MidSouth Articles, MidSouth Conference

The MidSouth Annual Conference Announces Rev. Dr. Chris Howlett as the Next Conference Connectional Officer

by Rev. Amy Carlson • Published Monday, August 18, 2025

The MidSouth Annual Conference is pleased to announce the selection of Rev. Dr. Chris Howlett as the next Conference Connectional Officer. Rev. Dr. Howlett currently serves as the MidSouth Conference Secretary and is the lead pastor at Summit Heights Methodist Church in Louisville, KY. Along with serving in these roles, he brings 29 years of experience in church renewal, governance, and strategic staff leadership. Across his time serving as lead pastor within four Kentucky Methodist Churches, Rev. Dr. Howlett has served as a mentor to students at Asbury Theological Seminary, chaired the MidSouth Standing Rules Committee, currently serves as Community Spiritual Director for the Louisville Emmaus Community, and chaired multiple committees during his time of leadership within a previous Methodist denomination.

Rev. Dr. Howlett implements the core philosophy of “discover[ing], develop[ing], and deploy[ing] people so that mission is translated into action” within his life and service in ministry. This philosophy was evident in the application of producing a strengths-based leadership process as his dissertation for the completion of his Doctorate of Ministry (D. Min.) from Asbury Theological Seminary. His work provided a system for churches to align gifts and strengths with ministry needs across staff and volunteers.

We are excited to see this work and passion at play within the staff and leadership of the MidSouth Annual Conference for further deployment of ministry in action for congregations in the region. His work as Conference Secretary is to oversee the planning and documentation of conference operations coupled with this new role of Conference Connectional Officer to coordinate administrative duties for effective mission and ministry across clergy, laity, churches, committees, boards, agencies, and extension ministries of the MidSouth.

Rev. Dr. Howlett has been married to his wife, Roz Howlett, for 34 years. Roz serves as the Learning Coordinator at Saint Nicholas Academy. Together they have three adult children: Chloe, Josiah, and Lydia.

Rev. Amy Carlson

Amy was the first Director of Communications for the MidSouth, serving from 2024 to 2026 as she laid the foundation for all conference communications. She combines 20 years of marketing, advertising, and communications experience and training with a decade of immersive ministry application for living discipleship. As a leader, Amy comes alongside people and systems to help them thrive through discernment, problem-solving, creativity, and connection, fostering a culture of authenticity. Amy is also the co-founder and lead pastor of Our Story Church, a church plant in Louisville, KY, where she still serves.