Charlie Fuller will retire as director of Pathways to Ministry effective May 31. He and his wife, Cindy, will remain Wilshire members, and Charlie will continue to serve as Wilshire’s coach-in-residence on a volunteer basis.
“My gratitude to Wilshire and Timothy is beyond words,” Charlie said. “Wilshire has provided me a place of ministry that has been an incredible and unexpected extension to my season of professional ministry. What a privilege it’s been to work with the residents and interns.”
Charlie first came to Wilshire as interim minister of music in 2023, covering the period between Doug Haney’s retirement and the arrival of Ariel Merivil in early 2024. A longtime educator, college administrator and pastor, Charlie was then named director of Pathways to Ministry.
In this role, Charlie managed the rebuilding of the pastoral residency program after a pause for evaluation during Wilshire’s senior pastor transition. He also oversaw the creation of a new Pathways office area on the north end of the second floor.
“While I’m a bit sad this season is coming to an end,” Charlie said, “I have a peace about this timing. It’s time for Wilshire to begin the next season of Pathways to Ministry.”
Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples said, “It was February 2023 when I made a call to someone I had never met. From that first conversation, Charlie became more than a colleague; he became a lifelong friend, someone I can trust, confide in and turn to with the hard questions of life and ministry. His integrity, steady leadership and unwavering commitment have shaped our team in ways that will be felt for years to come.”
Charlie will be recognized during 11 a.m. worship on May 31, and a reception will be held after church. Timothy will work with the Personnel and Pathways to Ministry Committees to determine the best staffing for Pathways moving forward.