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“Clergy shall be appointed by the bishop, who is empowered to make and fix all appointments in the episcopal area of which the annual conference is a part. Appointments are to be made with consideration of the gifts and evidence of God’s grace of those appointed, to the needs, characteristics, and opportunities of congregations and institutions, and with faithfulness to the commitment to an open itineracy.”

– The 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. ¶425

Appointment List

The Desert Southwest Conference Appointment list is updated throughout the year. To view the current appointment list, click this link:

Appointment List 2023-2024 effective 2-15-24

Clear Openings Appointment Process

The Appointive Cabinet of the Desert Southwest Conference, are in prayer and discernment for the 2024/2025 Conference appointment year. Click here to learn more.

    Appointment Announcements March 18, 2024

    Lester, Pastor KevinBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Rev. Kevin Lester to serve as the pastor of Chino Valley United Methodist Church in Chino Valley, AZ, less than full-time, and as associate pastor of Prescott United Methodist Church in Prescott, AZ, less than full-time, effective July 1, 2024, per paragraph 326.1 in the 2016 Book of Discipline. Rev. Lester currently serves as the associate pastor of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ.

    Pastor Lesli McGowan is currently serving as associate pastor of Prescott UMC in Prescott, AZ. She will be appointed to First UMC of Safford, Safford, AZ, beginning July 1, 2024.

     

    Rev. Elizabeth LeMaster is currently serving as pastor of Chino Valley UMC in Chino Valley, AZ, less than full-time and Sedona United Methodist Church in Sedona, AZ, less than full-time. She will begin serving Sedona United Methodist Church, full-time, effective July 1, 2024. 

    This announcement is being made by the Rev. Javier Olivares, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the West District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Lester, St. Mark’s UMC, Pastor McGowan, Prescott UMC, Rev. LeMaster, and Chino Valley UMC during this time of transition.

     


    Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Pastor Lesli McGowan to serve as pastor of First United Methodist Church of Safford, AZ, effective July 1, 2024, per ¶318.1 of the 2016 Book of Discipline. Pastor McGowan is currently serving as associate pastor of Prescott United Methodist Church in Prescott, AZ.

     

    Rev. Meredith Joubert is currently serving as the pastor of First United Methodist Church of Safford and will be appointed to Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church in Green Valley, AZ, effective July 1, 2024.

     This announcement is being made by Rev. Matt Ashley, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the South District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Joubert, First UMC Safford, Pastor McGowan, and Prescott UMC during this transition.


    Ontanyon, Rev. TonyBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Rev. Oskar “Tony” Ontanyon to serve as pastor of Willcox United Methodist Church in Willcox, AZ, less than full-time, effective July 1, 2024, per ¶357.6 of the 2016 Book of Discipline. Rev. Ontanyon is currently serving Community United Methodist Church in Caliente, NV.

    Larsen, Rev. LindaRev. Linda Larsen is currently serving as the pastor of Willcox United Methodist Church and will be appointed to Payson United Methodist Church in Payson, AZ, effective July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Matt Ashley, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the South District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Ontanyon, Community UMC Caliente, Rev. Larsen and Willcox UMC during this transition.

     


    Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Rev. Sharon Williams to serve as the senior pastor of Desert Spring United Methodist Church in Las Vegas, NV, effective July 1, 2024, per ¶346.1 of the 2016 Book of Discipline. Rev. Williams is an elder​ who currently serves in the Indiana Conference.

     

    Devereaux, Rev. DavidRev. David Devereaux is currently serving as pastor of Desert Spring UMC Las Vegas. He will serve as the transitional consulting pastor serving less than full-time in retirement, beginning July 1, 2024, per ¶357.6 in the 2016 Book of Discipline.

    This announcement is being made by the Rev. Timote Piukala, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the North District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Devereaux, Rev. Williams, and Desert Spring UMC during this time of transition.

     


    Appointment Announcement March 11, 2024

    Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Pastor Ivelisse G. Bishop to serve as the pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church Phoenix, effective July 1, 2024, per ¶318.1 of the 2016 Book of Discipline, upon the anticipated approval of her licensing in the Desert Southwest Conference. Pastor Bishop is a licensed local pastor who currently serves in the Greater New Jersey Conference.

    Holliday, Rev. BobRev. Robert Holliday is currently serving as pastor of Trinity UMC Phoenix. He will enter into retired status beginning July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by the Rev. Javier Olivares, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the West District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Holliday, Pastor Bishop, and Trinity UMC Phoenix during this time of transition.


    Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes to serve as the pastor of First United Methodist Church Mesa, effective July 1, 2024, per ¶346.1 of the 2016 Book of Discipline. Rev. Dr. Parkes is an elder​ who currently serves in the Alabama/West Florida Conference.

    Rev. Lust is currently serving as pastor of First UMC Mesa. He will return to the Northwest Texas Annual Conference beginning July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by the Rev. Melissa Rynders, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the East District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Lust, Rev. Dr. Parkes, and First UMC Mesa during this time of transition.


    Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Rev. Meredith Joubert to serve as pastor of Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church in Green Valley, AZ, effective July 1, 2024, per ¶326.2 of the 2016 Book of Discipline. Rev. Joubert is currently serving First United Methodist Church Safford in Safford, AZ.

    Rev. Sandy Lynn Johnson is currently serving as the pastor of Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church and will be appointed to Red Mountain United Methodist Church in Mesa, AZ, effective July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Matt Ashley, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the South District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Joubert, First UMC Safford, Rev. Johnson and Santa Cruz Valley UMC during this transition.

     


    Booth, Rev. JamieBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Rev. Jamie Booth to serve as pastor of The Bridge United Methodist Church in Phoenix, AZ, less than full-time, and will continue to serve Scottsdale UMC in Scottsdale, AZ, less than full-time, effective July 1, 2024. Rev. Booth is currently serving Scottsdale United Methodist Church in Scottsdale, AZ.

    Patzloff, Rev. MichaelRev. Michael Patzloff is currently serving as the pastor of The Bridge United Methodist Church and will be appointed to Desert Mission United Methodist Church in Scottsdale, AZ, effective July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Melissa Rynders, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the East District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Booth, Scottsdale UMC, Rev. Patzloff and The Bridge UMC during this transition.


    Appointment Announcement March 4, 2024

    Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint the Rev. Kelli Knight to serve as the associate pastor of Catalina United Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ, effective July 1, 2024, per ¶346.1 of the 2016 Book of Discipline. Rev. Knight is an ordained elder who currently serves in the Northern Illinois Conference.

    Colby, Rev. MatthewThe Rev. Matt Colby is currently serving as the associate pastor of Catalina UMC. He will enter into retired status beginning July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by the Rev. Matt Ashley, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the South District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Colby, Rev. Michael Kerr-Osman, Catalina UMC and Rev. Knight during this time of transition.


    Appointment Announcement February 26, 2024

    Rev. Timote Piukala intends to assign, with the blessing of Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut, ‘Ofa Savou Vaki as Lay Person Assigned to Advent UMC in Las Vegas, NV, less than full time, effective July 1, 2024, per ¶205.4 of the 2016 Book of Discipline. She is currently on track to become a Licensed Local Pastor.

    Pastor Ash Dotson is currently serving as the pastor of Advent UMC.

    This announcement is being made by Timote Piukala, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the North District, who calls us to be in prayer for Ms. ‘Ofa Savou Vaki, Pastor Ash Dotson and Advent UMC during this time of transition.


    Payne, Rev. RobertBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Mr. Robert Payne to serve as the pastor of Desert Foothills United Methodist Church in Phoenix, AZ, effective July 1, 2024, per ¶318.1 of the 2016 Book of Discipline, upon the anticipated approval of his licensing with the Desert Southwest Conference. Mr. Payne is a lay person assigned and is currently serving as the Pastor of Worship and Engagement at Desert Mission UMC in Scottsdale, AZ. 

    Hansen, Rev. Dr. Kristin

    Rev. Kristen Hansen is currently serving as the pastor at Desert Foothills UMC. She will be appointed as the pastor of First UMC in Gilbert, AZ beginning July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Melissa Rynders, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the East District, who calls us to be in prayer for Mr. Payne, Desert Mission UMC, Rev. Hansen and Desert Foothills UMC during this time of transition.

     


    Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Pastor Jackie Raineri to serve as the pastor of Green Valley United Methodist Church in Henderson, NV, effective July 1, 2024 per ¶318.1 of the 2016 Book of Discipline upon the anticipated approval of her licensing with the Desert Southwest Conference. Pastor Raineri currently serves as the Digital Oasis Campus Pastor of Plymouth First UMC in Plymouth, MI. 

    Dotson, Rev. MaryRev. Mary Dotson is currently serving as the pastor at Green Valley UMC and will be appointed as the pastor of Vista de la Montana beginning July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Timote Piukala, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the North District, who calls us to be in prayer for Pastor Raineri, Digital Oasis Campus, Rev. Mary Dotson and Green Valley UMC during this time of transition.


    Appointment Announcement February 19, 2024

    Patzloff, Rev. MichaelBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint the Rev. Michael Patzloff to serve as the pastor of Desert Mission United Methodist Church in Scottsdale, AZ, effective July 1, 2024. Rev. Patzloff is currently serving The Bridge United Methodist Church in Phoenix, AZ.

    Wiltbank, Rev. JimRev. Jim Wiltbank is currently serving as the pastor at Desert Mission UMC. He will enter into retired status beginning July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by the Rev. Melissa Rynders, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the East District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Patzloff, The Bridge UMC, Rev. Wiltbank and Desert Mission UMC during this time of transition.


    Harriss, Rev. DavidBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint the Rev. David Harriss to serve as the co-pastor of Gold Canyon United Methodist Church in Gold Canyon, AZ, effective July 1, 2024. Rev. Harriss is currently serving Gila Mountain United Methodist Church in Yuma, AZ.

    Steinberg, Rev. FredRev. Fred Steinberg is currently serving as the pastor at Gold Canyon UMC and will serve as the co-pastor with Rev. Harriss during this year of transition.

    This announcement is being made by the Rev. Melissa Rynders, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the East District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Harriss, Gila Mountain UMC, Rev. Steinberg and Gold Canyon UMC during this time of transition.

     


    Barcus, Pastor GeorgeBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Pastor George Barcus as pastor of Pahrump Valley United Methodist Church in Pahrump, NV, effective July 1, 2024,  per ¶ 318.1 of the 2016 Book of Discipline. Pastor Barcus is currently serving Community United Methodist Church in Williams, AZ.

     

    Rev. Jody Topping is currently serving as the pastor of Pahrump Valley UMC and will be appointed to First UMC Sun City, effective July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by the Rev. Timote Piukala, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the North District, who calls us to be in prayer for Pastor Barcus, Community UMC, Rev. Jody Topping and Pahrump Valley UMC during this time of transition.

     


    Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint the Rev. Sandy Lynn Johnson to serve as the pastor of Red Mountain United Methodist Church in Mesa, AZ, effective July 1, 2024. Rev. Johnson is currently serving Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church in Sahuarita, AZ.

    Lambert, Rev. JenRev. Jennifer Lambert is currently serving as the pastor at Red Mountain UMC and will be appointed to Sun Lakes UMC, effective July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by the Rev. Melissa Rynders, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the East District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Johnson, Santa Cruz Valley UMC, Rev. Lambert and Red Mountain UMC during this time of transition.


    Appointment Announcement February 12, 2024

    Joubert, MeredithBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Rev. Meredith Joubert to serve as the interim senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Safford, AZ, effective March 1 to June 30, 2024 per ¶ 331.1c and 338.3 of the 2016 Book of Discipline. Rev. Joubert is currently serving St. Paul’s UMC in Tucson, AZ.


    Johnson, Rev. Corby JoRev. Corby Jo Johnson will serve as the pastor at First United Methodist Church through February 15, 2024. She is requesting medical or disability retirement from the Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church.

    Rev. Matt Ashley will be serving as the pastor of record of First UMC between February 16-29, 2024 in accordance with ¶419 of the 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Matt Ashley, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the South District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Joubert, St. Paul’s UMC, Rev. Johnson and First UMC of Safford during this transition.

     

    Appointment Announcement February 5, 2024

    Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint the Rev. Jody Topping to serve as pastor of First United Methodist Church in Sun City, AZ, effective July 1, 2024. Rev. Topping is currently serving Pahrump Valley UMC, in Pahrump, NV.

    Puntar, Rev. KathleenRev. Kathleen Puntar is currently serving as the senior pastor at First UMC of Sun City. She is an elder in the California-Pacific conference and will be entering into retirement.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Javier Olivares, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the West District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Topping, Pahrump Valley UMC, Rev. Puntar and First UMC of Sun City during this transition.


    Larsen, Rev. LindaBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint Pastor Linda Larsen to serve as pastor of Payson United Methodist Church in Payson, AZ, less than full time, effective July 1, 2024 per ¶ 322.3 of the 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline. Pastor Larsen is currently serving Willcox UMC in Willcox, AZ. 

    Eaton, Rev. Michael

    Rev. Michael Eaton is currently serving as the pastor at Payson UMC. He will be entering into retired status beginning July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Melissa Rynders, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the East District, who calls us to be in prayer for Pastor Larsen, Willcox UMC, Rev. Eaton and Payson UMC during this transition.


    Dotson, Rev. MaryBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint the Rev. Mary Dotson to serve as pastor of Vista de la Montaña United Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ, effective July 1, 2024. Rev. Dotson is currently serving Green Valley UMC in Henderson, NV.

    Rev. Deborah Christine is currently serving as the interim pastor at Vista de la Montaña UMC. She is a retired elder in the Mountain Sky Conference.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Matt Ashley, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the South District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Dotson, Green Valley UMC, Rev. Christine and Vista de la Montaña during this transition.

    Appointment Announcement January 30, 2024

    Hansen, Rev. Dr. KristinBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint the Rev. Dr. Kristin Hansen to serve as pastor of First United Methodist Church in Gilbert, AZ, effective July 1, 2024. Rev. Hansen is currently serving Desert Foothills UMC, in Phoenix, AZ.

    Casebolt, Rev. Rick

    Rev. Rick Casebolt is currently serving as the senior pastor at First UMC of Gilbert. He will be entering into retired status beginning July 1, 2024.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Melissa Rynders, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the East District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Hansen, Desert Foothills UMC, Rev. Casebolt and First UMC Gilbert during this time of transition.


    Lambert, Rev. JenBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint the Rev. Jennifer Lambert to serve as pastor of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church in Sun Lakes, AZ, effective July 1, 2024. Rev. Lambert is currently serving Red Mountain UMC in Mesa, AZ.

    Arnpriester, Rev. MarvinRev. Marvin Arnpriester is currently serving as the pastor at Sun Lakes UMC. He is an affiliate member in the Desert Southwest Conference and a retired elder from the Iowa conference and will be returning to retirement.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Melissa Rynders, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the East District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Lambert, Red Mountain UMC, Rev. Arnpriester and Sun Lakes UMC during this transition.


    Soon, StephanieBishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint the Rev. Stephanie Soon to serve as the Minister of Music at New Song United Methodist Church in Surprise, AZ, increasing to 1/2 time, effective January 1, 2024, per ¶357.6 of the 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline. Rev. Soon is a retired deacon in the Desert Southwest Conference.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Javier Olivares, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the West District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Soon and New Song UMC during this time of transition.

    Appointment Announcement January 22, 2024

    Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut intends to appoint the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth LeMaster to serve as pastor of Sedona United Methodist Church in Sedona, AZ, full-time, effective July 1, 2024, per ¶346.1 of the 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline. Rev. LeMaster is currently serving Sedona UMC and Chino Valley UMC in Chino Valley, AZ, each at less than full time.

    This announcement is being made by Rev. Javier Olivares, Missional Strategist and Superintendent of the West District, who calls us to be in prayer for Rev. Dr. LeMaster, Sedona UMC and Chino Valley UMC during this transition.

    Clear Openings Process 2024-2025

    Dear Members and friends of the Desert Southwest Conference,

    Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.

    The Appointive Cabinet of the Desert Southwest Conference are in prayer and discernment for the 2024/2025 conference appointment year. We invite the clergy and laity into this discernment by reviewing the clear appointment opening announcements and praying for each ministry setting and for God’s wisdom in guiding the appointment process.

    This is how the clear opening process works:

    • Listing of Clear Openings:
      • Churches in need of a new pastor through a retirement, ending of an interim period, or change in appointment status will be listed as a clear opening. Openings in cabinet and conference staff positions will also be listed.
      • The listing includes a brief description of the churches’ ministry settings. Specific statistics about a church and community are available through the Annual Conference Journal and MissionInsite. You may obtain MissionInsite data from your District Superintendent.
      • The appointive cabinet will update the list regularly to reflect appointments already made and new openings that become available.
      • The listings of clear openings can be found by clicking here.
    • Process of Clergy Inquiry:
      • Clergy are encouraged to spend time in prayerful discernment about their call, service, and the listing of clear openings. If the Spirit gives clear prompting, then proceed with an inquiry. Because we are already in the appointment season, the Cabinet requests that you do this promptly.
      • Clergy who are current members of the Desert Southwest Conferencewho experience the call by God to put their names forward for a specific opening are to contact both their current District Superintendent and the District Superintendent who oversees the clear-opening church. Send to both DSs a statement sharing about their call to the appointment and what experience, gifts, and skills they have that are needed by the church. Clergy who are not under appointment or members of another conference or denomination who experience the call by God to put their names forward for a specific opening are to contact Rev. Timote Piukala.
      • Confidentiality is critical. Pastors who are considering putting their names forward as an inquiry must not contact people in their own local churches, nor the pastors or laity of the churches in which they have interest, as this has the potential to harm current church appointments. The Cabinet will hold all inquiries in confidence.
      • The Bishop and Cabinet will deeply discern the gifts and graces of the clergy members putting their names forward, and the needs of the mission fields and the local churches. A clergy inquiry may not lead to that specific appointment.
    • Expectations:
      • The Cabinet will be in prayer to deeply discern the match between the mission field, the local church and the gifts and graces of the pastor asked to serve.
      • Bishop, Cabinet, Pastors, and SPRCs are all committed to seeking appointments based on the match between:
        • the local communities and churches,
        • the gifts and skillsets of the potential pastors alongside their personal needs, and
        • the larger ministry context of the Desert Southwest Conference.
      • The District Superintendent will share with a pastor and SPRC the considerations leading to the discerned appointment.
      • There is also an expectation of an open itinerancy, and if a clergy person cannot move because of significant family issues, we will enter a “Covenant of Limited Itineration,” whereby full-time appointment may not be possible, as we discern what is available in any given local area.

    We hope and pray that this way of appointment making will continue to be both liberating and helpful to our annual conference and God’s Kin-dom that we actively pray would come here on earth, through us. We covet your prayers as we engage in this deep, holy work.

    Addaan namnama ken rag-o (With hope and joy),

    Bishop/Obispo Carlo A. Rapanut

    The United Methodist Church

    Phoenix Episcopal Area

    Desert Southwest Conference

    The Appointive Cabinet