Rev. Brad Phillips District Superintendent

Message from the District Superintendent

John Lennon, of the musical group, the Beatles, once wrote in a song, “Life happens while you’re making other plans”. This is true in much of life, but it was especially true when Bishop Kammerer invited me to become the district superintendent for the Norfolk District. It is with much prayer, excitement, and a little nervousness, that I come before the clergy and the laity of this district to begin this journey in ministry together.

If I had a theme it would be the “The Ministry of Presence”. I am committed to being a presence through caring, giving, and listening. Presence is the foundation of excellent ministry everywhere, and I see it as my ministry on the district. I want to be present in the lives of the local churches and in the lives of the clergy who serve them. It is my desire over the first year and in subsequent years to visit all of the churches and celebrate in the life of your worship. I, along with my wife Kay, desire to be present at special occasions in the life of the churches throughout my ministry as D.S. It is my desire to get to know the pastors and the laity through the charge conference experience as well.

We live in changing times where we struggle with keeping old traditions and experiences and at the same time embracing opportunities to do new things in ministry. Throughout its history, the church has struggled through change and the reinventing of itself to stay fresh and relevant in the midst of a changing society around it. The same is true in the days we now live. There will be challenges and joys in the days ahead as we go forward as God’s people.

The bottom line of all of this is that the gospel of Jesus calls people to forgiveness of sins and to participate in a community of people who want to serve each other and to go forward to make a statement about God’s love in their world.

I ask you to pray for your churches and the clergy who serve them. I covet your prayers that I may develop a deep sense of wisdom to serve Christ and to serve you faithfully. I covet your prayers that I may come to you in love and encouragement, but also at times to come to you with a challenge to stretch. I promise that you will receive both encouragement and challenges from me.

So let us begin together to move forward to allow God to do great things through us as we work and journey together.

Grace and Love,
Brad Phillips

The District Beam, The United Methodist Church, Norfolk District Office,
July, 2008