Bishop Dan  Schwerin is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Audrea Nanabray as Lake South District Superintendent, effective July 1, 2023. Rev. Dr. Nanabray currently serves at Des Plaines: First and will follow Rev. Jacques Conway, who has been appointed to Orland Park: Faith, effective July 1, 2023. 

"In my time of prayer and discernment with the Northern Illinois Conference Cabinet, I heard the need for a superintendent with strong pastoral skills, an open heart, and administrative strengths," Bishop Schwerin says. "This discernment led to Rev. Dr. Audrea Nanabray. Audrea’s pastoral record, skills in counseling, degree in administration, and commitment to the connectional church commend her to the cabinet. She has previously served in the Lake South District and knows it well. I look forward to our new chapter working as a superintendent of the whole conference, assigned to work with the faithful people of Lake South."

Dr. Nanabray is a product of the Lake South District. She was raised at New Gresham United Methodist Church and the first 27 of her 30 years in ministry were served in seven other churches across the Lake South District.

Rev. Nanabray reports, “I am very grateful for a career of multi-faceted service: being enriched by clergy and laity alike, being able to encourage and to be encouraged, to walk with God’s people through the ‘best of times and the worst of times,’ and being blessed beyond measure as they walked with me through my own personal peaks and valleys. The thought that God has used me to make a difference in a way that is acknowledged by colleagues such that it warrants an invitation to serve on the bishop’s Cabinet is an honor not easily expressed with words. I deeply appreciate Bishop Dan Schwerin for examining my works and discerning something that he could use on his team as we navigate through the challenging years facing our denomination and conference. All I can say is, ‘to God be the glory for the things He has done.’”

Rev. Nanabray is a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Illinois, with a bachelor of science degree from Bradley University, a master of divinity degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary, a master of arts in social service administration from the University of Chicago, and a doctor of philosophy degree from Union Institute and University. She has served as an adjunct faculty member of two colleges: the College of DuPage (2004-2008), teaching English as a Second Language; Ethics; and Religions of the World; and Trinity Christian College (2008), teaching The Christian World View.

Around the conference, Audrea has been a Rule of Christ trainer, helping churches navigate conflict resolution and discover strategies for communication and mutual understanding that facilitate a more optimal practice of ministry. She has also contributed as a Safe Sanctuaries trainer, helping churches keep children and vulnerable adults safe from sexual exploitation. She has also served with Wespath (the United Methodist pension and benefits agency) as a pastoral counselor for clergy. 

Rev. Dr. Nanabray is supported by her husband, Samuel, whom she calls “an awesome intercessor,” and five children. 

Please hold in your prayers Rev. Dr. Nanabray, her family, and everyone affected by this appointment transition .