Manchester UMC is excited to announce the newest addition to the clergy team, Rev. Andy Blacksher. He will begin his new appointment on July 1, 2023 as the new Executive Pastor of Operations.
Rev. Andy Blacksher currently serves as the pastor of Faithbridge UMC in Osage Beach, Missouri. Andy grew up in Carthage, Missouri and met his wife, Kristen, in college at Missouri State University. Kristen grew up in Saint Charles and she is a professional photographer. The past 13 years of ministry in the United Methodist Church have taken them on a journey first to Lee’s Summit, then to Festus, and for the past 6 years they have lived at the Lake of the Ozarks.
They have two children who are the light of their lives- as is evidenced by the number of pictures they have on their phones! Zachary is 8 and will be going into 3rd grade in the fall. Nathan is 5 and is very excited to be entering Kindergarten. They are looking forward to being a part of a church community that offers so many opportunities for their family to be involved.
Andy received a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from Missouri State, a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, and was ordained an Elder in the UMC in 2016. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership Excellence from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC. He is also finishing the credentialing process to become an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation.
Andy serves in our greater connectional system as a mentor to pastors in the UMC ordination process and as a coach for churches who are changing their leadership model to the Board governance model. He has served as a member of his District Committee on Ordained ministry for the past 6 years and has served on various denominational teams and committees including serving as the Chair of the Conference Next Gen Team and serving on the Conference Mission Council.
When it comes to church life, Andy’s passions are rooted in reaching new generations, worship music, and community transforming mission work. As a creative outlet, he recently started a podcast called “Standing Shoeless: Finding God in the Ordinary.” He is excited to be joining a talented staff team and to have the honor to serve a church with great history that extends the love of Christ to everyone- especially to those in the community and around the world.
We hope that you will join in welcoming, Rev. Andy Blacksher and his family to the Manchester UMC family!
Pastor's Note
And All Flesh Shall See It Together
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) The Season of Advent is upon us, and the waiting has begun. We
