Bishop Saenz Appoints District Superintendents Effective July 1
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Horizon Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church, in collaboration with the appointive cabinet, has announced four key leadership appointments that reflect the conference’s continued commitment to seeking the loving, just and free world God imagines for all people.
Rev. Debra Hobbs Mason, currently serving as Metro North District Superintendent, has been appointed to serve as the associate director of strategic initiatives for the Horizon Texas Conference. In this new role, Mason will help shape and advance key ministry priorities across the conference, drawing on her deep experience, strategic insight and pastoral heart that has guided her ministry.
“Rev. Debra Hobbs Mason brings extraordinary gifts in pastoral care and spiritual leadership,” said Bishop Saenz. “She has led the Metro North District with steadiness and grace, even in times of turmoil, and I am confident her wisdom will continue to bless the entire Horizon Texas Conference in this next chapter.”
“I welcome this appointment, which truly comes at the Spirit’s leading,” said Mason. “After serving two different districts over seven years as a district superintendent, I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my experience into the next season of ministry. Stepping into this new conference role will allow me to focus on what I love most—listening deeply, thinking strategically, encouraging leaders and helping the church live into a God-sized vision for its future.”
Before beginning her new role, Mason will take previously scheduled renewal leave from June 22 through September 14.
Bishop Saenz has appointed Rev. Philip Rhodes to serve as the next Metro North District Superintendent. Rhodes has served as a district superintendent, first in the Central Texas Conference and now in the Horizon Texas Conference, since 2021 and previously served as senior pastor at First UMC Hurst.
Rev. Danny Tenney, currently serving as Mid-South and South District Superintendent, will shift responsibilities, beginning an appointment as Metro West District Superintendent. Tenney has served as a district superintendent in the Central and Horizon Texas Conferences since 2022.
Bishop Saenz has appointed Rev. Dr. Mary Spradlin to serve as the Mid-South and South District Superintendent, effective July 1. Spradlin currently serves as the senior pastor of Arlington Heights UMC in Fort Worth, an appointment she has held since 2011.
In addition to serving in the local church, Spradlin served on the Central Texas Conference General Conference delegation in 2012, 2016 and 2020/24, and as co-residency registrar of the Board of Ordained Ministry.
Spradlin also has a passion for advocating for children, youth and families across the state through Pastors for Texas Children, a public school advocacy organization.
“I am honored and humbled to step into this new role serving the South and Mid-South Districts,” Spradlin said. “I have deep respect for the churches and leaders in these communities and am excited to join them in discerning how God is already at work and how we can grow together in faith, mission and love. This is a season of tremendous possibility, and I believe the Spirit is moving in fresh, hopeful ways across our conference.”
“Dr. Spradlin brings a rare combination of pastoral wisdom, academic depth and a heart for the people in our communities,” said Bishop Saenz. “Her leadership has already been a gift to her local church and to the wider connection, and I am confident she will be a steady, Spirit-led presence as she guides and encourages churches across the South and Mid-South Districts.”
“With these adjustments to our Cabinet,” he continued, “the Horizon Texas Conference is poised to build strong connections across our conference and beyond, making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
All of the new leadership appointments will take effect July 1.
