Bishop Jung Names Two New District Superintendents
January 25, 2022
Siblings in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in this season of gaining light. Thank you for your faithfulness in our mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world.
The scriptures we read in Epiphany speak of callings, a natural movement from one town to the next for God’s good in the world. In each call story, God’s newness is discovered in Christian community. I write today to share the news of calling and transition for the Wisconsin Conference cabinet.
With a grateful heart, I write to let you know Rev. Forrest Wells will seek a retired relationship with the annual conference and Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Insor will become Superintendent of the South East District, and Rev. Dr. Kate Jones will be appointed as lead pastor of Wauwatosa Avenue UMC and Rev. Park Hunter will become the North East District Superintendent, effective July 1, 2022.
About her transition, Rev. Dr. Jones has remarked, “The beauty of Northern Wisconsin, the collegiality of the clergy, the faithfulness of the laity highlighted these last seven years as a District Superintendent. It was an honor to serve on the cabinet in this challenging season. Yet, I have missed the local church. I am delighted to be appointed to Wauwatosa Avenue UMC. I look forward to working with the leadership of Wauwatosa Avenue UMC and the Wauwatosa community to bring the Gospel to the next generation. Southeastern Wisconsin is home. I say good-bye to my cabinet roles, and hello to my new role with gratitude and joy.”
Rev. Wells has served forty-five years in the Wisconsin Conference in thirteen congregations and been a superintendent assigned to four districts. He has been a mentor to many clergy and a passionate advocate for our Missional Partnership with the Dong Bu Annual Conference in Korea.
A District Superintendent extends the office of Bishop (para. 401, 2016 Book of Discipline) and both Kate and Forrest are pastors who have carried my heart to you. They have served, as we all have, in challenging times. I am profoundly thankful for their service.
Rev. Dr. Insor and Rev. Hunter are also gifted colleagues hearing new callings.
Rev. Dr. Insor currently serves the Burlington and English Settlement UMCs, and has offered leadership to the Bishop’s Task Force, the Anti Racism Task Force, the Ethnic Local Church Concerns Committee, the Commission on Religion and Race, the Board of Church and Society, and the Connectional Table. He is also the current president of the Africans in Milwaukee Association — an organization for advocacy.
Rev. Hunter is currently appointed to the Onalaska UMC and brings experience as a business owner, has provided clergy service in three states, and has made contributions to the North Central District Committee on Ministry. He has strong gifts as a clergy mentor, a deep commitment to interfaith work, and service with the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee.
Please be in prayer for these persons and their families. Do all in your power to confirm their value in our connection and affirm God’s presence available to them in transition. Thank you for your presence in our connection as we continue to follow the light of the world toward days of love and justice.
In the hope that is ours in Christ.
Hee-Soo Jung, PhD
Bishop, Wisconsin Conference
