Leadership – ESUMC | East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church

Our Leadership

ESUMC has a vibrant and diverse staff that believes in the the gospel and has experienced the saving grace of Christ Jesus. We’re invested in our ministry, passionate about people, and committed to His service. From the Senior Pastor to our weekday sexton, our team is here to love and serve others.

Rev. Samuel Kofi Ashley
Senior Pastor

(570) 421-3280 Ext. 1014
kashley@esumc.net

Senior Pastor

Rev. Samuel Kofi Ashley

Rev. Samuel Derick Kofi Ashley is an ordained elder in the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Born and raised in Ghana, a country that can be found on the West Coast of Africa, he attended the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra for his bachelor’s degree in History and the Study of Religions. He obtained his Master of Education degree in Political Science from the East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and holds a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, NJ. Pastor Kofi serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, the Northeast District Committee on Ministry (DCOM), and the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC) Nominations Committee.

Pastor Kofi has served at several United Methodist Churches: East Stroudsburg, Portland, Analomink, Richmond, and most recently, Mount Pocono, where he served since 2012 prior to his return to minister here at East Stroudsburg on July 1st, 2020.

He loves prayer, worship, and Bible Study, cooking, shopping, sports, and hanging out with his son, Sammy. He is excited to get to know the church family and community, to build relationships, and to welcome new families to ESUMC.

In his own words, “We trust the Lord to continue to provide the grace, wisdom, and strength that we need to do the Lord’s work, for our own strength and power are limited. And this is my prayer, that I would continue to learn, and trust God to lead me and help fulfill the plans the Lord has in store for me, and ministry here at ESUMC and in this community at large.” Pastor Kofi lives with his wife, Sarah, and son, Samuel (Sammy) in East Stroudsburg, PA.