When Doug McMunn was 17-years-old he found his calling.
After attending a high school football banquet put on by a small church, he decided to personally thank the congregation for their hospitality one Sunday morning.
‘I said my appreciation to them for putting on that banquet and I felt in my heart then that God was saying ‘this is what I want you to do with your life,?? he said, now 45-years-old. ‘That’s been my calling, to encourage the church to fulfill its mission in the world.?
And now he will be encouraging the congregation as pastor at Oxford United Methodist Church (OUMC).
McMunn and his wife of 22 years, Marianne, their three children Matthew, 20, Katie, 18 and Marsha, 17, moved from the small town of Pinckney just last week to the hustle and bustle of Oxford. His first day was July 1.
Former Rev. Ken Ray was re-appointed to a Methodist church in Redford.
McMunn became a pastor in 1986 after attending Asbury Theological Seminary school in Wilmore, Kentucky.
He was the founding pastor of Arise United Methodist Church in Pinckney for 101/2 years and served a congregation of 140.
‘We cried a lot this week saying goodbye to our congregation because in the 101/2 years we developed some really rich relationships,? McMunn said. ‘But, we’re looking forward to doing that again here.?
McMunn will have about 330 members under his guidance at OUMC and said Oxford’s continual growth will be a focus of his job as pastor.
‘I really want our church in Oxford to be welcoming, to show hospitality to these folks that are moving in…,? he said.
McMunn said hospitality is ‘one of the most ancient signs of spirituality? and that it threads ‘all religions.?
‘I want to help the church be a growing Christian family that blesses the Oxford community,? he said. ‘I hope the church will help people to love each other more.?