The Rev. Donald J. Emmert, Director of Benefits and Human Resources for the Michigan Conference, will retire, effective July 1.
The Michigan Conference announces the retirement of the Rev. Donald J. Emmert, Director of Benefits and Human Resources for the Michigan Conference, effective July 1, 2023. Emmert has served the Detroit and Michigan Conferences well for many years, first as a pastor and then on conference staff in several positions.
Although Emmert is retiring in July, he will remain a part-time consultant to the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits through the end of the year to facilitate as smooth a transition as possible to the next person overseeing conference benefits.
In an announcement to conference staff last month, Bishop David Alan Bard said, “I am working with the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, the Committee on Human Resources, and a small group of leaders to find someone to fill this position.”
Emmert expressed words of assurance as he prepares for this transition: “I am confident the strong position of the Michigan Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits in support of our clergy’s wellness and benefits will continue to provide a solid ministerial base toward fulfilling the vision of the annual conference.”
When asked to reflect on his upcoming retirement, Emmert noted one of the pledges that he has faithfully kept throughout his journey, beginning with his first clergy appointment in 1984: “I promise to give the best I have to offer from the first day of my appointment through my last.”
He continued, “In these waning moments of active service, I have tried to hold true to this promise, regardless of circumstance and/or the level of realized accomplishment. At the end of the day, I am confident I will ultimately achieve the first of these . . . pledges, whatever the final grade may turn out to be. My family, colleagues, congregants, and friends have been instrumental in this endeavor along every ministry setting, for which I am ever grateful.”
The Michigan Conference wishes Don well and thanks him for his service to Christ and the church.
Last Updated on April 18, 2023