The Jonesboro church has a new pastor

Jonesboro, Arkansas – The First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro may soon have a new pastor.

The Arkansas Conference of The United Methodist Church claimed on social media, “Bishop Laura Merrill announced her intention to appoint Rev. Britt Skarda as interim pastor for Jonesboro First United Methodist Church”.

The duration of this appointment is from March 15 to June 30, 2023.

After John Miles, the church’s former senior pastor, was suspended, this happened. His suspension followed a contentious, month-long disaffiliation process.

“First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro has experienced great challenges in the past months, and I am grateful for Rev. Skarda’s willingness to serve at this time. I am confident that he and the church will work together toward healing and strength,” said Bishop Merrill.

According to a statement on social media, Skarda retired from active ministry in June 2020 after serving as Senior Pastor at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock.

Skarda said, “First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro is a congregation with a remarkable past and a promising new future. I am both humbled and honored to walk alongside these faithful disciples of Jesus Christ on this next leg of their journey.”