District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Calvin Alston
Bishop Gregory V. Palmer is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Calvin Alston as a Conference District Superintendent assigned to the Olentangy River District beginning July 1, 2024.
Rev. Dr. Sara Thomas, Regional Missional Specialist
I am a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, Certified Gallup Strengths Coach, credentialed ICF (ACC) Leadership Coach and Ordained Elder in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC). Currently, I serve in the Capitol Area South District where I coach and equip leaders.
I partner with busy leaders and overwhelmed teams to unlock your potential so you can excel at work and in life. I'll shine a light on what makes you amazing & ask tough questions, all so your life and leadership make a difference.
I've served as a pastor for four mid-size and large local churches in suburban and urban settings. I also served at a General Agency of the church where I had the privilege of resourcing local church and annual conference leaders in the task of making disciples and changing the world.
My passions in ministry come from my time serving with youth, in the mission field, along with starting new places for people to worship and encounter the love of Jesus. Teaching and preaching also rank high on my list of joys in ministry. Nothing compares to witnessing people encountering the love of Jesus.
I worked with new students and their families at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for five years before serving in leadership in the church.
Education
I love to learn.
My formal education occurred in three states and in four disciplines. My undergraduate degree is from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Ask me sometime why I spent four years taking science classes (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etc.) and have a Communication degree.
I have two Master's degrees. (Yeah, I know...)
My first is a Master of Science in University Administration from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. My second is a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
In March 2015, I earned my doctorate with a focus on Missional Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. I also claimed the name my nephews gave me when I started my doctoral studies: "Rev. Doc. 'Ra." (I think it sounds more like a name for a rapper!) Research for my dissertation, "A Missional Approach to Discipleship in the United Methodist Church," gave me the opportunity to explore transformational stories through the threefold rhythm of scripture, service, and celebration. It's also where I recognized coaching was a transformational leadership skill.
Technology
I'm a digital native, adopting the Apple platform as an eight-year-old. Thanks, Mom and Dad. Yes, that means I've never written a paper on a typewriter. Millennials and Gen Z, I know you haven't either. But, I'm just old enough to be a Gen Xer. Computers were not mainstream when I was a kid. Technology fascinates me, as does design. Adobe products (PhotoShop, Illustrator, and InDesign) are toys and tools I love to play with along with engaging in the ever-changing world of social media.
Etc.
I'm originally from Michigan, where my family still calls home. I've lived in the greater Nashville (TN) area, greater Cincinnati (OH) area, and currently call Columbus, Ohio home. When we have an opportunity to connect, ask me how I learned to navigate the Big 10 rivalry between the University of Michigan and The Ohio State University...especially now that I live Columbus, Ohio.