An Update on the Appointive Cabinet and District Leadership

An Update on the Appointive Cabinet and District Leadership As part of our ongoing work to steward leadership well and to respond faithfully to the realities of ministry in this season, I want to share an update regarding the composition of the appointive cabinet and district superintendent oversight. Beginning in the coming appointment year, the appointive cabinet will be served by three full-time and two half-time district superintendents (aka conference superintendents). This configuration reflects both careful planning and a spirit of holy experimentation as we seek leadership models that are relational, sustainable, and close to the life of local congregations. With gratitude, we honor Rev. Laurie Kantonen, who will be rotating off the cabinet after completing a seven-year term of faithful and steady service. Laurie’s leadership has shaped clergy care, congregational vitality, and cabinet collaboration in profound ways. We give thanks for her wisdom, dedication, and deep love for the Church. As part of this transition, we will welcome two leaders rotating onto the appointive cabinet in half-time roles. Rev. Gordon Deuel and Rev. Kirkland Reynolds will serve as half-time superintendents while also continuing half-time appointments in their respective local church settings. Together, they will share oversight of the River Bluffs District, bringing collaborative leadership, complementary gifts, and strong grounding in congregational life to this shared role. A few reflections from Kirkland and Gordon follow this letter. Several additional district transitions will also take place: -Rev. Michelle Hargrave will move to oversight of the Prairie Winds District, continuing her strong commitment to clergy support, missional alignment, and adaptive leadership. -Rev. Woojae Im will assume oversight of the Aurora Sky District, bringing thoughtful leadership and deep attentiveness to the diverse contexts of that district. -Rev. Becky Jo Messenbrink will continue her faithful service as superintendent of the Headwaters District, providing continuity, stability, and trusted leadership. This cabinet configuration reflects our belief that leadership in this season must be both collaborative and contextual. By blending full-time and co-vocational superintendency, we are intentionally keeping district leadership close to congregational realities—while ensuring strong connectional oversight and shared discernment at the cabinet table. These changes are made with prayer, care, and confidence in the gifted leaders who are serving the Church in this moment. As always, we trust the Holy Spirit to guide our shared work, strengthening our capacity to love boldly, serve faithfully, and lead with courage in the days ahead. In faithful service,   Bishop Lanette Plambeck Resident Bishop Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church