Rex Carpenter to Head FMC Chaplain Ministries

The Free Methodist Church of North America has appointed Chaplain Rex E. Carpenter to the position of Free Methodist Endorsing Agent and Director of Chaplain Ministries, overseeing more than 25 active and reserve- duty military chaplains, as well as institutional chaplains serving in more than 50 locations.

“ It is a joy to know that Chaplain Rex Carpenter will be leading the FM work as the chaplains’ endorsing agent,” says Bishop Richard Snyder.

“Our friendship goes back to our early days of ministry in the Genesee Conference,” Snyder adds. “We were in a small group and served on staff together at the Pearce Memorial Free Methodist Church and found some time to play chess together (Rex nearly always beat me!).

“Rex has an incredible love for life because of a vital faith in Jesus,” says Snyder. “His down-home ways are evident in a strong marriage and productive family.”

Snyder, while attending Carpenter’s recent U.S. Air Force retirement celebration, was reminded of his long-time observation that Carpenter is highly skilled and gifted, and thrives on making friends.

“Rex’s wife Louise partners with him in beautiful ways,” Snyder adds. “The Free Methodist Church is blessed to welcome this outstanding leader into this  crucial ministry among our chaplains.”

Carpenter retired in 2006 after serving for 24 years as an active- duty Air Force chaplain. He received the Meritorious Service Medal (6th oak leaf cluster) and was recognized for distinguished and honorable service throughout his military career.

Prior to serving in the Air Force, Carpenter pastored for 13 years in the Genesee Conference -- in three churches. He received a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific University (WA) in 1966, a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary ( Wilmore, KY) in 1969 and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary ( Washington, D.C.) in 1992.

Carpenter follows Robert S. Barnard Jr., who has held the director/ endorsing agent position for the past seven years. “Bob has carried a continuing passion for the unique and challenging ministries of our chaplains,” says Bishop Joseph James. “He has engaged and represented well the Free Methodist Church with national chaplaincy agencies and associations, and  reminded us to give our full support to our chaplains’  significant, front-line, day-to-day ministries.”

Carpenter will assume full responsibilities July 1.