Welcoming Maddie Jade as Director of Emmaus Ministries

The Upper Room is pleased to welcome Maddie Jade as the new Director of Emmaus Ministries. Maddie brings a deep commitment to pastoral leadership, community building, and creating spaces where people can grow in faith together. 

An ordained deacon in the Great Plains United Methodist Conference, Maddie grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, and currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. She earned her Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where she  is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership for Social Transformation. As part of her doctoral work, she is developing curriculum focused on clergy sexual ethics. 

Throughout her ministry, Maddie has served in a variety of roles centered on the local church, community engagement, church resource development, and advocacy. Her experience includes serving as pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield, Kansas; Faith-Based Director at The Neighboring Movement; and Justice Collaborative Contractor for the Great Plains United Methodist Conference. Across each of these roles, she has demonstrated a passion for cultivating meaningful relationships, listening deeply, and helping communities flourish. 

Outside of ministry, Maddie volunteers as a hospital advocate supporting survivors of sexual assault. She also enjoys taking walks with her spouse and their dog along Lake Michigan and playing soccer. 

"We are delighted to welcome Maddie to The Upper Room," said Johnny Sears, Executive Director of The Upper Room Programs and Director of The Academy for Spiritual Formation. "She is grounded and confident, with a wonderful balance of administrative leadership and a pastoral heart. Maddie is deeply committed to justice while also meeting people with compassion wherever they are on their journey. I am confident she will build on the outstanding work of Brittany Sky and continue helping Emmaus Ministries live more fully into its mission." 

Maddie shared her enthusiasm for joining the ministry, saying, "I am humbled and excited to join the Programs Team at The Upper Room as the next Director of Emmaus Ministries. I look forward to bringing my experience and gifts in relationship-building, listening, strategic visioning, and program management to this work." 

Please join us in welcoming Maddie to The Upper Room and in praying for her as she begins this new chapter of leadership with Emmaus Ministries.