RELEASE DATE: Monday, January 7, 2019
Contact Information: Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe – bishopbledsoe@nmconfum.com
New Amarillo District Superintendent Announced
Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe announced his intention to appoint the Rev. Felicia Hopkins to become a member of the Appointive Cabinet effective July 1, 2019. “The Northwest Texas Annual Conference has four districts, each led by a superintendent who works with the bishop to assist in appointing the very best clergy to not only local congregations but also to the various mission fields that surround those congregations,” said Bishop Bledsoe. Over the last 7 years, the cabinet has been working on shifting the focus of the role of the district superintendents to
become chief missional strategists for the districts, developing mission statements and values that support the overall mission of the United Methodist church of making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As a superintendent, Rev. Hopkins will also provide administrative supervision and guidance for the overall work of the church.
Rev. Felicia Hopkins will become the superintendent for the Amarillo District. She succeeds Rev. Paul Bauernfeind, who served the district since 2011. Felicia currently serves as senior pastor of St. Paul’s UMC, Abilene, TX. She also has served as associate pastor of St. Mark’s UMC, El Paso, TX.
Rev. Hopkins has served 15 years in local churches and also served at the Wesley Foundation at the University of Texas El Paso. Her experience with the conference has included service on the Board of Ordained Ministry, the Conference Committee on Episcopacy, the Hispanic/Latino Action Team, and the Abilene Area Board of Missions.
“My prayer and hope is that the clergy and laity will welcome and support Rev. Hopkins and her family,” Bishop Bledsoe added.
“It has been my pleasure to serve in ministry with Rev. Hopkins as her district superintendent these past five and a half years. During this time, she has exhibited a heart for ministry, along with the leadership and vision not only to strengthen and grow the ministry of St. Paul, Abilene but to expand their mission outreach. Rev. Hopkins has worked diligently to encourage and cultivate the leadership within the congregation and to develop a vision for the future of St. Paul. I believe she will use these skills along with her heart for ministry to lead and grow the ministry and outreach of the Amarillo District. I look forward to serving together with Rev. Hopkins on the ministry cabinet of the Northwest Texas Conference.” – Rev. George Price, Abilene District Superintendent
“I am excited about the gifts and graces that Rev. Hopkins brings as she comes to serve the Amarillo District as the District Superintendent. Felicia is a Spirit-filled disciple of Christ who will provide fruitful, dynamic, and grace-filled leadership as she serves in ministry with the pastors and churches of the District. I look forward to working with her in the coming months as she transitions into this new journey of ministry and as the Amarillo District prepares to welcome her as their next DS.” - Rev. Paul Bauernfeind, Amarillo District Superintendent
“The Amarillo District is thankful to Rev. Paul Bauernfeind for his leadership over the last eight years. We also look forward to working with Rev. Felicia Hopkins. She is very enthusiastic and efficient in her leadership abilities. Her zeal for the Lord will be welcomed in a time when more and more people in our Panhandle towns lack a relationship with Jesus Christ.” - Rev. Travis A. Bennett, Chair, Amarillo District Committee on Superintendency