First United Methodist Church Of Stuart has new senior pastor |

STUART – First United Methodist Church of Stuart has appointed Rev. Dwayne J. Craig as its new Senior Pastor. Rev. Craig will deliver his first sermon to the congregation on 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.

Throughout his ministry, Rev. Craig has served congregations in both Florida and Illinois, including Trinity United Methodist Church, McCabe United Methodist Church, Tuskawilla United Methodist Church, Ivanhoe Community United Methodist Church in Chicago, 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.

“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 a.m. contemporary service or the 11 a.m. traditional service.