Rev. Corey Jones knows the power of a leap of faith. As a high schooler, a friend’s invitation brought him to Warren Willis Camp, where he encountered deep friendships, life-changing worship, and a wild jump into an alligator-filled lake to retrieve a lost letter. Emerging from the water, Corey felt God calling him to "jump into places you've never even imagined." That leap became the theme of his life.

With his call to ministry sparked at camp, Corey served as a counselor, was baptized in the pool, and, inspired by a camp worship leader, pursued his path to pastoral leadership. Seminary at Asbury Theological School (Orlando campus) led to appointments at St. Mark UMC, then St. Luke’s UMC, and finally Pasadena Community Church, where he served as Senior Pastor. His ministry thrived, but the call to camp ministry never faded. In 2023, he took another bold leap, stepping into the role of Executive Director at Warren Willis Camp.

New to the Director's seat but a seasoned leader, Corey found a vital lifeline in the UMCRM network. Jessica, UMCRM's Director, reached out to welcome him, and Corey quickly found his footing in the community. At the UMCRM Executives’ Summit that fall, he discovered the deep camaraderie of peers who truly understood his ministry. He calls the UMCRM connection “life-giving”—a place where he finds practical ideas, shared stories, and experiences the idea of "iron sharpening iron” first hand. 

Through UMCRM, Corey has gained more than inspiration—he has found clarity. Conversations with leaders like Jack Shitama have guided his priorities, while peer discussions about disaffiliations have offered perspective and permission to rethink the 'why' behind his ministry. Seeing how his predecessor, Mike Standifer, leaned into UMCRM to shape impactful programs like day camps and after-school adventures has inspired Corey to follow that path of collaboration.

Today, Corey's leadership is grounded in both his pastoral wisdom and his new network of colleagues who know the unique joys and challenges of camp ministry. His connection to UMCRM is a steady source of support as he guides Warren Willis into its next chapter.

UMCRM stands ready to come alongside leaders like Corey when they take their leaps of faith. This community creates the space where iron sharpens iron, ideas take root, and ministry flourishes. Thank you for helping leaders like Corey jump into places they never even imagined.