First United Methodist Stuart welcomes Rev. Dwayne Craig
First United Methodist Church of Stuart announced the appointment of the Rev. Dwayne J. Craig as senior pastor. Craig will deliver his first sermon to the congregation Sunday, July 5, 2026.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Rev. Craig is an ordained elder in the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and brings decades of pastoral leadership, theological scholarship, and community engagement to his new role.
Rev. Craig has served congregations in Florida and Illinois, including Trinity United Methodist Church, McCabe United Methodist Church, Tuskawilla United Methodist Church, Ivanhoe Community United Methodist Church and Southlawn United Methodist Church in Chicago, and most recently East Naples United Methodist Church in Naples, Florida.
“We are excited to welcome Rev. Craig to First United Methodist Church of Stuart,” said Don King, Chairman of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. “His passion for Christ, commitment to serving others, and vision for the Church make him an exceptional leader for our congregation and community.”
Rev. Craig has served in numerous leadership positions within the Florida Annual Conference, including the Board of Ordained Ministry, the Board of Trustees for the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, and the Florida Conference Table. His commitment to ministry extends beyond the church walls through community partnerships, nonprofit leadership, and service initiatives designed to strengthen communities and improve lives.
A respected scholar, Rev. Craig graduated magna cum laude from Bethune-Cookman College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy. He earned both a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from Duke University Divinity School and a Master of Theological Studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University. He is currently completing his Doctor of Ministry degree through Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.
Rev. Craig’s ministry is grounded in the belief that faith should be lived out in practical ways that bring people together, strengthen communities, and reflect God’s love in everyday life. He is passionate about helping congregations grow spiritually while engaging meaningfully with the world around them.
“I am honored to join the First United Methodist Church of Stuart family,” said Rev. Craig. “I look forward to building relationships, growing together in faith, and discovering the many ways God is calling us to serve our neighbors and share Christ’s love throughout our community.”
The congregation and community are invited to welcome Rev. Craig during worship services on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the 9:30 am contemporary service or the 11:00 am traditional service. All are encouraged to attend and celebrate the beginning of this new chapter in the life of First United Methodist Church of Stuart.
About First United Methodist Church of Stuart
First United Methodist Church of Stuart is a vibrant congregation committed to worship, discipleship, fellowship, and service. Through its ministries and outreach efforts, the church seeks to share the love of Jesus Christ and make a positive difference throughout Martin County and the Treasure Coast.
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