Clovis District Superintendent, Ernie Vineyard has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2023. Ernie has been a pastor in the NM Conference for 28 years and served on the Bishop’s Cabinet since 2018. Bishop Schnase has worked with Ernie since January of 2022, “I have enjoyed working with Ernie and have come to appreciate his insight, faithfulness, and knowledge of the churches and pastors and people of the New Mexico Annual Conference. We will miss his good humor and the stories he shares about serving in diverse settings in New Mexico and Texas. I pray he and Corrie enjoy the gift of retirement.”

“Corrie and I have been in prayer for a couple of years about when the best time would be for me to retire from full time ministry. We feel now is the time to step away from my job as District Superintendent and not take another church at this time. We will be taking care of our home for a while and spending time together. We will also continue to be in prayer; asking God to reveal what my (our) next stage of ministry will be. God called us into ministry and that has not changed. I will always serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and look forward to what the next step will be… after a rest. Thanks to all of you who have served beside me, helped me, prayed for me, and taught me. Please pray for Corrie and me as God leads us, and we will be praying for our brothers and sisters of the New Mexico Conference.”

Ernie began his pastoral ministry at Fort Davis/Balmorhea UMC in 1995. He then served FUMC-Deming for eight years. In 2018, Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe asked him to serve on his Cabinet. Ernie has walked alongside the churches in the Clovis District through the hardships of the pandemic and disaffiliation decisions. He’s been a steadfast presence – combining his strong faith with a unique sense of humor. We wish Ernie and Corrie the very best in their next ministry.

Over the next few months, the New Mexico Conference will transition from having three district superintendents on the cabinet to two, providing coverage for the churches in the ABQ & El Paso Districts as well as the Clovis District.