December 3, 2020

Dear Central Members:

It is with empathic sadness that I write to share news that Central’s Senior Pastor, Dr. Jan Davis, has prayerfully decided to make June 30, 2021 her last day in ministry with Central UMC.  Dr. Davis will have effectively and graciously led Central UMC for five years upon her eventual departure.   I know that it was not easy for her to arrive at this decision because of the great love she has for Central.   Ultimately, she has made the choice to leave for personal family reasons.

Dr. Davis husband, Deames, was unable to relocate full-time to Fayetteville due to family businesses located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area.  In addition, two of her daughters, their husbands, and a new grandson are also now located in the DFW area.  Despite her deep commitment to continuing to serve the Central congregational family, Dr. Davis believes God is now leading her to spend this next season of life in closer proximity to her immediate family.    

During her tenure as senior pastor, Dr. Jan Davis has accomplished numerous growth-related worship and ministry goals alongside our talented and committed clergy, non-clergy staff, lay leadership and Central and Genesis Church’s congregational members.  During her four plus years of leadership, Central UMC has made great strides in advancing its mission of Making Disciples for Jesus Christ.

Perhaps most noteworthy during her tenure has been the renovation of Central’s beautiful sanctuary, the addition of a music suite, and the installation of a new state-of-the-art pipe organ.  With the onset of the pandemic we have also seen major enhancements to Central’s digital worship.  In addition, we have seen strong financial support for the missions and ministries of the church and positioning the church to make significant reductions in Central’s long-term debt.  

Arkansas Bishop Gary Mueller and Central’s Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) will begin the process for appointing a new Senior Pastor immediately.  Bishop Mueller has indicated his desire to announce the appointment of a new Senior Pastor by early 2021. 

Please be in prayer for Dr. Davis during her remaining time with Central UMC, for Bishop Mueller and Central’s (SPRC) as we work together to secure a new Senior Pastor, for Central UMC staff and our extended congregational families and for all the people that God will allow us to serve and witness to in the days ahead, for the harvest is plentiful.

May God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit bless each of you and your families!

Together in Christ,

Blair Johanson

Chair, CUMC Staff-Parish Relations Committee