyan District at the Special Annual Conference.
Rick began his ministry 23 years ago, in 1997, as an assigned supply, and became a licensed pastor in 1999 serving the Mt. Zion Charge in Calhoun County. Since then he has served four charges and a total of 11 churches. He served the last six years at Madison UMC in Boone County.
Asked how the move to district superintendent has differed from his other moves, Rick said, “Some similarities and some differences compared to others but it is always difficult to say good-bye.” Rick added that Covid-19 has made this a challenge in how we do things, how we say good-bye and especially in how we say, ‘hello’. Rick is looking forward to visiting the churches and getting to know the congregations in the Wesleyan District but Covid-19 has posed a challenge as not all churches are back to meeting in person. “While some churches are meeting in person, things are certainly not normal,” he said.
“It may take a while for folks to learn who I am and for me to come to know them and it is an adjustment to realize that I am not the pastor now but superintendent, clearly a different role,” he said.
Rick added, “I am truly honored and humbled to be serving as the Wesleyan District Superintendent. I pray that I serve in this capacity in such a way to bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior. I look forward to getting to know the pastors and congregations of the district to work together as we make disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Rick succeeds Rev. Mary Ellen Finegan, who has served as Wesleyan District superintendent for the past eight years.