Previous Pastors

At Calvary UMC we are thankful for the many pastors that have been sent to lead, train and "equip the saints for the work of ministry” so that the church is unleashed and the body is built up (Ephesians 4.12). We also celebrate that Jesus has called them to let go of Calvary and go and do the next thing on God's agenda for their lives.

As we embrace and pray for the new pastoral leadership at Calvary we also continue to pray for the ministry of those pastors who have moved on.

Kristin Holbrook - Associate Pastor from 2006-2010

now serving - Central United Methodist 439 N. Shanks St. Salem Va. 24153 540-389-2933

Conchita Holtz - Assistant Pastor from 2002-2006

now serving - West Staunton Charge - 233 Falling Rock Dr., Stuarts Draft, Va. 24477 540-292-1911

Joel Robinette - Assistant Pastor from 2002-2004

now serving - Fulks Run Charge - 13010 Third Hill Rd. Fulks Run Va. 22830 540-896-7653

Jim Grimmer - Pastor from 1998-2000

Now serving in retirement - 294 Mount Vista Dr., Lexington, Va. 24450

Laughton Corr - pastor from 1967-72

now serving in retirement - 7377 Dress Blue Cir., Mechanisville, Va. 23116

Wrightson Tongue - Pastor from 1948-1952

Now serving in retirement - 4515 Kashmire Dr., Colorado Springs, Co. 80920

Letting Go Of Former Pastors

In the United Methodist tradition our ministers are sent. This has always been a part of our heritage and goes back at least to the time of Jesus who sent out his disciples here and there and everywhere! They were called "apostles" and that word itself means "one who is sent."

That is exactly what happened to Paul when he met one last time with the leaders of a church he planted. Acts 20 tells us of his last encounter with the elders from Ephesus. The church would go on to become a very influential church that is repeatedly referred to in the New Testament. In this last encounter with its leadership Paul said, “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” v32 He then reviewed the ministry that God had given to him in Ephesus. He knelt with them and prayed. Then it says “they all wept as they embraced him and kissed him” and accompanied him to his ship.” And he let go.

This should be a comfort to departing pastors and congregations alike. The work is bigger than we are. Pastors are simply called to be stewards - faithful on their watch. And when God calls them to their next assignment, we must let go and must entrust the work into His good hands.