Bishop Peter Weaver

Bishop Peter Weaver
Bishop of the New England Conference

Saturday Morning Speaker

Peter David Weaver was born into the parsonage family of Adolph and Dorothy Weaver, January 15, 1945, in Greenville, PA. He received the degrees of B.A. from West Virginia Wesleyan College (1966), M.Div. from Drew University (1969), and Doctor of Theology from Boston University (1975). He has also received honorary Doctorates from Lebanon Valley College (1999) and Albright College (2000).

Ordained a Deacon (1967) and Elder (1969) in the Western Pennsylvania Conference, Bishop Weaver served the Whitaker United Methodist Church from 1971-1977, developing outreach ministries to community youth and industrial workers.

From 1977-1988, Bishop Weaver served as Senior Pastor of the historic Smithfield United Church (UCC and UMC) in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. The congregation launched ministries with young adults, older adults, urban children and youth, corporate leaders, the homeless and poor, and the arts. During this time, he was co-founder of the Bethlehem Haven Shelter for Homeless Women, based on Christian hospitality principles.

In 1988, Bishop Weaver was appointed Senior Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh, where spiritual emphasis was given to ministries with the neighboring universities, young adult singles, persons with AIDS, the poor, and the development of an inclusive church. He helped start the interfaith “One Voice Against Racism” movement.
While these congregations grew in service and numbers, the foundation of all ministry was spiritual growth through worship and small groups, leading to a relationship with Jesus Christ, and for hands-on ministry in the community and world.

While serving congregations, Bishop Weaver also wrote for various publications and taught for Drew Theological Seminary and Pittsburgh Theological School. For over ten years, he had weekly programs specifically produced for radio. His community involvement included “Leadership Pittsburgh,” the “Mayor’s Task Force On the Homeless,” and many boards, which included Goodwill Industries, YMCA, United Campus Ministries, and West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Some of his many other church responsibilities included chairing the Mission Division of the General Council on Ministries of the United Methodist Church and serving as a delegate to four General Conferences. In the Western Pennsylvania Conference, he chaired the “Together” Stewardship and Funding Program and the committee that led to a new vision and strategic plan for the Conference.

Elected bishop in 1996, Bishop Weaver served the Philadelphia Area of the United Methodist Church (Eastern Pennsylvania and Peninsula Delaware Conferences) until 2004, when he was assigned to the New England Conference, which includes 550 congregations, in five states. Bishop Weaver is married to Linda Sells Weaver. They have eight daughters and four grandchildren. His hobbies include music (trombone), water sports, and woodworking. His “life verse” is: “If anyone is in Christ there is a new creation…” II Cor. 5:17

Bishop Weaver will be the featured speaker on Saturday morning.