By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Congregations across the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church are entering a season of transition and renewal as Bishop Jonathan Holston’s 2026 clergy appointments begin taking shape.
During the week of April 17–20, churches gathered for prayer, planning meetings, and farewell services as more than two dozen congregations received new pastoral assignments set to take effect July 1. The appointments come as the denomination continues rebuilding following a wave of disaffiliations across Alabama.
Among the most closely watched moves is the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Kanunu Emmanuel Busambwa to Pell City First United Methodist Church. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Busambwa has served in Alabama for more than two decades and is currently a pastor at Ford’s Chapel UMC in Harvest.
He holds degrees from Africa University, Gammon Theological Seminary, and the International Theological Center in Atlanta. He and his wife, Odette, have raised their three sons in Alabama.
Busambwa’s new assignment comes at a pivotal time for Pell City First, which is still recovering from a 2023 split that saw about 200 members leave after a failed disaffiliation vote.
“Appointments should be seen as formational opportunities rather than merely staffing decisions,” Holston said.
Across Huntsville and Madison County, congregations are preparing for new leadership through welcome events, listening sessions, and continued outreach efforts, including food programs, youth services, and community support initiatives.
Final clergy appointments will be confirmed during the North Alabama Conference meeting, May 28–31, in Birmingham.