FAIRMONT — The bishop and appointive cabinet of the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church have named a new district superintendent for the region.
Rev. Stephanie Bennett, who has served as pastor of both Barrackville and Monumental United Methodist Churches since 2015, is the superintendent of the Fairmont-based MonValley District, effective July 1.
“I look forward to working alongside the pastors and congregations in the MonValley District,” Rev. Bennett said. “I’m in awe of the ways that God uniquely calls individuals and communities to serve and love others. I’m excited for all the future opportunities we have to reflect the love of Christ in our world together.”
Bennett is described as a life-long United Methodist grew up worshipping at Pisgah United Methodist Church.
“Stephanie brings a deep love for the people of the MonValley region and a steady commitment to Christian service,” states a press release from the Conference.
Members of the local faith community are applauding Bennett’s appointment. Rev. D.D. Meighen was pastor at Pisgah UMC when Bennett was a member there. He said he is certain she will serve the MonValley District with the love and care Christ calls for.
“She always has been faithful, exciting, helpful and caring,” Meighen said. “She has a ministry of devoting her life toward being there for others. I am so excited for her, for her family, and for all that she’s going to bring to the area as our District Superintendent.
“She will be a shining example as to what we all can be like and I wish her the best of luck.”
Currently serving as secretary of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, Bennett has previously held other leadership roles, including service on the Conference Committee on Finance and Administration. Ordained in the West Virginia Conference in 1994, Bennett holds degrees from Fairmont State University and United Theological Seminary.
“Stephanie Bennett is a thoughtful, grounded, and spiritually mature leader. Her strong relational gifts and deep roots in the MonValley District make her exceptionally well-suited to guide and support this region in the years ahead,” Bishop Wallace-Padgett said.
Bennett and her husband, Rev. Brad Bennett, who serves the Central/Trinity/Meadowdale Charge, have a daughter, Rachel, a recent graduate of West Liberty University with a degree in Biology – Zoo Science.
Stephanie Bennett will take on the role of district superintendent from outgoing D.S. Rev. Amy Shanholtzer who has been appointed Superintendent of the Little Kanawha District and Assistant to the Bishop, also effective July 1. She will also serve as a part-time assistant to the Bishop, supporting the Office of the Bishop and Appointive Cabinet.
Shanholtzer “brings years of experience, strategic insight, and pastoral wisdom to this expanded role,” according to the press release. “Her proven ability to lead with grace and courage will be a blessing to the churches and leaders of the Little Kanawha District.”
“Amy Shanholtzer is a gifted administrator and spiritual guide,” Bishop Wallace-Padgett said. “Her broad experience and her heart for ministry will serve the Little Kanawha District and Conference well as we discern together what God is doing in this new season.”
Shanholtzer will fill the role held by Rev. Loretta Isaiah who is retiring after nearly 40 years of ministry.
Rev. Isaiah will retire in June and conclude her service as superintendent of the Little Kanawha District. Loretta has faithfully served the West Virginia Conference for nearly four decades, shepherding congregations and leaders with compassion, integrity, and a deep love for the Church.
During her time in the Little Kanawha District, Loretta’s leadership has brought clarity, spiritual depth, and encouragement to pastors and congregations alike.
“Loretta Isaiah’s ministry has been marked by wisdom, strength, and unwavering faith,” said Bishop Wallace-Padgett. “Her legacy will continue to inspire leaders throughout the Conference. We are deeply grateful for her almost 40 years of faithful service to Christ and the Church.”
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