Bishop Appoints New Pastor to Texas Megachurch Amid Disaffiliation Dispute

Faith Facts

• United Methodist congregations across America are exercising their right to disaffiliate over doctrinal differences on Scripture and marriage.
• Local church property belongs to the faithful members who built and sustained those sanctuaries through decades of faithful giving.
• Bishops hold significant authority under the Book of Discipline to appoint pastors even when congregations have voted to leave the denomination.

A United Methodist bishop has appointed a new lead pastor to a Texas megachurch that recently voted to disaffiliate from the denomination.

The decision comes as the congregation continues to occupy its property while formal separation proceedings remain unresolved.

“We are committed to maintaining a faithful witness in this community,” the bishop stated in the appointment announcement.

The appointment represents the latest development in ongoing tensions between traditional congregations and denominational leadership over biblical authority and marriage teachings.

Church members who voted for disaffiliation maintain that their decision reflects a desire to uphold historic Christian teachings on marriage and human sexuality.

“Our congregation has been clear about where we stand on Scripture,” said one longtime member who requested anonymity due to ongoing negotiations.

The property dispute highlights broader challenges facing United Methodists as thousands of congregations nationwide seek to leave the denomination.

Legal proceedings regarding property ownership are expected to continue in the coming months.

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