Rob Powell was appointed by Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton to serve as pastor of Christ United Methodist Church at the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in June 2026. Prior to this appointment, Rob served as the Director of Family Ministries and Connections at Trinity United Methodist Church in Springfield, MA. While at Trinity, Rob worked closely with children and youth ministries, developed a silent retreat ministry for adults, and supported worship by providing weekly children’s messages and occasional preaching. 

Raised in Columbus, Georgia, Rob began his career in non-profits and higher-education in North Carolina following his graduation from Berry College in 2008. After his husband, Dr. Chris White, was hired as a professor of Music Theory at UMass-Amherst, Rob and Chris moved to Sunderland, MA, where they’ve lived for 11 years. In 2017, the welcomed Janze, their beloved child, into their home and hearts. Rob completed his Master of Divinity at Boston University’s School of Theology in 2024, where he was awarded honorable mention in preaching. In 2026, Rob will complete Spiritual Direction Certification from the Gateways to God program at Rolling Ridge. 

Rob’s ministry is guided by a beloved verse: No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another God’s love lives in us and God’s love is made complete in us (1 John 4:12). He looks forward to encountering God together through the offering and reception of grace and love.