Bishop Appoints Assistant to the Bishop for 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 counsel, 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 ntcumc.org/unification.

Published: Wednesday, May 8, 2024