Bishop Merrill appoints Rev. Britt Skarda as interim pastor at Jonesboro First UMC

Bishop Laura Merrill has announced her intention to appoint Rev. Britt Skarda as interim pastor for Jonesboro First United Methodist Church, effective March 15 through June 30, 2023.

“First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro has experienced great challenges in the past months, and I am grateful for Rev. Skarda’s willingness to serve at this time. I am confident that he and the church will work together toward healing and strength,” stated Bishop Merrill.

Julie Isaacson, a First United Methodist Church leadership team member, shared, “We are grateful for the leadership of Bishop Laura Merrill and the thought and care put into such an exceptional appointment.”

Skarda retired from active ministry in June 2020 after serving ten years as Senior Pastor at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. In November 2022, the church celebrated the naming of the Britt Skarda Gathering Hall at Pulaski Heights UMC, where he also launched his first book, “Sabbath Born.”

He is married to Karen Skarda of Little Rock, and they have two daughters, Natalie and Brittany; one son, Peter; and grandchildren Luke (16), Levi (13), Jackson (13), and Vivian (turning ten this month).

Skarda shared, “First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro is a congregation with a remarkable past and a promising new future. I am both humbled and honored to walk alongside these faithful disciples of Jesus Christ on this next leg of their journey.”

Rev. Skarda was born in Des Arc (Prairie County) and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Arkansas and his Master of Divinity degree from Duke University. He has served as senior pastor for Bearden UMC, Thornton UMC, Henderson UMC in Little Rock, and Springdale First United Methodist Church. He also served as the Pastor of Outreach at Pulaski Heights UMC.