New Life Methodist

The story behind our name.

by Andy Smith on August 23, 2023

Notes

On Sunday, August 20, 2023, the congregation of First United Methodist Church gathered at the K.C. Hall for its New Life Celebration Sunday.  This day marked our denominational switch from the United Methodist Church to the Global Methodist Church and declared our new name as New Life Methodist Church of La Grange.

This decision was made after intentional discernment, prayer, and conversation regarding the issues surrounding the United Methodist denomination.  Though the news media insists any disaffiliation rests solely on disagreements over human sexuality, our congregation found deeper concerns that shaped our decision.  In the end, our congregation felt the United Methodist Church was moving away from its Methodist heritage and from the traditional principles of the Christian faith.  Based on real examples and trends found in seminaries, Annual Conferences, Bishops, and Clergy members, the theology and practice of the United Methodist Church is moving more toward a Universalist / Unitarian approach to Christianity.  In addition, the United Methodist Church has become more of a massive bureaucracy than a spiritual movement, with local churches allocating large sums of money to support agencies and infrastructure with little to no impact on local communities.  In the end, our congregation voted to make a change.  Our decision is not based on any judgment or condemnation of anyone or any lifestyle.  Our decision simply allows us to embrace our spiritual heritage, acknowledge the Bible's authority, and associate with a traditionalist denomination that is more focused on the local church and its impact on communities and the world.

The name, "New Life," comes from the Gospel of John chapter 10, verse 10.   "I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly."  This name reflects our congregation's mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His amazing grace.  There is life in Jesus and it comes through faith that Jesus is exactly who He says He is: The Son of God who came to bring forgiveness of sins and new life in His name.

We welcome you to join us in worship on Sunday mornings.  We have two services at 9:00am and 11:10am.

Tags: new life, discernment, umc, gmc

About the Author

Andy Smith

    Andy joined New Life Methodist Church as pastor in July 2019, bringing with him a heart for ministry and more than two decades of experience.  His journey as a pastor began back in 1999 with his first appointment in Flatonia.  Since then, he’s served congregations in Media Valley (Castroville), Gonzales, and Manchaca. 
    Born in Tampa, Florida, Andy spent his childhood moving between Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.  He graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana in 1994 with a degree in Christian Education.  Before stepping into pastoral ministry, Andy worked as a youth director in Shreveport, San Marcos, and Elgin, Texas.
     Andy earned his Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1999—graduating alongside his wife, Rev. Monica Smith, who now serves as pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Giddings, Texas.  Together, Andy and Monica are raising two high schoolers, Anna and Rachel, who keep them laughing and on their toes.  In his spare time Andy enjoys watching a good auto race, flying his drone, watching Anna ride horses, and seeing Rachel grow as an ice skating.

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