JW Pastoral Staff

A Historic Step in Pastoral Leadership at JWMC

I want to catch you up on some historical happenings from the annual John Wesley Church Conference. On Sunday, May 18, our current Director of NextGen Ministries, Chris McCarthy, and new part-time Discipleship Director, Tim Brogan, were officially recognized and commissioned as Licensed Local Pastors. They now carry the title of pastor and reverend within our local congregation—a significant and sacred moment in the life of our church.

Let me further explain: At John Wesley Methodist Church, the Core Leadership Team (CLT) has established a clear structure for pastoral leadership. Currently, our congregation is served by two ordained clergy—the Senior Pastor and the Reach Pastor. While we previously had three clergy, the CLT has decided to maintain two until additional funding allows for a third. This structure pertains solely to our Order of Clergy, which includes Elders and Deacons who function under the authority of the CLT and the Senior Pastor. Both current clergy are ordained Elders.

Distinct from this is the Order of Pastors, which includes Licensed Local Pastors and Lay Pastors—faithful leaders commissioned or ordained to serve in specific roles within the life of our church. These pastors operate under the spiritual authority of the Senior Pastor and are entrusted with responsibilities such as leading and teaching within a specific ministry context, helping lead worship and offer pastoral care, and supporting the overall ministry of the church. They hold the title of “pastor” or “reverend” and serve as shepherd-leaders within our community.

The commissioning of Pastors Chris McCarthy and Tim Brogan marks a historic step for JWMC as we formalize the Order of Pastors. Both have been licensed by our ministry partner, the Methodist Collegiate Church (MCC). They are actively serving in our church, have demonstrated the gifts of the Spirit, and have been thoroughly vetted and endorsed by both the Senior Pastor and the CLT.

This commissioning is not simply a recognition of past service—it is a declaration of ongoing trust and investment. These pastors are currently participating in the MCC Pastoral Leadership Pathway, a course-based journey toward ordination. This pathway includes guided theological education, ministry training, and practical development in areas such as preaching, spiritual care, and church administration. One of these courses—Church Administration—is being developed by myself to support all MCC pastors.

At JWMC, we understand that not all who are called to ministry will attend traditional seminary. This is why we proudly offer this alternative pathway in partnership with MCC. For pastors like Chris and Tim, who will not be attending seminary (or already have), the Pastoral Leadership Pathway affirms their call and equips them with the formation needed to serve effectively without leaving their current ministry context.

The process of becoming a Licensed and Commissioned Local Pastor at JWMC includes:

• Licensing School – through our partnership with the MCC.
• Interview Process – with both the Senior Pastor and the CLT, focusing on calling, vision, and alignment with JWMC's mission.
• Approval Process – the CLT votes based on the candidate’s readiness and alignment with Wesleyan values.
• Commissioning – conducted during the annual Church Conference.

Ordination is the final step in the journey. It involves completing either a seminary degree or the MCC’s Pastoral Leadership Pathway and then the candidates will go through another readiness process before being ordained. God has blessed our church by the commissioning of these two men as pastors. If you see either Chris or Tim, please celebrate this ministry milestone with them.

In Christ,

Rev. Dr. Marty Dunbar
Senior Pastor