Rev. Earnestine Campbell was appointed to serve as Epworth's pastor in June of 2020. She recently served as an Associate Director of the Office of Connectional Ministries, where her portfolio included ministries such as SBC21 (Strengthening Black Churches for the 21st Century), Multiculturalism and Undocumented Neighbors Taskforces, Small Church Development, COSROW (Commission on the Status and Role of Women), Persons with Disabilities, Poverty Initiatives, and other Advocacy initiatives and ministries. Earnestine worked collaboratively with the Local Church, Conference, and Nationally with the General Board agencies. She is currently in the process of obtaining her International Federation Coaching Certification and working on her Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Earnestine is working towards the UMC Elder Ordination track. 

In her years of service, Earnestine has served in lay, clergy and community positions such as Associate Pastor, serving as a teacher, preacher and administrator. She has served as President of the South GA Conference BMCR (Black Methodist for Church Renewal), Host of the South Columbus Connection Christian Radio Show, Columbus, GA, and Partners in Education (PIE), Columbus Family Connection, and the Georgia Roundtable for Prison Reform and Interfaith Children’s Ministry Coalition. 

Earnestine in her former professional career was a Human Resources Professional at a Fortune 100 Insurance Company in Columbus, GA. She was also the Human Resources Director of two Textile industrial plants in Eufaula, AL. 

Rev. Campbell earned a B.S. degree in Human Resources from Troy University, Troy, AL and her Master of Divinity from Gammon Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, GA. She is a native of Phenix City, AL, and Columbus, GA. Her husband is Robert Campbell, and they have two adult children, Tristan and Lauren. 

Earnestine’s life’s mantle: I believe that God forms, calls, and anoints His people to care for all in the sacredness of humanity. Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”