OUR STORY
Every church has a story. Ours began with a simple prayer.
On May 18, 2023, thirteen people gathered together seeking God's guidance. There was no building, no budget, no staff, and no guarantee of what would happen next. What we did have was a shared conviction that God was calling us to start something new in Elgin.
That evening, we made the decision to launch a new Global Methodist congregation.
Within days, God began opening doors. A local Lutheran congregation graciously offered the use of their fellowship hall, and invitations went out to friends and family who shared a passion for Christ and His Church.
On May 21, 2023, just three days after that first prayer gathering, we held our very first worship service. Fifty-seven people showed up. Together we worshiped, prayed, sang, and celebrated what God was beginning among us. The offering that day provided more than enough to cover our facility expenses and became the first financial foundation of our new church.
As the congregation continued to grow, our Lutheran hosts continued to show extraordinary generosity. A few months later, they offered to adjust their worship schedule so that we could begin meeting in their sanctuary on Sunday mornings.
God also provided faithful leadership. Pastor Greg Long came out of retirement to serve as our pastor during those early years. His steady guidance, wisdom, and love for Christ helped establish a strong foundation for our congregation, and we remain deeply grateful for his ministry among us.
On July 30, 2023, the congregation officially voted to affiliate with the Global Methodist Church. By then, the church had already experienced remarkable growth, and the momentum continued as more people found a church home centered on biblical truth, vibrant worship, authentic community, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
In 2025, we began searching for the next pastor God was preparing for our congregation. Through prayer, discernment, and the guidance of Presiding Elder Matt Pennington and the Mid-Texas Annual Conference, we met many gifted candidates. Then, in June 2025, we met Erik and Stephanie Smallwood.
From the very beginning, there was a strong sense that God was bringing us together for His purposes. On July 1, 2025, Erik and Stephanie began serving as pastors of Elgin Methodist Church, ushering in a new season of ministry, discipleship, and outreach.
Today, we continue to see God's faithfulness in ways we could never have imagined during that first prayer meeting. What began with thirteen people and a shared vision has become a growing church family committed to helping people know Jesus, grow in their faith, and make a difference in the world.
And we believe the story is still being written.
We'd love for you to be part of it.
From 13 people gathered in prayer to a growing church family, our story has always been about God's faithfulness. And the best chapters are still ahead.
Come worship with us and see what God is doing at Elgin Methodist Church!
