by Jay Therrell, Conference Superintendent

MARCH 20, 2025

Since January 1, I have been on a cross-Florida adventure! My goal was to meet in person, one-on-one, with all 164 appointed pastors in the Florida Conference. As of March 11, I completed that goal, having spent 32 nights in hotels and driven about 4,000 miles. I would travel to a church in an area and typically do six to eight back-to-back, one-hour, individual conversations with our pastors. I journeyed from Tallahassee and throughout the panhandle all the way south to Marathon and Islamorada in the Florida Keys.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was tiring, but I finished, as my grandmother would say, “…with a good tired.” (I also got behind in returning emails as between one-on-ones and travel time, the days were full. Thank you for your patience with me if you’ve been emailing me the first couple of months of 2025.)

I finished this goal with a renewed sense of hope and awe in the mission God has given our church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe. The Florida Conference is blessed with incredible spiritual leaders. Our pastors are deeply committed to helping lead their churches to be effective in their missions, and it’s showing!

The Ship is Turning Around

One of my observations is that the narratives I heard are almost completely opposite from what they used to be. In our previous denomination, when I would do one-on-ones as a district superintendent, I would often hear stories of decline, no reports of baptisms or professions of faith, and a general lack of excitement. It felt like we were managing decline. That was not true in my conversations over the past two months.

Over the past two months, the norm in my time with pastors was to learn about new ministries in which our churches are engaged. I heard about baptisms and professions of faith and many new members. There was excitement around launching Alpha – for the first time in many churches. So many of our churches have embraced CarePortal, too, as a way to meet people at their point of need and offer them Christ. Churches are finding new ways to reach their communities for Christ. It’s rewarding, beautiful, and exciting!

Watching Over One Another in Love

When I first became a district superintendent in our former denomination 11 years ago, I went to a training where I was told, “You are NOT pastor to the pastors. There is never a moment when you’re not their supervisor. You cannot do both.” I thought that was hogwash then, and I still believe that today. John Wesley charged us with “watching over one another in love.” Our pastors need someone to care for their souls, and it’s one of the greatest privileges of my life to do so. Pastors, you are loved and deeply cared for!

During my time with our pastors, I generally asked at least four questions: how is it with your soul? What is Jesus currently teaching you? How can the Cabinet help you in your ministry? How can I pray for you? The answers were revealing. For the most part, I would say our pastors are energized and feeling optimistic in ways they haven’t felt in years. Yes, there were a few that were weary – understandably so, but it was the exception, not the rule. I learned some amazing lessons that Jesus is teaching our clergy, and I also heard that Christ is teaching many of our pastors patience. That’s something I’m always learning, as well. As always, we have some pastors who are facing difficult things, especially in their families and personal lives. It’s always a privilege to walk alongside them and support them in prayer.

Before meeting with our pastors, I read the evaluations that their Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee had given them. In the very rare circumstance there was an issue, I discussed it with them. I share this for two reasons. First, I want our S/P-PRCs to know that we really do read their hard work. When they submit evaluations, they don’t just go to an electronic filing cabinet never to be seen. Second, John Wesley hated what he called “idleness.” He expected Methodist pastors to be hard workers and pursue God’s glory. I can say that with one or two minor exceptions, we have pastors who are sold out for Jesus and trying their hardest to partner with the Holy Spirit in their communities. I’m humbly proud of them!

Areas for Growth

There are always places where we can continue to grow. There were a few discussions from pastors frustrated that they didn’t feel like people were focused externally enough. I’ve often said that the church is the only organization on earth that exists for the people who aren’t yet members of it. We still have work to do in that regard.

We also have work to do with growing younger. We tend to like our own personal preferences in worship style, discipleship methods, and outreaches instead of asking what are the preferences of the people we are trying to reach? I often challenge church leaders by asking the question, “What preference would you not be willing to give up if it meant your child or grandchild came to follow Jesus?” I know my answer would be none. I’d give up everything if it meant the people I love most said “yes” to Christ. We must help more of our people understand that.

The Future

Our presiding elders have shared that next year they would like to do the one-on-ones, and I’m excited for them to have the opportunity. Because they all serve vital and busy churches, they’ll likely have to spread them out over several months, but they’re ready! We have an amazing Cabinet that loves serving Jesus, and every day I’m grateful for their leadership.

It’s said that John Wesley preached approximately 40,000 sermons throughout his lifetime. Scholars also estimate he rode about 250,000 miles on horseback. My travels didn’t even come close, but I’m honored to follow in his footsteps. I’m deeply grateful to God that he’s allowed me to live long enough to see these signs of revival. The glory is all His!

All God’s love,

Jay