Dear New McKendree Church Family, 

In 18th-century England, when John Wesley founded Methodism as a ministry within the Anglican Church, it was, at its very core, a laity-led movement. Almost three centuries later and an ocean away, our church remains at its best and most fruitful when led by faithful lay leaders—individuals with a profound heart for loving God, reflecting His light into the world, and inspiring others to do the same.

I know this to be true not just from my seminary training, but because I experience it every single day at New McKendree. We are a vibrant, growing, and outwardly focused church family because God has blessed us with deeply generous people. Furthermore, He has gifted us with courageous, forward-thinking lay leaders who steward our resources and help guide our purpose and direction. 

Looking ahead to 2027, our Nominations/Leadership Development Committee met on August 31 to discern candidates to succeed the three Council members whose terms conclude on December 31. Donna Brown (Pastor/Parish Relations), Ronnie Maxwell (Finance), and Brent Good (Trustees) are completing their three years of dedicated service. Under their leadership, we have experienced remarkable church growth, successfully navigated key staff transitions—including welcoming Kevin Sunday as our Associate Pastor—and generously raised approximately $110K for the much-needed South Campus improvements completed just days ago. Our current leadership team also strengthened our church’s Continuing Ministry Fund, which will allow us to use our endowment funds more effectively to meet current ministry needs. I thank God for Donna, Ronnie, and Brent’s leadership, and I am deeply grateful to call them friends and ministry partners. 

I also thank God for the exceptional leadership team we have for the coming year. Below are your 2027 New McKendree Church Council members (italicized names are new to the Council).  

• Council Chair: Adam Rainey
• Lay Leader: Todd Rushing
• Lay Delegate: Richard Hastings
• UWF President: Mary Klaproth
• Finance: Brenda Randol, Steve Green, Luke Dry
• Trustees: Daryl Hays, Doug Brown, Andy Meyer
• Pastor/Parish Relations: Marissa Buehler, Patrick Davis, Melanie Anderson

Please join me in thanking these 13 brothers and sisters who have answered the call to serve, and commit to praying regularly for their wisdom, guidance, and strength as they lead our church in the coming year.  

Your brother in Christ, 

Pastor Bryan Wendling