Mike Eastridge, chair of the Holston Conference Personnel Resources Team, has announced that the Rev. Mike Sluder has been selected as associate director of connectional ministries for missions.

The Rev. Stella Roberts, Holston Conference director of connectional ministries, said that she was "delighted" to welcome Sluder into the newly created position on the conference staff.

Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, resident bishop, is projected to appoint Sluder to the position, effective July 1. Sluder is currently completing an appointment as senior pastor at Bearden United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tenn.