“This is what I’ve been working toward. It’s been on the horizon for a long time and this is the next step. God is faithful and the people around me show the faithfulness of God.” – Stuart Upton
“Stuart Upton has my fullest recommendation. He will be a blessing for God in the church, around the world.” – Rev. Magrey R. deVega, Hyde Park UMC
In a world where access to learning is critical, higher education remains out of reach for many who need it most. “The Ben & Martha Simmons Scholarship Fund” is specifically designed to address that barrier and open seminary doors for emerging leaders in the Florida Annual Conference.
This year’s recipient, Stuart Upton, has an engaging story, a track record of effective leadership, and an enthusiastic heart for the good news of Jesus.
Upton, full-time local pastor at Chattahoochee First United Methodist Church, says the timing could not be better.
“I had some courses at Asbury, but will start at Candler (Theological Seminary) from scratch,” he said. “I have a scholarship but will still spend $36,000 over the course of three years. The Simmons grant enables me to cut that in half.”
Upton is pursuing additional opportunities and feels confident costs will be met.
“The Simmons grant,” he said, “is huge in making this possible.”
Growing up in the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), Stuart Upton felt called to ministry early on, then witnessed God redirect, finesse and redefine over the next decade.
During undergraduate work at Warner University, Upton volunteered at First UMC Frostproof, where his future spouse, Danielle, served as youth pastor.
“I was from West Virginia attending school in Lake Wales and she was a University of Charleston grad from Florida! We started dating.”
Upton ultimately found his home in the Wesleyan tradition. “I found I was able to grow spiritually in the United Methodist Church and have a fuller expression of my faith in terms of theology.
“Methodism introduced me to ‘Big Tent Theology,’” Upton wrote, “the idea that churches don’t have to be filled with people who agree on every detail of theology; they needed to be filled with people who loved God and loved Jesus.”
Stuart married Danielle Warner Upton in 2010 and their ministry found new expressions in partnership.
Danielle serves as lead pastor at Century UMC in Quincy, and Stuart’s ministry has variously included pastor’s spouse, father of two boys, committed volunteer, director of worship, associate pastor and now pastor.
The role of clergy spouse has been instructive. “It’s not what you think about when you’re younger! Danielle is a tremendous mentor to me in how to approach ministry. She has such a great way with people and a naturally different leadership style. To see how effective she is; her experience is inspirational for me.”
Upton is also inspired by his work with district and conference level “Congregational Vitality Teams.”
“The goal is to understand where the resources are – who is doing well and who is struggling – and how can we resource and deploy and walk alongside churches that need assistance or can teach us something. It’s been incredibly rewarding.”
Asked where his heart is, Upton did not hesitate. “Connection,” he said. “That’s the true Methodist in me. When churches are on an island all the power rests with them and they will struggle – but the power is always better when it is shared. Connection is a major theme of my ministry.
“Our whole time here (North West District) has been working at throwing ropes across to other small churches,” he said, “trying to make sure they have the resources they need to be successful.”
Upton is firmly committed to learning. “All these things continue to sharpen my mind and soften my heart,” he said. “God really does love me. I’m so grateful for the love of God in my life.”
And what floats his boat right now? “Being pastor here,” he said, “having served twice as associate, it’s like having a kid for the first time. I had no idea I would love the people like this. I love discipleship. I teach feeling a certain power of love from the people. This is an enriching time for me.
“This is what I’ve been working toward. It’s been on the horizon for a long time and this is the next step. God is faithful and the people around me show the faithfulness of God. “Keep pursuing. And remember, God is with you.”