Pastor Rudy is a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church.  He was raised at Whatcoat UMC in Dover, DE.  Pastor Rudy is an Ordained Elder in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church where he has served on numerous Conference committees and at two different churches over his 17-years in the ministry.  He has served as the Senior Pastor of Centennial United Methodist Church in Smyrna, DE and was there 14 years, and the church grew significantly.   In November 2012 he also became the Campus Minister of the Wesley Foundation at Delaware State University.  In July of 2019, Pastor Rudy accepted the cross racial/cross cultural appointment at St. Georges UMC in St.Georges, DE, where the church also experienced significant spiritual and numerical growth.

Pastor Rudy has an undergraduate degree from Delaware State University, where he obtained a BS in Chemistry.  He achieved his Master of Divinity degree from Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University.  While at Palmer, Pastor Rudy also met and later married his lovely wife, Pastor Vernette.  Currently, Pastor Rudy is in the Doctor of Ministry program at Palmer Theological Seminary. His favorite scripture comes from John 14:27 where Jesus tells his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

The SPRC and church leaders who have met with Pastor Rudy in preparation for this transition have found him to be warm, friendly, positive, and enthusiastic, and we are excited and blessed to welcome him to Friendship!

Please take the time to welcome Pastor Rudy and Pastor Vernette to Friendship in the coming weeks!  Thank you!