Bishop David Bard makes the first announcements regarding Michigan Conference staffing changes, effective January 1, 2026.
BISHOP DAVID ALAN BARD
Michigan Conference
Greetings in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the peace and power of the Holy Spirit.
In a July letter, I shared my ongoing gratitude for the participation of our local churches in giving to Ministry Shares. I remain grateful for your participation in our shared ministries.
I also noted that the budget approved by the Michigan Annual Conference for 2026, moving us toward increased financial stability, required difficult decisions about the staffing and structure of our conference. At that time, I outlined the proposed changes.
The Michigan Conference is now prepared to make the first announcements regarding our staffing. These take effect on January 1, 2026.
Naomi García, a long-time Michigan Conference staff member, will retire from her position as Associate Director of Connectional Ministries. Naomi has been a valued and valuable member of our staff, beginning with the West Michigan Conference. Over the years, she has held a number of different positions. Her work has had a significant impact on many persons and congregations. In recent years, she has been focusing on coaching and coach training, working with congregations in conflict, and enhancing our intercultural competence. I am personally grateful for Naomi’s work in the conference and her consistent reminder to us that we are all God’s favorites. Although Naomi is retiring on January 1, the Michigan Conference is working with her to make arrangements to fulfill coaching and coach training commitments that extend through July 1, 2026.
Laura Witkowski will become the Director of Connectional Ministries. Laura is also a long-time conference staff member, most recently holding the position of Associate Director of Connectional Ministries and serving as the team leader for the associate directors. She is currently participating in the Dakota Wesleyan University Practical Church Leadership program and intends to complete her MBA through Dakota Wesleyan. With this change, the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne will no longer serve as the Director of Connectional Ministries. Beginning January 1, she will be the full-time Clergy Assistant to the Bishop.
Two new positions called Connectional Ministry Facilitators will be introduced in this area starting January 1. The title is intended to emphasize that the purpose of the annual conference is to facilitate greater vitality and vibrancy in our local churches and other ministry settings. We continue to work on the specific portfolios for each of these Connectional Ministry Facilitator positions.
Lisa Batten and the Rev. Kathy Pittenger, two of the current Associate Directors of Connectional Ministries, will be the two Connectional Ministry Facilitators. Both bring their previous experience with the Michigan Conference to this work. Before joining the Michigan Conference staff, Kathy served in a local church as an ordained deacon, with a focus on children’s faith development. Lisa previously served in campus ministry.
I am pleased to have Laura, Lisa, and Kathy continue work with the Michigan Conference as we work toward our stated conference mission — vibrant congregations, bold and effective leaders, Christ-centered mission and ministry — and our conference priorities — sharing faith through vibrant congregations, leadership development, the creation of beloved community, and financial stability. I know you will offer Laura, Lisa, and Kathy your support and prayers. Together with you all, we want to make disciples of Jesus Christ who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.
Later this fall, we will make further announcements regarding district superintendent positions. Decisions about other staffing taking effect on July 1, 2026, will be made early next year.
Thank you for your prayers for our staff and for our conference as we navigate the changes before us.
Last Updated on October 20, 2025