INDIANAPOLIS – Bishop Michael J. Coyner is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. M. Bert Kite to serve as the Senior Pastor of Castleton United Methodist Church, effective October 1, 2016. Kite follows the recently elected Bishop Frank Beard who served in the role of Senior Pastor at Castleton UMC since July 2012. Bishop Beard will serve the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, effective September 1, 2016.

Rev. M. Bert Kite II

Kite has served as the Central District Superintendent since 2010 and in a variety of other leadership roles throughout United Methodist Churches in Indiana. Kite, a graduate of Methodist Theological School in Ohio and Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, was ordained as Deacon in 1975 and as Elder in 1978 in the South Indiana Conference.  Methodist Church, effective October 1, 2016. Kite follows the recently elected Bishop Frank Beard who served in the role of Senior Pastor at Castleton UMC since July 2012. Bishop Beard will serve the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, effective September 1, 2016.

Coyner shared insight into Kite’s appointment to Castleton UMC, as well as the involvement of incoming Indiana Bishop Julius C. Trimble in the decision stating, “Bert has been heavily involved with that congregation as their superintendent, he lives in that area, and he previously served in that area, so the leadership of the congregation was delighted with his appointment. Both Bishop Trimble and I are pleased that Bert will be leading Castleton UMC and building upon the excellent ministry of Bishop Beard.” 

Kite and his wife, Debbie, have four children: Corrie (Dave),  B.J. (Darlene),  Matt, and Tom who is engaged to Katherine.  The couple has four granddaughters: Kaley, Ryane, Avery, and Reese.

Rev. Bob Coleman

Kite’s personal mission is to live with a passion that which celebrates the joy of being a follower of Jesus Christ, and he freely invites others to live in the joy of the Kingdom of God.

Coyner also announced, with pleasure, that the Rev. Bob Coleman will serve as the Interim Central District Superintendent following Kite’s appointment to Castleton UMC.

"Rev. Bob Coleman is a retired pastor, former district superintendent, and currently, serves as an Associate DS for the Central District. I am pleased that he is willing to serve as the Interim DS for the next several months until Bishop Trimble is ready to name a permanent successor."