Interim Conference Minister

After an engaging and inspiring period of search and call, the Conference Council is pleased to announce that we have called Rev. Philip Hart to serve as our Interim Conference Minister.  He will begin his time with us in March.

Rev. Hart was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio.  He is the youngest child of John and Carolyn Hart.  Phil began pastoral ministry when he was 20 years old as the pastor of the Somerville and Gratis United Methodist Churches in Ohio.  Rev. Hart has an undergraduate degree in psychology, a Master of Divinity (M. Div) degree, a Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree and is completing his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Organizational Communication.

Rev. Hart has served many roles in the Church including: local pastor, professor of theology and communication and Interim Conference Minister for the Ohio Conference and the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ.  He is a Licensed Social Worker in Ohio and has worked in a number of positions in the non-profit/social welfare world including: children service investigator, court liaison, national Director of Professional Development for the National Youth Advocate Program and a trainer for the Institute of Human Services.  Rev. Hart consults with both business and nonprofit organizations and is a frequent speaker and lecturer.  His hobbies include reading, outdoor activities, working out at the gym and participation in several sports.

The Council expresses deep gratitude to the Interim Arrangements Committee: Jack Dawson, Melinda McLain, Patsy Finster, John Meermans, Roy Mosley and Dick Hom. The committee’s tireless efforts ensured that our process was both comprehensive and efficient.

Rev. Hart will begin work with our conference in March. Until then, we ask that you respect his privacy and distance as we move through transition.  In the spring, we will have more information about gatherings to meet Rev. Hart and dialogue with him.  He will also be preaching at our conference Annual Gathering in May.

This is exciting news for our conference who, rooted in love with the fullness of God, imagine what’s possible for the life of our ministry.

Blessings,

Meredith Jackson