Bishop Haskins to Pastor Idaho's
Deer Flat Church

INDIANAPOLIS — Bishop Roger Haskins will not stand for re-election at this year’s general conference (July 7-13 at Spring Arbor University, MI). Instead, he will return to pastoring — at Deer Flat Church in Caldwell, Idaho. Current Deer Flat Pastor Ed Burns will take a leave of absence and is stepping down from his position as stationed co-superintendent of the Columbia River Conference, leaving stationed co-superintendent Matt Thomas (Timberview Christian Fellowship in Mead, WA) to oversee the 22 Free Methodist churches in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Haskins submitted the following open letter to the denominational Board of Administration during its current meetings at the World Ministries Center:

“ It is with a grateful heart that I thank the Free Methodist Church for allowing me the humble privilege of serving as a bishop for these past eight years. My life has been enriched in countless ways as my wife Ellen and I have traveled the western U.S. and Latin America in service to our church. We have seen and heard first hand some of the best of what God is doing for His kingdom through the Free Methodist Church. We carry joyful and meaningful memories that will always be with us. I know that our lives have been blessed beyond measure by the privilege of this office entrusted to me.

To my surprise the Columbia River Conference has asked me to pastor the Deer Flat Church. And to my greater surprise the Lord has given me a clear sense of release and calling to this appointment. With renewed enthusiasm to return to my first calling, I have accepted this appointment and will transition after general conference.

I now feel something stirring in my heart. After seven years as a superintendent and eight years as a bishop I find myself with a longing to return to the pastorate. John 15 speaks of fruit and joy. The fruit is always on the vine and those in the vineyard participating in the harvest experience great joy. I want to again experience the fruit and joy that only a pastor knows. Ellen and I are ready to go deep in community and to lay down our roots with a congregation about to celebrate their 100th anniversary. We do so with a clear sense of calling and with a confidence that God is leading our steps.

With this clear sense of release and calling from the Lord, I respectfully ask that I not be considered for re-election to this office. Ellen and I thank you for your continued prayers as we transition, as we also pledge our continue prayers for our beloved Free Methodist family.”

Roger W. Haskins, Jr.