Leland named Lewisburg District Superintendent

Bishop Jeremiah J. Park is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Larry L. Leland Jr. as Superintendent of the Lewisburg District effective July 1, 2016. He will succeed the Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Salsgiver, who finishes his eighth year of district superintendency.

Rev. Leland has been serving as the senior pastor of Faith United Methodist Church, Montoursville, since July 2010. During his tenure in his current appointment, Faith Church has experienced remarkable growth. His outstanding leadership and commitment to sharing the gospel with the larger community has brought a contagious spirit of vitality to the church as it continues to expand its presence, ministry, and witness in the community. He understands what it takes to be a church alive in the mission of Christ for such a time as this.

Leland’s other appointments include: senior pastor, Christ Church, Selinsgrove (1999-2010), associate pastor, Manchester St. Paul’s (1995-1999), and pastor, Dover Bethany, 1994-1995. He is a graduate of York College and Lancaster Theological Seminary.

Leland also serves the connectional church in very significant ways. For the past few years Leland has served as the Susquehanna Conference Secretary. He has also served in numerous areas of leadership. As the first clergy person elected, he leads the delegation of the Susquehanna Conference to the 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conferences.

“Larry is a person of deep faith. He is endeavoring to lead a holy life entirely committed to God,” said Bishop Jeremiah Park. “In addition to his exceptional gift of leadership, Larry’s gentle demeanor, his discerning spirit, his strong administrative skills, his listening ear, his pastoral heart, and his love of God and the church will serve him and the churches of the Lewisburg District well. Larry’s ministry has been greatly appreciated by each of the congregations he has served. He is deeply respected by his colleagues.”

Larry is married to Barbara. They are the parents of Henry. “I solicit your prayers for the Leland family and the Faith congregation during this time of transition,” said Bishop Park.

“We look forward to our new common journey with Rev. Larry Leland. Please join me in welcoming him to the ministry of superintendency.”