Rev. Dr. Marvin A. Moss Appointed as Director of Congregational Development and Revitalization

Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton is pleased to announce the impending appointment of Reverend Dr. Marvin Anthony Moss as the new Director of Congregational Development and Revitalization for the New York Annual Conference.

Dr. Moss will replace Rev. David Gilmore who is departing New York to become the District Superintendent of the Heartland District in the Missouri Annual Conference.
 
Dr. Moss—who will carry out his new responsibilities while remaining as the Senior Pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in Harlem, New York—is a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, and a graduate of Hampton University and the Naval Chaplains Reserve Officers School. He also holds a Master of Divinity Degree from Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Drew University. 
 
Dr. Moss is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 100 Black Men of New York, and Leadership Atlanta Class of 2011. 

He is the recipient of the 2003 and 2011 Denman Evangelism Award for Church Growth, the NAACP Emancipation Award, the 2011 Gammon Theological Seminary Distinguished Alumnus Award, and the Whitney M Young, Jr. Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America and is an Eagle Scout. He was inducted into the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers in April of 2009, serves as a Mentor/Coach and Consultant empowering other pastors and congregations to operate at their fullest God given potential.
 
Dr. Moss’ personal mission statement—his mission is “Kingdom building, Growing, Sustaining, and Revitalizing – ensuring congregations and leaders move forward in the work and will of God.”—bears witness to the passion and purpose behind his appointment to this position.  
 
In reflecting upon his departure and Dr. Moss’ appointment, Rev. Gilmore notes, "I am heartbroken in leaving a people and place I absolutely love and feel like there was some unfinished business still to be accomplished. But on the other hand, I celebrate the wisdom-filled choice of Dr. Moss to this position, for the following reasons. Dr. Moss has a well-documented record of excellence as a servant-leader in the local church and on district and conference committees.

Additionally, the "high bar" of excellence Dr. Moss sets for himself and mastery by which he equips and empowers those around him allows others to see more...do more...and, be more. Dr. Moss, along with our Bishop and Cabinet, are the servants God has chosen for such a time as this to carry the New York Annual Conference into our communities...engaging our communities and loving our communities. Thanks be to God!"
 
In commenting about his new responsibilities, Dr. Moss says, “I am extremely grateful to Bishop Bickerton for the opportunity to serve as the next Director of Congregational Development and Revitalization. I look forward to being a part of his cabinet, a dynamic team of visionary leaders committed to kingdom building.  
As I follow Reverend Gilmore, I am committed to the same level of excellence and intentionality that he has demonstrated during his time here.  I join the Bishop in lamenting the departure of a cohort in Christendom, co-laborer in kingdom building, and most of all a true friend and colleague.”
 
Bishop Bickerton adds, “I have been deeply affected by the loss of David Gilmore from our cabinet and his position as Director of Congregational Development and Revitalization.  David has become an integral part of my cabinet as well as a trusted colleague and friend.  While there is a deep sense of loss within me, I am so pleased that Marvin has agreed to join my cabinet, carry on the excellent work that David has set in motion, and create more significant opportunities for the people of New York and Connecticut to experience vitality and revitalization in our witness of making and nurturing disciples.  I believe great days to come, as Dr. Moss leads us in the ministry that lies ahead.”
 
Dr. Moss will begin his responsibilities on August 1, 2020.