The Rev. Dr. (Lt. Col.) Kent Lundy Named UMEA Director
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) has appointed Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Kent Lundy as director of the United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA), effective Oct. 1.
UMEA is responsible for identifying, endorsing and supporting clergy who serve as chaplains in extended ministries beyond the local church across the United States and throughout the connection.
The Rev. Dr. (Lt. Col.) Kent Lundy
“Kent’s vision and experience along with the enthusiasm he is bringing with him will be instrumental in shaping and supporting the future of endorsed ministry,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of GBHEM. “His understanding of the UMC and his commitment to connection and excellence will strengthen the agency’s work and deepen its impact across the church and beyond.”
Lundy brings 18 years of experience as an endorsed chaplain in the Air National Guard, including deployments to three distinct areas of responsibility. He has served in parish ministry, hospital and prison chaplaincy, and is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation.
“I’m humbled and honored to be selected for such a time as this to wear the sacred mantle of UMEA director for this next, very exciting season,” Lundy said adding he will focus on calling, connecting and credentialing.
“We must see our chaplain work connecting back to the larger vision and mission of the UMC,” he said. “Endorsed chaplaincy can be very lonely. It is my goal to personally connect in a meaningful way — visit, Zoom, phone call — with each current endorsed chaplain within the first 18 months. Relationships matter, and I want to hear directly from my fellow chaplains.”
Lundy also emphasized the importance of readiness and accountability.
“We are on a huge cusp of being able to recruit the next generation of endorsed chaplain leaders,” he said. “God is still in the calling business, and we must be poised to receive candidates who are called and equipped for vocational ministry but are not called to local church work.”
The Rev. Meg Lassiat, executive director for ministry at GBHEM, added, “Kent has broad experience in the ministry of chaplaincy and is seeking to find new ways to support United Methodist chaplains around the world. We look forward to him joining GBHEM’s staff.”
Media Contact
- Susan Clark, Chief Communications Officer for the General Boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries, at communications@umcmission.org.
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