Rev. Dr. Steve Summers
Rev. J. Douglas Forrester
April 2, 2025
Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Doug Forrester as Assistant to the Bishop beginning July 1, 2025.
In this role, Forrester will remain in the Valley Ridge District as the District Superintendent. Rev. Dr. Sarah Calvert, Mountain View District Superintendent, and Rev. Jay Carey, Living Waters District Superintendent, will work closely with Forrester as a ministry support team to oversee the DS responsibilities in a comprehensive manner.
“I am pleased to welcome Doug aboard the Glen Allen, VA conference team while maintaining the connection to our Valley Ridge District,” Bishop Sue said. “In this new role, Doug brings great connection and expertise as both a pastor and as his time as a District Superintendent. His passion as a missional strategist and for the future of The United Methodist Church will greatly bless the conference.”
Current Assistant to the Bishop and Chief Operating Officer (COO) the Rev. Dr. Steven Summers has been elected by the Board of Directors of the Virginia United Methodist Foundation and Development Company as the company’s next President effective July 1,2025. Bishop Haupert-Johnson and the Appointive Cabinet affirmed the Board’s election of Summers by projecting his appointment to this extension ministry position.
Bishop Sue is grateful to Summers for his presence and gifts to the VAUMC as he makes this transition.
“During a period of transition within the Virginia Annual Conference, Steve has been a steadying and stalwart pastoral presence for our conference. I look forward to his leadership within the Foundation and Development Company and how our organizations continue to support and build up ministries and disciple-making in the Commonwealth.”
Bishop Sue invites the Virginia Conference to pray for Forrester and Summers as they make these transitions.
The VAUMC should also note some important dates coming up for local churches in the midst of appointment season.
Announcement Sunday (for appointments): April 27, 2025
Move date for clergy: June 25, 2025
“Laity of the Congregation” Sunday: June 29, 2025 *
First Sunday for New Clergy: July 6, 2025
*This Sunday, Bishop Sue and the Cabinet would like the laity of the congregation to lead worship.