Rev. Cassie Wade Announces July 2026 Retirement

Rev. Cassie Wade

Rev. Cassie Wade has announced that she will retire from active ministry in The United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2026. 

Ordained in 2015 in the legacy North Texas Conference, Wade has served associate and senior pastor appointments in churches including First UMC Decatur, First UMC Jacksboro and First UMC Sherman. She began her work in ministry as a pastoral intern at Holy Covenant UMC in 2011 and earned her MDiv from Perkins School of Theology at SMU in 2013. 

In 2021, Wade was appointed as the East District Superintendent in the North Texas Conference, and in 2024, she was additionally appointed as the Northwest District Superintendent. Today, she serves the same geography as the East and Mid-North District Superintendent in the Horizon Texas Conference. 

“Cassie’s love for the local church—and especially for the rural church—is evident,” said Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. “She has been integral in connecting our town and country churches, strengthening pastors serving across the conference through shared ministry and fellowship. I deeply appreciate her commitment to serving and loving this mission field so well, and I have come to value her distinct voice and perspective in our Cabinet conversations.” 

“I have always felt called to serve where people know one another, care for one another, and trust their church to walk with them through every season of life,” Wade said. “Serving rural congregations—as a pastor and later as a district superintendent—has been a profound gift. The congregations I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside are a reminder that the work of making disciples happens through faithfulness, presence and love rooted deeply in community.” 

Wade will continue to serve in her current role through the end of June, and the District Superintendency Committee is prepared to welcome new leadership in July, supporting and encouraging them in the transition. 

In retirement, Wade plans to deepen her love of neighbor and learn from the emerging generations. She is especially looking forward to watching the grandchildren develop into fine human beings, just like their parents. 

“It has been an absolute joy to serve The United Methodist Church over these past 15 years,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for Bishop Saenz and Bishp Mike McKee, my colleagues on the cabinet and the pastors and congregations of the East and Mid-North Districts. They have shaped my faith, strengthened my calling and reminded me again and again that God’s grace is found in ordinary places lived with extraordinary love.”