LEADERSHIP

SENIOR PASTOR

Reverend Ronald Edward Swisher was born in Oakland, California. He attended and graduated from the University of San Francisco, then attended Seminary at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. In 1972, his senior year in Seminary, Rev. Swisher became the Youth Minister at Elmhurst United Methodist Church in Oakland, CA. The following year he was ordained and became Elmhurst UMC's Pastor. He served in this position for five years.

From 1978 to 1990 he was Pastor of Easter Hill United Methodist Church in Richmond, CA.  In 1990 he was appointed District Superintendent of the Sacramento area by Bishop Melvin G. Talbert of the California/Nevada Conference. 

Rev. Swisher attended the opening celebration for the United Methodist Church sponsored Africa University in Zimbabwe. He also served as the Western Jurisdiction representative on the Development Committee of Africa University.

Rev. Swisher has served for six years on the National Board of Directors of the United Methodist Church Black Methodists for Church Renewal. During the 1990's Rev. Swisher served for eight years on the Board of Directors of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church, San Francisco, CA., including four years as its President. He also served as Glide's Minister of Congregational Life.

In 1998 Rev. Swisher was appointed Senior Pastor of Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church.