J.J. Galloway named new district superintendent of Southwest District
Southwest DS Rodney Steele to retire this year

Jan 9, 2019 | Headlines

J.J. Galloway, new district superintendent of the Southwest District

The Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church announced today that current Northeast District Superintendent Johnna J. Galloway will be the new DS of the Southwest District, beginning July 1, 2019.

Galloway, who has served as the Northeast district superintendent since 2016, is excited about the opportunity to serve in an area she called home for many years.

“I am very grateful and at the same time, humbled to be appointed by Bishop Mueller to the Southwest District as District Superintendent/Chief Mission Strategist,” Galloway said. “In accepting this new appointment, I return to the district of my birth and one where I have been greatly blessed to serve congregations. I return to this mission field full of hope for the future and zeal for walking beside the people of the Southwest District as together we work hard to make disciples of Jesus Christ, who make disciples equipped to transform lives, communities, and the world.”

Galloway will take over for the Rev. Rodney Steele, who is retiring this year after serving as the Southwest district superintendent since 2015. Before serving as the Southwest District DS, Steele was DS for the former North Central District from 2005 – 2011.

Steele has confidence that Galloway will be able to effectively lead the District thanks to her Spirit, energy and focus.

In the meantime, Steele is looking forward to his retirement but has no plans to stop ministering to others anytime soon.

“In 45 years of ministry, I’ve been blessed to see the power of Christ all over the world and in multiple areas of church life,” Steele said. “Now, I’m looking forward to new mission fields as I feel led by God to use photography to help show everyone the presence of God in Creation and in their lives; especially with folks who haven’t been a part of the life of the church.”

Bishop Gary Mueller selected Galloway for the position due to her ability to closely connect with others in the Conference.

“I have come to deeply value J.J.’s leadership on the appointive cabinet these past years. She has connected with laity and clergy, helped churches to engage the communities around them, and has a heart for small membership churches. Her prior experience in the southwest district makes her a natural choice to serve as the chief mission strategists and district superintendent,” Mueller said.

Pastors from local churches in the Southwest District are eager to see what Galloway will bring to the office, and are certain she has the skills needed to lead the district.

“Rev. Steele did a fantastic job and we look forward to working with Rev. Galloway as we continue to make new disciples of Jesus Christ in Arkansas.” said the Rev. William Cato, senior pastor at Arkadelphia First United Methodist Church.

“Moreover, from what I know of Rev. Galloway, she most certainly has the gifts and graces that are needed for this leadership position. We will pray for her and do our best to support her, and I know she will do the same for all of the churches in our District.”

Galloway will take over the position shortly after Annual Conference 2019.

The Southwest District stretches from Texarkana in the Southwest corner of Arkansas to Hot Springs in the North, El Dorado in the East and De Queen in the West. There are more than 150 United Methodist Churches in the Southwest District of the Arkansas Conference.