Bushfield to lead Central District
Bishop Julius C. Trimble has named the Rev. Dr. James Bushfield as district superintendent for the Central District of the Indiana Conference.
He will succeed the Rev. Bert Kite, who as appointed to serve Castleton United Methodist Church in October 2016.
"Rev. Dr. Jim Bushfield has a commitment to the mission of The United Methodist Church and understands that all of us have an opportunity to grow in Christian discipleship," said Bishop Trimble. "I have in my short time in Indiana worked with Jim and witnessed his gift for paying attention to the diversity of people and perspective, while never forgetting the focus on our commitment to fruitful ministry in the state of Indiana.
Trimble continued, "His previous experience as a district superintendent and as our director of connectional ministries/discipleship development, along with his familiarity with Indianapolis, and the Central District makes him a good choice at a critical time in the life of The United Methodist Church. Join me in praying for and supporting Jim as a new Conference Superintendent assigned to Central District."
Dr. Bushfield currently serves as the director of connectional ministries and discipleship development for the Indiana Conference and has served as the superintendent of the Columbus District in the former South Indiana Conference.
Throughout his ministry in Indiana, Bushfield has served a variety of appointments including Bloomington Fairview, Meridian Street, Indianapolis Good Shepherd, Methodist Temple and others.
He is a graduate of the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and received his Master of Divinity and Doctorate in Ministry from United Theological Seminary. He has served on a variety of boards and agencies throughout the church and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the United Methodist Publishing House.
Bushfield will begin working with Interim District Superintendent Bob Coleman throughout the next few weeks and officially begin his new role January 1, 2017.
Bushfield and his wife Debbie live on the northside of Indianapolis.