Over this past week, Rev Dr Richard Waugh advised the National Council of his decision to retire as National Superintendent, a role he has fulfilled since 2002.

The National Council met on Saturday 29 August by ZOOM to receive notice of his retirement and reflected with deep appreciation on the many years of sacrificial, fruitful service given by Richard in this role.  An appropriate honouring of Richard’s ministry will form part of the annual Conference in November which includes our 20-year celebration.

Rev Dr Richard Waugh at the launch of his book ‘Renew Your Wesleyan DNA’ at the WMCNZ ConneXion in November 2019.

Richard has prepared a personal statement to share with the wider church:

With my recuperation from medical treatment these recent months I have had much time to think and pray about the future. I have been helped by a prayer I have cherished for many years called the ‘Radical Prayer’ which in part says, “Holy Spirit, if this is right for me, let it become more firmly rooted and established in my life. If this is not for me, let it become less important to me, and let it be increasingly removed from my life.” As a result of such prayerfulness I have decided to retire from the National Superintendency role. I feel it is right for me and for the church at this time.

I am deeply honoured to have been National Superintendent of our growing Wesleyan Methodist movement since 2002 and have had so many wonderful experiences, with many special friendships (including international), as well as occasional challenging times. Always my wife Jane has been loving and supportive, along with our children who were young at the time I was initially elected. I thank Jane, Simon, Theresa and Kristie and also pay tribute to the leaders and congregation of East City Wesleyan Church for their unstinting support of my national church responsibilities these many years.

Please convey to National Executive, National Council and the whole church my deep appreciation of their love and support to me and my family, especially during this demanding year of 2020. I continue a long and positive recovery and my specialist is commending of my progress. I look forward to continuing to serve at East City Wesleyan and I am confident the Holy Spirit will guide our Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand as it follows process and makes significant new leadership decisions.

We are grateful to God for Richard’s progress with his health journey and continue to pray for Richard and Jane as his recovery continues.  We also pray for Richard’s ongoing return to ministry at East City Wesleyan along with the Servant Leaders and the staff team led by acting Senior Minister Rev Josh Bowlin.

Our National Secretary, Rev Peter Benzie, will be in touch with ministers and local churches with regard to the nomination process for a new National Superintendent.  In the meantime, I have accepted the National Council’s request to continue in the acting role as National Superintendent for the 2 months until Conference.

We give thanks to God for His faithfulness and continue to trust him as a church family for His wisdom and grace.

Every blessing,

Rev. Brett Jones

National Superintendent (Acting)