Millbrook church names Rev. Steve Reneau as new senior pastor

Millbrook First United Methodist Church has named Rev. Steve Reneau as its new senior pastor, and he will begin serving the congregation on July 12, 2026. The appointment places a Wetumpka native with 15 years of pastoral ministry into a church at 3350 Edgewood Rd. in Millbrook, a city that the U.S. Census Bureau estimated at 17,623 residents on July 1, 2025, up from 16,564 in the 2020 census.

Reneau comes to Millbrook with a résumé that includes Birmingham-Southern College, Emory University and doctoral work in progress through Duke University. He is currently listed in the Alabama-West Florida Conference directory at Wesley Chapel UMC in Enterprise. All 2026-2027 appointments are effective July 1, 2026, under Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

Reneau is married to Dr. Olivia Poole, who on March 1, 2026, was named superintendent of the West Central District after serving as pastor of St. Luke UMC in Enterprise.

At Millbrook First, the transition comes as Tyler Cox prepares to step out of the senior pastor role. Cox began his appointment on Aug. 1, 2023. Millbrook First’s mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by embracing God’s grace and sharing hope for the transformation of its fellowship, community and world, and the church offers two Sunday morning worship services, monthly Communion and a special message for children.

Reneau’s first weeks will be visible in the existing schedule: traditional worship at 9 a.m., Sunday school at 10 a.m. and contemporary worship at 11 a.m. The church has invited the public to welcome him on his first Sunday.