Board member Judi Kenaston will transition to the role of Interim Chief Connectional Ministries Officer for the Connectional Table effective January 2023.
Judi Kenaston
Longtime United Methodist leader Judi Kenaston has been named Interim Connectional Ministries Coordinating Officer for the Connectional Table, the denomination's ministry coordinating and planning body. (Connectional Table Photo)
Ms. Kenaston comes to this role with years of experience with the Connectional Table. She has been associated with the Connectional Table since 2012. She has served as a board member for the CT representing the Northeastern Jurisdiction. Prior to serving as a board member, she served as the Chairperson of the Commission on General Conference. She is a lifelong United Methodist.
“It is a privilege to help the Connectional Table discern and articulate the vision that will allow for healing and transformation in our denomination," Ms. Kenaston said. "My long and varied leadership within The United Methodist Church has allowed me to develop relationships with members of the Connectional Table, Council of Bishops, and members of Central Conferences.”
Bishop Mande Muyombo, chair of the Connectional Table, added, “The CT is blessed to have Judi Kenaston serve as its Interim Chief Connectional Ministries Officer during this time of transition of the United Methodist Church. Judi’s experience and relationships throughout the connection will help maximize the disciplinary mandate of the Connectional Table in close collaboration with general agencies, the Council of Bishops, and other structures of the church. It is timely for the whole church to refocus on identified missional priorities. Judi has the leadership and the skills that are needed in order to help the wider church pivot towards transforming lives for the advancement of God’s kingdom.”
The Rev. Ken Nelson, chair of the body's Leadership Development and Community Life committee, said: “Judi Kenaston brings both a steady hand and tremendous knowledge of mission, vision, and work of the Connectional Table. She has a rare ability to see the big picture and execute the details in ways that will advance the work of the CT. In a season of high anxiety, she is a calming presence who fosters a sense of collaboration and purpose. She calls for the best in herself and others, and we believe that she is uniquely called to this work for a time such as this!”
Ms. Kenaston succeeds Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai who is the newly assigned Bishop for the Iowa conference.