I write to announce the appointment of Rev. Dan Camp as Interim Senior Pastor of Columbia First United Methodist Church, Columbia, TN. Dan currently serves faithfully as the Tennessee River District Superintendent and has agreed to step into this interim-pastoral role at Columbia First UMC, effective, January 14, 2024.

I am grateful to Dan for his profoundly capable and faithful pastoral leadership in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, and especially, as a District Superintendent.  He has led well during a season of challenge.

Dan’s experience and particular gifts have brought the Appointive Cabinet to ask him to step into this interim appointment for six months as Columbia First UMC adjusts to a new reality and change in pastoral leadership.  The appointment of Dan to Columbia comes as a response to the urging of the Holy Spirit that I and the Cabinet have perceived during this season of transition and hopeful anticipation for Columbia First and our broader ministry together.

During this interim time, oversight of the Tennessee River District will be shared by Dr. David Weatherly, Rev. Nancy Johnston Varden, and Reverend Ronnie Peck, who has been serving with Dan in the Tennessee River District as District Project Manager.  Providing additional support will be Dr. Rob Martin, Assistant to the Bishop. Dan will continue as a consultant with the Cabinet team during his interim appointment and will participate in the April Appointive Cabinet session.

Peace,

Bishop William T. McAlilly