A Message From Pastor Mike

Dear First Church Community,

Although I’ve met most of you in and around church over the past 8 weeks, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those I haven’t been able to visit with yet. My name is Mike Wilkerson, and I’m your new pastor.

Originally from Florida, I grew up in the Southeastern part of the country. After high school, I enlisted in the Navy and later received an ROTC scholarship to attend the University of Florida. After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering, I returned to active duty, serving on submarines.

After military service, I returned to the University of Florida, where I earned a Master of Engineering degree in electrical engineering and was then hired by Intel Corporation in Chandler, Arizona.

After 20 years at Intel, I decided to change careers again, this time going into ministry. I earned a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and have served at the First United Methodist Church of Yuma and Saint Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church in Tucson.

I’m an ordained elder in full connection in the Desert Southwest Conference and have most recently been appointed to serve at the First United Methodist Church of Phoenix, beginning in July 2026.

I am married to Rev. Dr. Brooke Wilkerson and have three mostly grown adult children.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve at First Church Phoenix with such a kind, hospitable community that loves God and the church. I look forward to working together and getting to know each of you better. Feel free to stop by during my office hours, Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday mornings from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. I will also have a Zoom session open during those hours (Zoom Room ID: 602 263 5510 and Passcode: 5013).

Thank you for the warm welcome and the opportunity to serve in this beautiful community.

Peace and blessings,

Pastor Mike