Bret M. Layton was elected West Virginia South district superintendent this week, as announced by the Board of General Superintendents.

With General Superintendent David Busic presiding, the assembly elected Layton on the fifth ballot on August 2. His new assignment will be effective 30 days after the election. Layton replaces retiring district superintendent Mervin Smith, who has served in the position since 1996.

Layton currently lives on the Northeastern Indiana District and serves as vice president of advancement at World Gospel Mission. He previously pastored on the West Virginia South District at Charleston Elk River Church of the Nazarene (1994-2002).

“Rev. Layton has preached, taught, and trained pastors and other leaders in numerous countries around the world,” Busic said. “His experiences in pastoral ministry and the non-profit world will be of great benefit to the good people of West Virginia South.”

Layton has also served churches in Ohio (Ironton First, Hamilton Millville Avenue, Springfield High Street), Georgia (Macon Shurlington), and Virginia (Roanoke First). He was also Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International chair for the Northwestern Ohio District while in Springfield. 

“I eagerly look forward to partnering with the wonderful pastors and churches on the West Virginia South District in building the Kingdom and striving to fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord,” Layton said. “Southern West Virginia is such an incredible place … with warm, loving, and hospitable people. Being missional is just part of who they are! It’s going to be exciting to be part of it all!”

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Layton is a graduate of Circleville Bible College (now Ohio Christian University) and Mount Vernon Nazarene College (now University). He was ordained on the South Central Ohio District in 1989.

Bret and his wife, Beth (Brown), currently reside in Marion, Indiana.