By Rev. Dr. Matthew M. Williams, Senior Pastor
Bishop Ken Carter has been a guiding light in my ministry journey, and his influence has left an indelible mark on my life and the lives of my family. From the beginning, he saw something in me—he recognized my gifts early and ensured that I was placed in ministry contexts that were beneficial for the churches I served and my family and me. That kind of discernment and care, what we call “good fits,” has made all the difference.
One of the most profound moments in our relationship was when Bishop Carter baptized our son, Ethan. It was during the height of the COVID pandemic, and yet, with all the restrictions and challenges, he and Bishop Kammerer performed the sacrament at Lake Junaluska, NC. Bishop Carter’s presence for that monumental occasion—praying for Ethan and for us— will always remain in our hearts.
Beyond the personal, Bishop Carter’s leadership within the Florida Annual Conference during the pandemic was nothing short of remarkable. What stands out most from that time is his deep care and compassion for everyone—every church, every pastor, and every community that was part of our shared ministry. Florida will forever be indebted to Bishop Ken Carter.
Elected a bishop in 2012, Bishop Carter has continued to serve faithfully, now as the resident bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference. His leadership spans over 1,000 congregations, campus ministries, and outreach initiatives across the state. His service as president of the Council of Bishops from 2018-2020 and his work with The Commission on a Way Forward further exemplify his commitment to the United Methodist Church.
In addition to his episcopal duties, Bishop Carter is an accomplished author and academic. His recent memoir, God Will Make a Way, and his works on the Fresh Expressions movement reflect his deep engagement with the church’s mission to reach new people creatively and faithfully.
Bishop Ken Carter’s legacy is one of grace, leadership, and hope. His vision for a church that embraces God’s radically inclusive grace while calling all followers to holiness and justice continues to inspire countless individuals like myself. Being part of his journey has been a blessing, and I am deeply grateful for how he has shaped my own.
Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, Bishop Ken Carter cannot serve as our guest preacher for the October Bicentennial Sunday on October 13. Bishop Carter has been a tremendous leader within the Florida Conference and now in Western North Carolina, where he continues to provide compassionate guidance through challenging times. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and hope to welcome him to Trinity sometime in 2025, when we can celebrate our shared ministry and the long-standing commitment of the United Methodist Church to being the hands, feet, and body of Christ in our world.