MidTexas Districts

Three years ago the MidTexas Conference of the Global Methodist Church launched with volunteer presiding elders.  Each one helped to connect and oversee 10-12 pastors/churches. A new paradigm for church oversight, clergy care and missional focus was birthed.
At the first organizational meeting, our then president-Protem, Bishop Gregory looked at the would be cabinet and said, “I have nothing to offer you but Jesus… however, from personal experience Jesus is enough.”  Out of a love for the Lord and his church, these men and women stepped into a burgeoning role. That first year, they each had to rely on the generosity of their congregations to cover their expenses. The second year we introduced a very modest accounts reimbursable plan to help cover mileage, hotels and meals.
Through the leadership of these volunteers, pastors are yoked together in weekly class meetings, more than a hundred churches have received pastoral appointments, and churches have had an overseer who cares for their health and mission.
November 1st, we will receive some new cabinet members as others roll off due to moves and desire to focus on their local congregations. Like all our Presiding Elders, these are full time local church pastors who volunteer to help serve and grow the MidTexas Conference.

• Jenny Davidson will be taking over the district responsibilities for the Weatherford District.  Bill Killough will remain the cabinet officer without also having the responsibility of a district. 
• Frank Oakman will be taking over the Hill Country District from Steve Peyton.   Steve is taking leave from the cabinet to spend time with his wife Sherry and to focus on his congregation at New Fountain in Hondo.
• Jay Fraze will be changing his Presiding Elder responsibilities, from Dean of the Cabinet to Presiding Elder of Navarro County.  Matt Bailey left the role to accept the pastorate at Lockhart First Methodist.

• Jill Jackson-Sears will be the new Dean of the Cabinet. The Dean is the spiritual guide of the cabinet and the Presiding Elder for all of the other Presiding Elders and their churches. 
• Mark Vowell will be the new Presiding Elder for the Dallas District.
• Phil Bland will be the Rio Valley Presiding Elder, taking over for Phillip Hoeflinger who has accepted an appointment as the senior pastor at First Methodist Carrollton. 
• Kim Ethridge is stepping down as San Antonio Presiding Elder to lead the prayer ministry for the MidTexas conference after Rev. Lauren Green-Yates stepped down to focus on her new church start, Austin Global and her family.
• Bequi Flores has been serving as the Presiding Elder of our Hispanic District, but will now serve as the Presiding Elder for San Antonio. Jose Mercado will assume responsibilities for the Hispanic District.
• Adam Knight will be also rotating off the cabinet to oversee the wonderful growth he is leading at his home church of Coker. The churches that had been in his specialty large church district will join their geographic area.

Each person stepping out of a role has done an outstanding job. The MidTexas Conference would not be what it is today without their sacrificial service. These transitions are effective November 1. We look forward to working together as a team to continue to grow the Kingdom of God in the corner entrusted to us. To those stepping off: Thank you for your service. For the new folks stepping on: Welcome!