Bishop Peggy A. Johnson is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Rick McKinley as Katahdin District Superintendent effective July 1, 2023.
 
Since 2011, Rev. McKinley has served as the Conference Director of Congregational Development. 

“I am delighted and grateful to Rick for accepting this new role,” Bishop Johnson said. “Rick has a heart for the people and churches of Maine, and his knowledge of new trends in ministry and technology will make him an excellent guide and resource for the clergy and congregations he will serve.”

Rev. McKinley will follow the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Brannen, who will seek retirement after seven years on the Cabinet.
 
“Though Jackie and I have only worked together a short time, it is clear she is a staunch advocate for clergy and laity across the theological spectrum,” Bishop Johnson said. “On behalf of the Conference, I want to thank Jackie for her faithful dedication to the district and our church.”
 
By his own admission, Rev. McKinley’s journey toward becoming a District Superintendent has been “a long and winding road.” A special education teacher for 14 years in Maine and active in local churches since the early 90s, it was while being part of a new church start that he received his call to ministry. 
 
While attending Duke Divinity School, Rev. McKinley served two small rural churches in North Carolina. Upon his return to New England, he served Harbor UMC in Scituate, MA, and helped restart the Marshfield (MA) UMC (now Sanctuary). 
 
“Nothing is wasted in the economy of God,” Rev. McKinley said. “I believe my experiences in life and ministry have prepared me well to move into this new opportunity to serve God’s church.”
 
He continued: “I am looking forward to being part of what God has been doing and for what God has in mind for the future of the Katahdin District and pray for your support.”
 
Rev. McKinley and his wife, Lori, a Maine native, own a home in Hartland. Lori McKinley is the Administrative Assistant for the Commonwealth West District. Their blended family consists of five adult children, three of whom live in Maine, along with five of their six grandchildren and their two great-grandchildren.