Bishop Saenz Appoints DS to Northwest District, names additional hires

Rev. Cassie Wade to begin serving the Northwest District, in addition to the East, effective July 1

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Central and North Texas Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church, has appointed Rev. Cassie Wade to serve as the Northwest District superintendent, beginning July 1. Wade has served as East District Superintendent since 2021 and will continue that appointment as well.
 
“I have a deep love and appreciation for the Northwest District churches, their communities and the spirit they bring to the larger conference,” said Wade. “My first appointments were at First Sherman, First Jacksboro and First Decatur, all in the Northwest District, and I am honored to be able to serve the district now as superintendent. I look forward to continuing to partner with our churches, clergy and lay leadership throughout the East and Northwest Districts as we multiply Jesus followers in each one of our local communities.”
 
Rev. Todd Harris, who has served as Northwest District Superintendent since 2019, has been away since April 2024 for personal reasons and has requested not to receive an appointment in July. Since April, Rev. Danny Tenney, North and West District Superintendent in the Central Texas Conference, has provided coverage while Bishop Saenz and the cabinet considered the best long-term plan. Rev. John McLarty, senior pastor at First UMC Wichita Falls and chair of the Northwest District Superintendency Committee, expressed his appreciation of Rev. Harris’ ministry and his support of Rev. Wade’s appointment.

“The Northwest District has been well served by Rev. Harris, especially in this challenging season of ministry,” said McLarty. “We pray for God's blessings to be with him and Stephanie."  
 
“I know Rev. Wade understands the challenges and needs of the town and country church, as well as its opportunity for great impact,” McLarty continued. “I appreciate Bishop Saenz’s appointment of a district superintendent who knows our clergy and communities well, and I am confident we will benefit from Rev. Wade’s leadership and guidance in the Northwest District.”
 
“Rev. Wade brings unique gifts to specifically serve and grow our local churches in rural settings,” said Saenz. “I see her heart for these communities in the way she cares for the churches in the East District, but also in the connections she makes and initiatives like the new Town and Country fellowship she’s helping establish to strengthen rural churches beyond her district’s borders. I am grateful for her continued service to the East District and her willingness to expand her role in this way.”

Additional Staffing Announcements
In addition to this cabinet-level announcement, the following North Texas Conference staff have also been named to serve in the new Horizon Texas Conference and will be recognized at next week’s Annual Conference meeting:

• Rev. Jeremy Basset will begin as disaster response coordinator on the Care and Healing Team, effective July 1.

• Tom Christian, currently associate director of connectional resources, will begin as property manager on the Operations Team, effective January 1, 2025.

• Liz Greenwell, currently crisis team coordinator, will begin as crisis response and care team ministry coordinator on the Care and Healing Team, effective July 1.

• Sheila Hayes, currently benefits coordinator, will begin as accounts payable/accounts receivable on the Stewardship Team, effective June 15.

• Jessica Vargas, currently ministry coordinator in the Center for Church Development, will begin as multiplication and ethnic ministries coordinator on the Multiplication Team, effective July 1.

Active job postings for the Horizon Texas Conference are available on the Central, North and Northwest Texas Conference websites.

More information about the unification process can be found at www.nwtxconf.org/unification.

Subject: Unification Plan for the Central, North and Northwest Texas Conferences

Unification Plan Published for the Central, North and Northwest Texas Conferences

Following months of work and more than a year of cross-conference conversations, today the Unification Implementation Team has released the Unification Plan for the Central, North and Northwest Texas Conferences.

Among other items, the extensive plan includes:

• Our rationale for unification

• A new name for our new conference

• An aligned teams, boards and committees structure

• A coordinated approach to calculate apportionments

• An organizational plan to align with our strategic priorities

• Guidance for selecting/maintaining office space

• Legislative language to move our unification efforts forward

Nearly 150 clergy and laypeople, representing the Central, North and Northwest Texas conferences, have worked diligently to develop, refine and vet this plan, laying a path forward for our unification work. Countless more have contributed in the forms of surveys and feedback groups. Our conferences thank you for the work that has gone into bringing us to this point.

At our Annual Conference gatherings in May and June, all three conferences will vote on the Unification Plan, so please take time now to read and review it. An overwhelming affirmative response from each annual conference will ensure we are able to enter the Jurisdictional Conference in July equipped and ready to embrace unification!

Bishop Appoints Andy Lewis as Assistant to the Bishop for NTC and the Unified Conference

Lewis brings years of valuable service and leadership in the conference office

Bishop Rubén Sáenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Central and North Texas Conferences, has made a significant appointment, selecting Rev. Andy Lewis to serve as assistant to the bishop for the North Texas Conference, effective July 1, and as assistant to the bishop and chief of staff in the unified conference, effective October 1.

Lewis, an ordained Elder, has assisted the bishop in the North Texas Conference and served as director of the NTC Center for Missional Outreach since 2017. On the conference staff, Lewis has provided leadership for various efforts, including the One + One church-school partnerships, the Journey Toward Racial Justice, the Ministry With emphasis and grants program, post-pandemic mental health initiatives, disaster response and the United Methodist Mission in Honduras partnership, in addition to his work on the Cabinet and the Core Leadership Team.

Before his appointment to the Ministry Center, Lewis was lead pastor at FUMC Lewisville, Holy Covenant in Carrollton and a church plant in McKinney. He also served as youth minister at FUMC Richardson, Wesley UMC in Greenville and White Rock UMC in Dallas.

"What I most appreciate is Andy’s wise council, his unwavering commitment to excellence in ministry and his ability to build strong relationships," stated Sáenz. "His vast experience, unique gifts and exceptional skills will provide us with strategic guidance, improve operational efficiency, align our objectives, encourage collaboration, build alliances and enhance stakeholder partnerships for greater success in achieving our mission. Andy will be responsible for stewarding the direction of the new conference as we come together to pursue God's vision of a world that is loving, just and free for all people."

The ministry and work of the NTC Center for Missional Outreach will become a part of the new conference’s Care and Healing Team, led by Rev. Joy Dister-Dominguez.

More information about the ongoing unification process can be found at www.nwtxconf.org/unification.

General Conference 2020 Held in 2024 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

General Conference 2020, held in 2024, of The United Methodist Church Concludes with Steps Towards Unity and Inclusivity

Lubbock, Texas, May 6, 2024- The General Conference, 2020 of The United Methodist Church (UMC), marked a significant milestone in the journey towards unity, inclusivity, and the advancement of the Church’s mission. Held April 23 – May 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the conference convened lay and clergy delegates from around the world, representing diverse perspectives and backgrounds, to engage in critical discussions and decision-making processes.

With a deep commitment to fostering unity amidst diversity, the General Conference engaged in constructive dialogue on the Church's pressing issues. Amidst these discussions, delegates adopted several resolutions and initiatives aimed at promoting unity, inclusivity and the shared values of love, compassion and justice.

Key highlights include:

1)    Regionalization: The delegates to General Conference voted overwhelmingly to approve regionalization, taking steps toward a more equitable United Methodist Church that respects the value and diversity of all members of our worldwide denomination. The petition would rename the church’s current central conferences as regional conferences and create a United States Regional Conference, giving all regions agency and self-determination within the connectional system. Because the petition amends the denomination’s constitution, it required a two-thirds majority vote of the General Conference to pass, achieved this morning. Ratification will require approval by two-thirds of the aggregate votes from the annual conferences, which will come over the next 12 to 18 months.

2)    Same-gender Marriage and Ordination of LGBTQ+ Clergy: The General Conference voted in favor of removing the restrictive language in the Book of Discipline that prohibits United Methodist clergy from performing weddings for same-gender couples and prohibits LGBTQ+ partnered individuals from licensing, commissioning and ordination. The vote was alongside 22 other pieces of legislation on the consent calendar and passed with 93%. Removing this language returns The United Methodist Church to a pre-1972 Book of Discipline stance on human sexuality. Read more from UMNEWS.

3)    Revised Social Principles: By a vote of 523 to 161 after about an hour and a half of debate, General Conference delegates eliminated the 52-year-old assertion in the denomination’s Social Principles that “the practice of homosexuality… is incompatible with Christian teaching.” In the same vote, delegates affirmed “marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant that brings two people of faith (adult man and adult woman of consenting age or two adult persons of consenting age) into a union of one another and into a deeper relationship with God and the religious community.” With the vote, delegates have adopted the entire slate of revised Social Principles submitted by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the denomination’s social witness agency. The Social Principles represent the denomination’s public stance on issues of the day and are not church law.

4)    Global Collaboration and Solidarity: The General Conference reaffirmed The UMC’s commitment to global collaboration and solidarity, recognizing the rich diversity of voices and perspectives within the global denomination. Delegates emphasized the importance of fostering mutual respect, understanding and cooperation among members worldwide to address shared challenges and advance the Church’s mission on a global scale. There was a consensus of agreeing to disagree but staying united was a priority.

5)    Continued Discernment and Dialogue: Recognizing the complexities of the issues facing the Church, delegates emphasized the importance of continued discernment, dialogue, and prayerful reflection in navigating the path forward. By fostering an environment of open communication, mutual respect and spiritual discernment, the General Conference reaffirmed its commitment to seeking God’s guidance in shaping the future of The UMC.

As the General Conference 2020, held in 2024, concludes, The United Methodist Church enters a new era of hope, unity, and transformation. Guided by the values of love, compassion, and justice, the Church remains steadfast in its mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, embracing all who seek to join in this sacred journey.

For more information on the outcomes of the General Conference 2024 and The United Methodist Church, please visit www.umc.org.

Northwest Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church

806-762-0201

www.nwtxconf.org

Bishop Saenz Appoints Chief Financial Officer, Conference Benefits Officer for the Unified Conference

Rev. Jeffrey Pehl brings decades of financial services experience to the new conference organization

Upon recommendation of the personnel committee of the new, unifying conference, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. has appointed Rev. Jeffrey Pehl to serve as chief financial officer and conference benefits officer in the unified conference when it is formed and as director of the Center for Connectional Resources/treasurer/conference benefits officer of the North Texas Conference in the interim, effective May 15.

Pehl, who was ordained an elder in the NTC in 2022, currently serves as senior pastor at Buckingham UMC. Prior to answering his call to ministry in 2018, Pehl worked for 35 years in financial services with organizations including IBM Corporation, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Intelligence Agency and the Vietnam War Commemoration.

In his role prior to ordination, Pehl was among the eight-person team to stand up the Vietnam War Commemoration and develop a national program to recognize the veterans who served during the Vietnam War. In his financial officer role at the Vietnam War Commemoration, Pehl provided financial, procurement and legal support to implement programs, developed licensing programs and managed the program’s annual budget.

“To find a CFO with Jeffrey Pehl’s distinct skill set and impressive experience, as well as his understanding of the workings and intricacies of The United Methodist Church, is truly rare. I appreciate the work the personnel committee has done to discern him for recommendation from among many qualified applicants,” said Saenz. “I am confident in Jeff’s ability to lead our financial operations during this time of transition and to bring proven best practices as we begin our work together and steward our shared resources as we seek the loving, just and free world God imagines for all people.”

On April 23, the Central, North and Northwest Texas Conference Councils of Finance and Administration met and unanimously nominated Pehl to serve as CFO of the new conference, with planned legislation for his election at the September 2024 unifying conference. Additionally, the Conference Councils on Finance and Administration nominated Pehl to assume the following conference-specific coverage:

• On May 15, 2024, Pehl will become director of the Center for Connectional Resources/treasurer/CBO of the North Texas Conference, replacing Christy Drenner.

• On July 1, 2024, Pehl will assume coverage of the Central Texas Conference treasurer and controller office, replacing Greg Carey upon his retirement on June 30.

In accordance with ¶619 of The Book of Discipline (2016), legislation around these roles is planned for the June CTC and NTC annual conferences and the September unifying conference.

Rev. Dr. Tim Bruster, director of administrative services and conference benefits officer of the Central Texas Conference, and Rev. David Andersen, CFO and conference benefits officer of the Northwest Texas Conference, will work with Pehl to wind down the operations of their respective conferences and assist with the work of building the financial, accounting and benefits foundation of the new conference throughout 2024.

More information about the ongoing unification process can be found at www.nwtxconf.org/unification.

Six New Hires Named for Unified Conference

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Central and North Texas Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church, along with the CTC and NTC cabinets and the Personnel Committee, has named six clergy and laypeople to positions in the new, unified conference.

Rev. Meg Witmer-Faile

Rev. Andrew Fiser

On the Multiplication Team, Rev. Meg Witmer-Faile, currently CTC’s associate director of evangelism, mission and church growth, will serve as research and development promoter, building upon the leadership and development work of the three conferences and fostering new and effective ways to multiply Jesus followers. Rev. Danielle Buwon Kim, who currently serves as NTC’s associate director for research and development, will join First UMC Coppell as associate pastor. Both appointments will begin July 1.

Rev. Andrew Fiser, who currently serves as senior pastor at Greenland Hills UMC, will be an associate director in the new conference. In this role, he will support the work of the Care and Healing and Diversity and Cultural Engagement Teams. His new appointment will begin July 1.

Lisa Putnam

Calvin Scott

In Operations, Lisa Putnam, currently IT manager in NTC, has been named IT manager for the new conference; and Calvin Scott, who currently serves as IT coordinator and archivist in CTC, has been hired as the IT analyst and archivist. Their work in these new positions begins January 1, 2025.

Shawn-Marie Riley

Deborah Meyer

Shawn-Marie Riley, who currently serves as benefits administrator in CTC, has been hired as the benefits administrator in the new conference; and Deborah Meyer, currently NTC’s executive assistant to the bishop, has been named the conference executive administrative assistant. Their work in these roles will begin January 1, 2025.

"I am grateful for the dedication shown by these current team members, who have generously agreed to share their gifts and expertise with our new conference," said Saenz. "Their collective knowledge, skills and experience will help us start our work together on a strong footing, as we strive to multiply the number of Jesus followers, champion children and youth, maximize care and healing, pursue and embrace diversity and tell our story."

As additional positions open within the new conference, they will continue to be published by the CTC, NTC and NWTX teams, to be filled by individuals that have the knowledge and enthusiasm to establish a strong, unified conference.

More information about the unification process can be found at www.nwtxconf.org/unification.

Bishop Saenz Appoints, Re-assigns District Superintendents for the Unified Conference

Appointments include new geographic responsibilities, addition of Rev. Tom Long

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Central and North Texas Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church, has appointed additional clergy to leadership roles in the unified conference and made updates within the conference cabinets.

Rev. Beverly Connelly, currently serving as Central and South District Superintendent in the Central Texas Conference, will begin a new appointment as senior pastor at First United Methodist Church, Killeen, effective July 1.

Rev. Danny Tenney, currently the CTC’s North and West District Superintendent, will become District Superintendent for the Central and South Districts, also effective July 1.

“For three years, it has been my privilege to serve as the Central and South District Superintendent,” said Connelly. “But first and foremost, I am a pastor and have always had a heart for teaching and serving in the local church. I grew up with many First UMC and Killeen members, teaching alongside some of them in the Killeen Independent School District. Now, I look forward to serving as senior pastor in a church I love and in the city I call home."

“I have appreciated and drawn from Revs. Connelly and Tenney’s unique gifts and perspectives as I have worked with them over the last two years,” said Saenz. “When discerning the needs and potential of First United Methodist Church, Killeen, it became evident that Rev. Connelly has the experience and graces to lead the church to multiply Jesus followers, champion children and youth, maximize care and healing, pursue and embrace diversity, and tell our story of God’s transforming love.”

Rev. Tom Long, currently lead pastor of St. Luke’s UMC (Midland) in the Northwest Texas Conference, will join the CTC/NTC joint cabinet when he begins a new appointment as acting district superintendent for CTC’s North and West Districts, effective July 1. Long, an ordained elder in full connection has served throughout the Northwest Texas Conference, leading multiple churches, serving on conference committees, and most recently, chairing the Board of Ordained Ministry. Long completed Course of Study at Duke Divinity School and an Advanced Course of Study, and he has a passion and love for small membership and county-seat churches. Earlier this month, Bishop Jimmy Nunn, episcopal leader of the Northwest Texas Conference, announced Long’s appointment to also serve as Conference Superintendent, effective July 1.

“We are blessed to have a strong pool of leaders ready to embrace new roles, round out our cabinet, and build bridges between the Central, North, and Northwest Texas Conferences,” said Saenz. “I look forward to what Revs. Long and Tenney will bring to our cabinet conversations and discernment, as well as to witnessing First Killeen’s flourishing under Rev. Connelly’s leadership.”

More information about the ongoing unification process can be found at www.nwtxconf.org/unification.

Bishop Nunn Announces New Conference Superintendent

Bishop Nunn is pleased to announce a new appointment for the Northwest Texas Conference. Rev. Tom Long will be appointed as the Conference Superintendent as of July 1, 2024. Rev. Long is currently serving as the lead pastor of St. Luke’s UMC in Midland, Texas.

Rev. Long has served throughout the Northwest Texas Conference in the following churches: Hart, Epworth/Grace (Abilene), Rule, Haskell, and Vernon. He was ordained as an elder in full connection in 2011 after completing Course of Study at Duke Divinity School and an Advanced Course of Study. Rev. Long has served on the following committees: District Committee of Ministry, Council of Finance, Healthy Church Initiative, Administration, and the Board of Ordained Ministry as the recording secretary and now the chairperson. Rev. Long is also a Certified Christian Leadership Coach. He has a passion and love for the small membership and county-seat churches. Tom is married to Amy, and together they have two daughters, Hannah and Mia. Before entering ministry, Tom worked for the First National Bank of Aspermont.