United Methodist Bishop Appoints New Pastor for Highland Park, Texas, Church Following Separation Vote

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. of the United Methodist Church has appointed Rev. Andy Lewis as the new senior pastor of Highland Park United Methodist Church, following a recent separation vote by its members. The decision comes days after the congregation overwhelmingly chose to leave the denomination, citing a dispute over its bylaws. The move marks a significant shift for the church, which has been part of the United Methodist tradition for over a century.

Saenz, who leads both the Horizon Texas Conference and the United Methodist Council of Bishops, announced the appointment, stating that Rev. Andy Lewis has been reappointed to lead the congregation. He also reappointed Rev. Matt Tuggle and former senior minister Paul Rasmussen, both of whom have been central figures in the effort to separate from the denomination. The reappointment took effect on October 29, though Highland Park UMC has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The separation vote, which saw 4,775 members cast ballots, resulted in more than 90 percent of the congregation voting to leave the United Methodist Church. The resolution preceding the vote detailed the history of the dispute and outlined the steps the church would take to formally remove itself from the denomination. It emphasized the church’s commitment to preserving its historic ministry and mission while adhering to Wesleyan Methodist theological tradition.

Highland Park UMC, with approximately 15,000 members, had previously amended its bylaws in 2022 to remove references to the denomination and its governing principles, the Book of Discipline. This change led to a lawsuit filed by the Horizon Texas Conference, which sought a court ruling that the church either amend its bylaws or revert to the 1998 version. The conference also accused the church leadership of resisting efforts to align the bylaws with the denomination’s standards.

The church’s decision to separate reflects broader tensions within the United Methodist Church over doctrinal and structural issues. As congregations continue to navigate these challenges, the actions of Highland Park UMC serve as a case study in the evolving landscape of Methodist denominations. The church’s commitment to its mission and theological heritage remains a central theme in its ongoing journey.

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