Rev. Kenneth Stewart Appointed as Milford First’s Next Lead Pastor
Milford First’s Staff-Parish Relations Committee is pleased to announce that Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, in conjunction with Rev. Jenn Lucas, superintendent of the Great Miami River District, and the West Ohio Conference Cabinet, has appointed Rev. Kenneth Stewart as the next lead pastor of Milford First United Methodist Church beginning July 1, 2024. Rev. Kenneth currently serves at Ware's Chapel United Methodist Church in West Manchester, Ohio. His first Sunday at Milford First will be June 30, 2024.
Below is an introductory letter from Rev. Kenneth. As United Methodists, we affirm with faithful understanding that we, the Church, are the Body of Christ. It is Christ’s sustaining Spirit that will guide us in the days ahead. We will trust and rely on Christ’s presence and grace during this time of transition. Please join us in prayer during this exciting season as we prepare to welcome Rev. Kenneth to our church family!
Beloved,
I bring warm Eastertide greetings to you and yours! My name is Kenneth Stewart, and I will have the distinct privilege and pleasure of serving as your next lead pastor. What a joy it will be to join you in worship June 30, 2024, a day I am already praying over as I anticipate experiencing Milford First UMC for the “first” time. Would you kindly consider joining me in prayer through this season of transition, inviting the Holy Spirit to prepare the way for what God has in store for our shared future?
My wife (Victoria) and I have been married for four years, and we have a bright bundle of joy named KJ who is 18 months old. He will make his presence known, especially to punctuate a prayer with a loud “Amen!” When he takes a break from eating, his world is dominated by basketball, trucks and tractors. Victoria is a realtor with RE/MAX and continues building her business with passion and dedication. I have four children from a previous marriage (three adults and one precious 11-year-old princess named Jade who is with us halftime). Each of my adult children (Lily, 24; Elijah, 21; Chloe, 20) are homeowners who reside in Piqua, Ohio, who share my love for the Queen City and especially our beloved Redlegs and Bengals.
As for me, I have been blessed to serve four different churches for the last 21 years across two states and two denominations. I am a proud graduate of Messiah College and Evangelical Seminary, but even more proud of my family heritage on a fifth-generation farm outside of Arcanum, Ohio, where I learned the value of hard work, determination, courage, and a faith that trusts God no matter the hardship or circumstance. I ride motorcycles, enjoy construction projects and coaching basketball. However, my deepest desire is making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and I am eager to join the illustrious legacy of disciple-making, outreach, mission and ministry you have established at Milford First UMC!
I look forward to meeting each of you, learning your stories, sharing faith, and venturing forward into the beautiful and bright future into which God is leading us!
All the best,
Rev. Kenneth A. Stewart