Message From The Pastors

On behalf of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, I am pleased to announce that Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, in consultation with the Cabinet of the Texas Annual Conference, has appointed Rev. Lindsay Kirkpatrick as the new Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church Houston effective July 1, 2025. 

She comes to us with remarkable gifts in building relational community, a missional heart, and a love for the Lord which is foundational to how she ministers.   

Rev. Lindsay Kirkpatrick currently serves as pastor of Asbury UMC in Pasadena, Texas, where she has been for 11 years. Prior appointments in her 17 years of ministry include Associate Pastor of Montgomery UMC and Pastor of First UMC Coolidge.

Lindsay has served as the Chair of the Missions Committee for the Texas Annual Conference, on the conference’s delegation, and represented the Annual Conference at several nationwide gatherings. She is deeply invested in the work of the Texas Annual Conference and the United Methodist Church as a whole.

After graduating from Texas A&M University, Lindsay then attended seminary at Perkins School of Theology, graduating summa cum laude from both. At Perkins, she was the recipient of the Charles T. and Jessie James Bible Award. She is also the recipient of the 2023 Eric Anderson Award. Lindsay found a home in God and in the church early in life and understands her calling to be making space for new and growing disciples to be at home in God too. She loves public square ministry and the way that the church can multiply its impact in collaboration with non-profits, industry partners, and city leaders.

Lindsay is married to Dr. Kenton Kirkpatrick, the Deputy Avionics Integrator for the Gateway program at NASA. Together, they have 3 children, Braden, Logan, and Beth. Lindsay enjoys reading and taking family bike rides.

As a United Methodist Church we are a part of an appointment system, in which clergy are appointed by the Bishop.  We trust that this appointment reflects God’s guidance for the next chapter in the life of our church.

We also want to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude for the faithful ministry of Rev. Lance Richards, who will be transitioning to A&M United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas this summer.  We will share more information soon about opportunities to celebrate and thank him.

In this important time of transition, we ask that you pray for Pastor Lindsay and her family.  We know and trust that you will welcome them wholeheartedly. Also, we ask you to continue to pray for Pastor Lance and his family as he transitions to his new church.

Yours in Christ,
Cathy Airola
Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee

I could not be more excited about Rev. Lindsay Kirkpatrick’s appointment as the next Senior Pastor of First UMC. Pastor Lindsay and I were commissioned and ordained together and I have worked closely with her in ministry across the Texas Annual Conference over the last 15 years. 

Pastor Lindsay has many strengths and gifts for ministry (too numerous to list in total here!)  In addition to being among of the strongest and most effective preachers I know, Pastor Lindsay is a natural relationship builder and is gifted at building collaborative partnerships that lead to community transformation. She is a creative and collaborative leader, an effective communicator, and a caring shepherd who has demonstrated excellence in the practice of evangelism – leading many people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus. 

Pastor Lindsay leads with wisdom, humor, and grace, bringing joy to all of the places that she serves.  I am certain that God is calling Pastor Lindsay to First UMC Houston for such a time as this, and I know that through her leadership our church will continue the momentum we are experiencing today, leading us into our next season of growth and fruitfulness. 

Pastor Lindsay and her family are close friends of mine and I know you will welcome and care for them as you have for my family.  Please join me in giving them a warm welcome to FUMC Houston!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Pastor Lance
Rev. Lance Richards
Senior Pastor
[email protected]