Beloved Local Pastor Appointed to a New Church

Members of Simsbury United Methodist Church (SUM) are preparing to bid a heartfelt farewell to their beloved pastor, Gene Ott, as he transitions to a new appointment on July 1, 2025. For seven years, Pastor Gene has been a pillar of faith, guidance, and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on the church and its members.

Pastor Gene is a seasoned leader within the United Methodist Church, bringing a wealth of theological knowledge and pastoral experience. With a Master of Divinity from Drew University, where he graduated magna cum laude, and a Bachelor of Science in History, he has dedicated his life to serving multiple congregations. His deep-rooted connection to Methodism, stretching back to his great-grandfather, has shaped his unwavering commitment to faith and community.

More than a preacher, Pastor Gene has a gift for storytelling, seamlessly blending humor, personal anecdotes, history, and pop culture to make the gospel accessible and meaningful. His ability to deliver compelling, unscripted sermons has resonated with many, inspiring them to deepen their faith and understanding. His leadership style fosters inclusivity, encouraging individuals to express their ministry in their own way while embracing SUM’s big-tent theology and diverse paths to spiritual growth.

Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Gene’s warmth and authenticity make him a natural community builder. As a husband and father of two, he often weaves personal experiences into his messages, creating a welcoming and relatable atmosphere. His love for storytelling is central to his philosophy: that loving God, self, and neighbor is rooted in genuine relationships. In his free time, he enjoys airplanes, old cars, and immersing himself in long books.

During his tenure, Pastor Gene expanded his leadership to oversee “The Quad,” a collective ministry including North Canton United Methodist, Washington Hill United Methodist, and Copper Hill United Methodist Churches. He introduced innovative ministry initiatives, led diverse worship services, and nurtured a dynamic group of “exhorters” who rotate services across the Quad. His commitment to fostering vibrant congregations has been evident in his efforts to engage lay members, enhance youth ministry, and serve on various church boards.

Reflecting on his journey with SUM, Pastor Gene fondly recalled meeting SUM committee members for the first time and “blessing a plate of cookies, ostensibly so folks could hear how he (SIC) prayed.” Over the years, he led the congregation through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, spearheading initiatives to make the church safer and more inclusive. He played a key role in modernizing sanctuary technology and facilitating thought-provoking book studies that deepened the congregation’s faith.

In a recent message to the church, he expressed gratitude for the kindness, intelligence, humor, and faithfulness of the SUM community. His parting words capture the mutual appreciation shared between pastor and congregation: “Thank you once again for being some of the kindest, smartest, funniest, and most faithful people I’ve ever met.”

As Pastor Gene embarks on this new chapter, the SUM community sends him off with gratitude and blessings, knowing that his legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire for years to come. Pastor Gene, you will be dearly missed.