CHRISTOPHER CADELAGO
The Rev. Greg Batson, senior pastor of Burbank First United Methodist Church, took over when Larry Stamper retired in 2004.
A community anchor from the pulpit and dais, Stamper served one term on the City Council and 32 years as the church's senior pastor.
"People were concerned about the transition," said Batson, who leads a congregation of 1,000 members, 325 of whom appear weekly. "They didn't know me, and I was brand new. Fortunately, that transition went over well the last five years."
Batson will give his final sermon at 9:30 a.m. June 14, before moving on to a church in Tustin.
We caught up with the former commercial banker in his office at Burbank First United Methodist Church.
CHRISTOPHER CADELAGO: What are some of the tenets of the United Methodist Church?
GREG BATSON: The United Methodist Church is part of what is known as mainline Protestant Christianity. It's in the same family as Presbyterian, Episcopal, Lutheran, but the United Methodist Church is pretty broad in its theology. In other words, it has people of all stripes, from conservative to liberal-progressive. A defining aspect of our denomination is that it's a pretty big tent. We have our basic beliefs in the trinity, in Jesus Christ as our lord and savior in the work of the holy spirit and the church. A lot of other things, beyond just the basics, we let people come to their own decision on.
Q: What was it like establishing yourself after the Rev. Larry Stamper's three-decade tenure?
A: Very positive in all aspects. That is largely because not only of Larry's welcome, but this congregation and this community's welcome of our family. At no time did we ever feel excluded. We always felt that people wanted us to be a part of this and wanted us to be a successful part of the community.
Q: We understand you're retiring and/or leaving the community.
A: I am accepting a new appointment at a church in Tustin. It's called Aldersgate United Methodist right in central Orange County. I'll be moving out of Burbank, living in Tustin and serving that church as its senior pastor.
Q: Was it expected?
