Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. has appointed Rev. Andy Lewis as senior pastor of Highland Park United Methodist Church, effective immediately.
Lewis brings extensive pastoral and connectional leadership to the appointment. Since October 2024, he has served as assistant to the bishop and chief of staff for the Horizon Texas Conference. He previously served as assistant to the bishop in the former North Texas Conference beginning in 2017. Before joining the Cabinet, Lewis was senior pastor of First UMC Lewisville from 2012 to 2017 and Holy Covenant UMC from 2008 to 2012.
“Highland Park United Methodist Church needs strong pastoral leadership for this moment and for the ministry ahead,” Saenz said. “Andy is a gifted and experienced pastor who understands our United Methodist connection and is prepared to lead from day one. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to provide steady pastoral leadership and help restore order as the United Methodist congregation moves forward.”
The appointment comes as Highland Park UMC faces questions about its future following recent actions by church leaders seeking to separate the congregation from The United Methodist Church. Throughout the dispute, Horizon Texas Conference leaders have maintained that Highland Park remains a United Methodist congregation.
For Saenz, appointing Lewis is also an affirmation that the church’s ministry continues.
“This is not simply about navigating a difficult moment,” Saenz said. “It is about ensuring that the people of Highland Park United Methodist Church have a pastor who can care for them, preach the gospel, administer the sacraments and lead the church in its United Methodist mission. Andy is ready to do that work.”
“It is a great honor and privilege to be appointed as the pastor of Highland Park United Methodist Church,” said Lewis. “In the midst of a hard season, I look forward to providing pastoral care that will help the congregation find healing and leadership that will restore trust and hope. Highland Park UMC has a rich history that has touched the lives of countless people in Highland Park, Dallas and beyond. I am excited to honor that legacy and work together to build a flourishing United Methodist congregation in Highland Park.”
A native of Plano, Lewis holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Perkins School of Theology. He and his wife, Sondra, have been married more than 30 years and have three children.
Jacobs Named Assistant to the Bishop and Chief of Staff
As Lewis begins his appointment at Highland Park UMC, Saenz has appointed Rev. Derek Jacobs as assistant to the bishop and chief of staff for the Horizon Texas Conference, also effective immediately.
Jacobs currently serves as associate director of leadership in the Conference’s Center for Multiplication. An ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, he was the founding pastor of The Village United Methodist Church in DeSoto, where he served for 14 years. Jacobs holds a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
“I’m grateful for Bishop Saenz’s trust and for the opportunity to serve the Horizon Texas Conference in this new role,” Jacobs said. “I look forward to working alongside the bishop, Cabinet, clergy and laity as we support the work of our churches and strengthen our shared ministry across the Conference.”