Dear Church Family,
As I prepare to conclude my time as your Senior Pastor, one of the most important projects I’ve led has been the completion of a staffing restructure to help bring our Strategic Plan to life. Our vision is to become a Spirit-led, staff-guided, and lay-(em)powered church, and this new staffing model moves us closer to that goal.
With the work now complete, I’m excited to share the updates with you:
Communications Department
As communication trends shift toward video, podcasts, and social media, we’ve adapted to remain relevant and accessible.
Alec McCommon has stepped into the new role of Director of Communications, Production, and Media. Alec will lead the department, oversee video and podcast production, manage AV systems across both campuses, and coordinate AV staff.
Jasmine Jackson is now serving as Art Director, responsible for our website, graphic design, weekly e-news, and communication requests.
Sebastian Herrador has joined the team as AV, Production, and Content Assistant, assisting with video and podcast production, photography, social media content, and audio mixing.
Connection and Engagement
Anthony Rogers has assumed the role of Director of Connections, where he will guide newcomers into deeper involvement and help all members engage more fully in the life of the church. Anthony will also help lead the development of a new faith community.
Go Ministry
Beginning July 1, Paula Niz becomes Associate Director of Neighbors in Action, supporting program development, staff supervision, and fundraising.
As our Go Ministry becomes more hands-on and relationship-driven, Rev. Eric Pugh will take on oversight of our Go Ministry, helping our church serve more effectively across generations and communities.
Intergenerational Discipleship & Missional Mobilization
Our approach to children and youth ministry is rooted in whole-church engagement. We want to help families form faith through worship, small groups, and mission.
Eric Pugh’s role is shifting to Intergenerational Discipleship & Missional Mobilization Pastor, overseeing Youth and Children’s Ministries, Go Ministry, and the Quillian Center. With a background in both executive and recreation leadership, Eric is uniquely gifted for this role. He will also co-lead the new faith community alongside Anthony.
We will soon be hiring a new full-time Director of Students and Families to build relationships with youth and families, ensure continuity across age levels, and support children’s ministry staff. Eric will continue in this role until a new hire is made.
Children’s Ministry will now have two focused roles:
Courtney Hutchins will become the Early Childhood and Nursery Coordinator in August, overseeing curriculum for birth through Pre-K, nursery staff, and the Main Street Indoor Park outreach.
A new Elementary Coordinator will be hired to develop K–5 curriculum, lead Sunday School and Children’s Church volunteers, plan Vacation Bible Camp, and organize intergenerational events that bring the whole church together.
Quillian Center
To better integrate Quillian with the church’s mission, we will not hire a new Executive Director. Instead, Quillian will fall under the supervision of Pastor Eric Pugh and will become a part of the discipleship and mission ministry of the church.
Beverly Okosun continues as Senior Director of Programs and Childcare. Mike Franco remains Director of Athletic and Aquatic Programs. Together, they will build stronger ties with Westchase Neighborhood School and develop partnerships that increase both impact and sustainability.
Operations & Finance
Seann Pearce will now serve as Finance Director, a title that reflects his growing responsibilities in accounting, budgeting, gift recording, and employee benefits.
Brant Wallace has been contracted by the Board of Trustees to oversee contracts and leases, develop revenue-generating campus use, craft plans to address maintenance needs, and improve operational efficiency.
Altar-Umoja
Rev. Sylvia Kiboko will continue to lead Altar-Umoja while also serving part-time as the Pastor of Community of Love UMC in Angleton. Her role at First UMC will shift to part-time.
Looking Ahead
All other staff not mentioned here remain in their current roles, faithfully serving our congregation and mission. As I pass the baton to Pastor Lindsay on Tuesday, I do so with full confidence in our energized and aligned staff. I am deeply encouraged by their readiness to help bring to life the Strategic Plan we embraced together earlier this year.
I can’t wait to see what God will do next through the ministry of First United Methodist Church of Houston and am so grateful to have been a part of the journey! My prayers for you continue as I step into a new season of ministry.
With Love and Gratitude,