July 31, 2016
Bishop Paul L. Leeland, in consultation with Bishop David Graves, is pleased to announce several appointments in the Alabama-West Florida Conference that are the result of Bishop Lawson Bryan’s episcopal election and assignment to the South Georgia Annual Conference.
Dr. Jeremy Pridgeon, current Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Ministerial Services, will be appointed as the senior minister of Montgomery First United Methodist Church. Prior to his work in the conference office, Pridgeon was the Pensacola District Superintendent, served Wetumpka FUMC, Montgomery FUMC (associate) and the Seale/Alexandria Charge. He was ordained an elder in the AWF Conference in 2005. Pridgeon is is a graduate of the University of West Florida, Candler School of Theology and received his PhD from the University of Alabama in 2010.
“It has been an honor to work with the Staff Parish Relations Committee of Montgomery FUMC," said Bishop Leeland. "Together, we created a profile for the next senior minister to succeed Bishop Bryan. Dr. Pridgeon’s announcement comes after much discernment, prayer and consultation. I have had the honor to work alongside Jeremy during his time on the cabinet and have had the pleasure to witness his many gifts and graces of pastoral care and leadership.”
Rev. June Jernigan, current Baypines District Superintendent, will be appointed as the incoming Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Ministerial Services. Jernigan served in this same role prior to her superintendency. Before serving in the conference office, she served as senior pastor of Millbrook FUMC and executive pastor of Gulf Breeze UMC. Jernigan was ordained an elder in the AWF Conference in 2004. She is a graduate of Samford University and received her seminary degree from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY.
“Bishop Graves and I affirm the stability and consistency of inviting Rev. Jernigan to return as Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Ministerial Services," stated Leeland. "This consistency will provide a strong foundation by which Bishop Graves can begin his episcopal leadership in the AWF Conference.”
Dr. Jeff Wilson, current co-senior pastor with Rev. Robin Wilson at Dauphin Way UMC in Mobile, AL, will be appointed as the new Mobile District Superintendent. Rev. Robin Wilson will serve as the senior pastor at Dauphin Way UMC. Dr. Darren McClellan, current Mobile District Superintendent, will become the Baypines District Superintendent. Dr. Jeff Wilson’s previous appointment history includes Aldersgate UMC in Montgomery, Hurtsboro/Ft. Davis Charge and Montgomery FUMC (associate). Rev Robin Wilson’s previous appointments include AWF Director of Ministerial Services, Aldersgate UMC in Montgomery, Union Springs UMC, Montgomery FUMC (associate) and the British Methodist Church. Robin and Jeff were ordained elders in the AWF Conference in 2000. Dr. Jeff Wilson received his undergraduate degree from Centre College, his master of divinity from Duke Divinity School and doctorate of ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary. Rev. Robin Wilson completed her undergraduate work at Vanderbilt University and received her master of divinity from Duke Divinity School.
Bishop Leeland expressed his appreciation to Dr. Jeff Wilson and Rev. Robin Wilson as they have exemplified outstanding leadership in the conference over the years. "I am pleased to welcome Jeff to the appointive cabinet where his fruitful ministry will continue with Bishop Graves. Robin will have the opportunity to serve as senior pastor in one of the largest churches in our conference. Having women in leadership roles in our conference is a priority for me that I know Bishop Graves shares. Please join me in supporting this outstanding leadership team in their new appointments.”
All appointments are effective September 1, 2016.
