Bishop Gary Mueller announced today that he has appointed Rev. John Fleming to First United Methodist Church in Springdale as the Senior Pastor.
For the past three and half years, Rev. Fleming has served as the Northeast District Superintendent and Chief Mission Strategist and has served on the Cabinet and Appointive Cabinet of the Arkansas Annual Conference.
“I am grateful for the time spent with John serving on the Cabinet and Appointive Cabinet. Having served through some of the most difficult years in ministry, including the COVID pandemic and disaffiliation processes, John has been a gracious leader and has led with a heart of peace,” shared Bishop Gary Mueller. “He will be a blessing to Springdale First United Methodist Church and the entire community of Springdale.”
“I learned so much in the past three and a half years about clergy, laity, and the church. One of those lessons is that the church is stronger than a pandemic and that nothing can keep us from worshiping and serving our mighty God. Clergy and laity working together made the church stronger than ever. This is a lesson I know, is still true. I know that I will experience that at First United Methodist in Springdale.”
Rev. John Fleming will begin his appointment in Springdale, effective January 1, 2023.