Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. of the Horizon Texas Conference has appointed Rev. Andy Lewis as senior pastor of Highland Park United Methodist Church, effective immediately. Lewis has served since October 2024 as assistant to the bishop and chief of staff for the conference. Earlier, he was assistant to the bishop in the former North Texas Conference, starting in 2017. He was senior pastor of First UMC Lewisville from 2012 to 2017 and of Holy Covenant UMC from 2008 to 2012.
Saenz said Highland Park UMC needs strong pastoral leadership for this moment and the ministry ahead. He said Lewis understands the United Methodist connection and is prepared to lead from the first day.
The appointment comes as Highland Park UMC faces questions about its future after recent actions by church leaders seeking to separate the congregation from The United Methodist Church. Conference leaders have said throughout the dispute that Highland Park remains a United Methodist congregation.