Meet Pastor, Mike Whitaker

Michael Whitaker, was raised in Central Illinois, in the tiny hamlet of Neoga.  He has been a United Methodist all his life, and is excited to serve a United Methodist church in his home conference.  Mike's leadership experience began early, holding positions as District Youth President, Conference Youth President, and at the age of twelve, began attending Annual Conference. While attending college at the University of Illinois, studying Mathematics and Computer Science, he was hired as the music director at New Horizons United Methodist.  He also led youth mission trips to places all over the country.

Upon graduation from U of I, Mike moved west to attend seminary at ILIFF School of Theology in Denver, Colorado.  While there he served multiple churches in an enormous range of capacities... from youth pastor of a church of 100 members up in the mountains, to music director of a congregation of 1000, to licensed local pastor of an established congregation trying to start a contemporary service focusing on young adults and college students.  He has also served as a counselor in hospice and hospital settings, and been involved with three separate churches making a difficult but necessary transition into new buildings.

Mike has been employed in servant leadership positions in the United Methodist Church for 10 years, and is thrilled to be working in a congregation that is moving in such a great direction.

Primary Ministry Assignments of Associate Pastor.