Appalachian Ministry Network

06/02/2026

NEW PRESBYTERS BEGIN SERVICE:

Each year June 1 marks the start of the term of office for Appalachian Network section leaders and departmental ministry appointees. Recent developments bring two changes to the membership of the Network Presbytery.

James Charles succeeds Jimi Watson as presbyter of the Two Virginias Section. Jimi's recent election as Network Secretary/Treasurer created a vacancy in the office of the section's leader. James, serving as the assistant presbyter, was appointed to fill the vacancy through the end of the current term ending May 31, 2028. James formerly pastored Baptist Valley AG in Tazewell County, VA, and is an officer at First Sentinel Bank in Richlands, where he and his wife, Danielle, reside with their family.

Jerome Coleman was elected as presbyter of the New River Section during this year's LIFE Section Council Tour. He succeeds Marty Cowger, who served the section with excellence after filling an unexpired term. Jerome serves with his wife, Amanda, as NextGen pastors at Calvary AG in Beckley, WV. He formerly pastored New Beginnings AG in Buchanan, VA, and served on staff at AMN churches in Roanoke, VA, and Charleston, WV. The Colemans reside with their family in Beckley.

Congratulations to James and Jerome and many thanks for their willingness to serve the ministers and churches of our network.

05/28/2026

- A bittersweet moment today as Tony and Betty said goodbye and rode off into the sunset of retirement (with Betty driving, of course). After 13 years of service as the AMN Executive Secretary-Treasurer and Administrative Assistant, they will be greatly missed. But as happens to us all this side of heaven, life goes on with a new chapter to be written. God bless you, Tony and Betty. Lisa and I are thankful you were our dear friends before our network assignments and we are thankful you will still be afterward. We love you and pray God's best favor and blessing upon you. Now go enjoy your retirement. You've earned it! 👏🏻👍🏻

05/25/2026

- In observance of Memorial Day, the AMN office is closed and will reopen tomorrow, May 26.

05/24/2026

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05/24/2026

- Praying and believing on this Pentecost Sunday that the same Presence that graced our recent Network Conference will also grace every church of the Appalachian Ministry Network today. May fresh REVELATION of Father's love, plan and purpose for all people be proclaimed with powerful anointing so that RESTORATION of soul, spirit and body through the finished work of the resurrected Christ might occur and DESTINATION for this life and the one to follow will be revealed by the Spirit to those responding in unwavering faith. God, let this be a day of FRESH FIRE all across Appalachia and beyond. Amen!

05/17/2026

- Congratulations to Rev. Jimi Watson on his election as AMN Executive Secretary-Treasurer at last week's Appalachian Ministry Network Annual Conference. Serving as pastor of Tazewell (VA) First Assembly the last 17 years, Jimi also served as the Network Youth Director from 2000-2005. Originally from Williamson, WV, Jimi's years of ministry have been conducted entirely in the network. He is married to Traci, his youth camp sweetheart. Jimi will begin his duties on June 1, immediately following Tony Raffa's retirement on May 31. Welcome aboard, Jimi and Traci!

05/17/2026

05/15/2026

A very special thank you to everyone who made Betty and my retirement celebration a time we will always remember. Thanks to each of you who sent cards, expressed thoughts and sentiments of how our service has made a difference in your lives. Thank you, Pastor David Dillon, and the AMN network leadership for the overwhelming gifts, which were SO personal (I can’t wait to get paint on my new easel), and much thanks to Lisa Webb Dillon, Kristi Johns Pelfrey, and Adam Pelfrey, who put together such a beautiful and honoring party and display! (I am kicking myself for being so overwhelmed and not getting one photo of the set-up- hence the replicated stock pic🤦🏼‍♂️) You ALL are making it quite difficult to leave this awesome ministry. Betty Raffa and I love each one of you and will be praying for the GREATER future of Appalachia!

05/14/2026

This Week in AG History —May 12, 1968 By Darrin J. RodgersOriginally published on AG-News 14 May 2026 Colonel Harland Sanders (1890-1980) was best known for founding the iconic restaurant chain, Ke…

05/14/2026

- CONNECT2026 is finished! What a powerful and historic day for the Appalachian Ministry Network. After an encouraging time of word and worship in the morning, the afternoon business session was productive and filled with unity. The closing Celebration Service featured special music by Richard and Denise Kiser and a life-changing message about God's voice by Dr. Mike Rakes, president of Evangel University in Springfield, MO, and a native son of Appalachia. The service and conference ended with many lingering in the altar to hear God speak to them. It was a great finish to a great gathering. CONNECT2027 happens next May in Beckley, WV, so plan to be there!