Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball is pleased to announce she has appointed Rev. Christopher W. “Chip” Bennett as a Conference Superintendent assigned to the Southern District area effective July 1st.
Bishop Steiner Ball wrote, “Rev. Chip Bennett is an excellent leader. He brings with him expertise and experience in team building as well as leadership discovery and development. He has a passion for reaching God’s people in the West Virginia area to meet both physical and spiritual needs so that together we can make a positive impact for Christ in this world. I am very excited to have Rev. Bennett join our cabinet team.”
Rev. Bennett is a graduate of Mountain State University and Asbury Theological Seminary. He brings a rich experience of ministry, military service, and chaplaincy with the WV Army National Guard, and engagement with diverse people and in a variety of settings.
Rev. Dr. Joe Kenaston, Dean of the Cabinet, is excited to welcome Rev. Bennett to the Cabinet. Rev. Kenaston said, “Chip brings passion, energy, and creativity to the task of being a Superintendent. He will be an invaluable member of the Cabinet and leader in the Conference. The Southern District area will be blessed and excited to have Chip as the superintendent. I am thrilled to be able to hand the baton of ministry off to Chip.”
By way of introduction, Rev. Bennett shares the following message:
Friends it is with equal parts excitement and trepidation that I introduce myself to you as an incoming Conference Superintendent.
I am a native of Buckhannon, WV. I am in my 8th year serving Bellemead United Methodist Church in Point Pleasant. For the past 21 years, I have also served in the Army Reserve and the West Virginia Army National Guard and am currently the Chaplain for the 1092nd Engineer Battalion. My wife Karyn and I have been married for almost 13 years and we have three children Gabby (10), Evelyn (7), and Ira (5).
My call has always been to minister to and with the people of West Virginia. While there was a time in my life when I entertained serving elsewhere, I came to realize God had called me to this place. I believe wholeheartedly there is no organization better poised than The United Methodist Church to have a positive impact on our area. For good or ill we seem to have a church in every holler and street corner!
My vision is for churches to work together, sharing ministries and resources to reach our communities for Christ! My prayers are with you all and I and my family covet your prayers.
Grace upon grace,
Chip Bennett