To the Asbury First Family,

It is with very mixed emotions we share with you news that the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady has accepted an offer to become President of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. Brite, located on the campus of Texas Christian University, has a distinguished history as the leading progressive divinity school in the South and Southwest, and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It is also approved by the United Methodist Church to train candidates for UMC ministry and has more UMC students than any other constituency. Stephen’s last Sunday preaching will be January 21 and he will complete his transition in February.

We are very glad that Stephen can take this wonderful next step in his ministry, one that will give him opportunities to expand the impact he has had at Asbury First to a broader national level. We congratulate him on this honor. Our prayers will be with Stephen, Emily, Ellie, Charlie, and Hannah as they begin this exciting next chapter of their lives.

We also feel a deep sense of loss over Stephen’s departure. Through his inspired leadership we dreamed dreams, opened our Church to all, weathered COVID, built an online presence extending around the country and beyond, raised $8 million through the Better Together Campaign to create an amazing Community Outreach Center, enhanced our musical offerings, welcomed new members, expanded our ministries, and worked toward Doing More Good in many other ways. We have been enriched and challenged by some of the finest preaching in the country. Stephen is leaving Asbury First on solid ground and will be greatly missed. In the coming months, there will be several opportunities to thank Stephen in tangible ways for his work among us, but during this transition period, continuation of the vibrancy of the ministries he has fostered will be our highest tribute to the lasting impact he has had.

The Senior Minister at Asbury First is appointed by the Bishop. We have been in communication with Bishop Héctor Burgos Núñez, who recognizes the unique role played by our Church within the Conference. He has committed to a nation-wide search for the right replacement, and we will have a liaison group working through the process with him. We will share more details about the transition period over the next few weeks.

The uncertainties presented by this time of change may seem overwhelming, but we are confident that the strength of our congregation, our shared commitment to our faith and vision, and the vibrancy of our ministries will carry us through. As our favorite preacher often reminds us, the good news is that, with God’s grace, we do not need to face this time alone.

Grace and Peace,
Beth Wilkens
Governance Board Chair

James Quinn
Pastor Parish Relations Committee Chair