Bishop Julius Trimble announces the following leadership changes, effective July 1, 2021.
Conference Superintendent assigned to the Northeast District and Dean of the Cabinet
Bishop Trimble announces the retirement of Rev. Dave Neckers, Conference Superintendent assigned to the Northeast District. “Dave has served as a leader among leaders pointing us to meaningful, missional Jesus-centered work,” said Bishop Trimble. “As a district missional strategist, he has welcomed input from others and Fresh Expressions of ministry wherever God’s people live. As Dean of the Cabinet and Conference Superintendent, he has championed discipleship and prayer as foundational for our teamwork. When Dave and Darlene Neckers say that you are being prayed for, you can take it to the bank.” God has more in store for Dave after retirement, and we celebrate that he and Darlene will have more time with grandchildren and family.
Dean of the Cabinet
Bishop Trimble appoints Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson as Dean of the Cabinet. Simultaneously, her role as Interim Conference Superintendent assigned to the North Central District will end. “Lore has proven herself to be a gifted pastor and Superintendent, always keeping local churches and all of our counties and communities before us as equally worthy of our best ministry,” said Bishop Trimble. “With a passion for those entering ministry and compassion for those who have been harmed by the Church, Lore is respected by the lay and clergy she encourages. In anxious times with adaptive challenges, Lore will bring as Dean a commitment to lead our appointive work with primary attention to us remain spiritually grounded in prayer and listening. A champion in the work of advancing our support of children, anti-racism, and building trust and transparency.”
Conference Superintendent assigned to the Northeast District
Bishop Trimble is also pleased to announce that Rev. Russ Abel will lead in the Northeast District, a district he is familiar with, where he will keep the momentum for collaborative urban and rural initiatives,” said Bishop Trimble. “His work in the East District will continue, and his gifts of storytelling and mentoring young leaders will be helpful as we navigate new ways of being the Church in 2021 and beyond.” A replacement for the Conference Superintendent assigned to the Southeast District will be named at a later date.
Conference Superintendent assigned to the North Central District
Rev. Saneta Maiko will be assigned to serve the North Central District. “He will be in familiar territory and will be engaged in work with the Operations Team and laity and clergy of the North Central District,” said Bishop Trimble. “His skills as a researcher and commitment to clergy health will be value added to our continued work on dismantling racism and Children Matter Most.”
Conference Superintendent assigned to the North District
Rev. Marti Lundy, an experienced pastor and strong advocate for Indiana as a destination for clergy couples, will be assigned Conference Superintendent assigned to the North District. Marti and her husband Kent have two adult sons and have been in ministry serving together or in separate churches for 27 years. Marti currently serves as Chair of the Northeast District Committee on ministry and has proven to be gifted in administration and collaborative partnerships. Her doctoral work focused on informing churches on how to care for people with chronic illness. Her commitment to a Church that celebrates diversity and inclusion is coupled with a persistent focus on the primary mission of making disciples of Jesus.