Our minister
Pastor Lance Richards began his ministry to the Lexington and Blue congregations in June. Lance is a May 2010 graduate of Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. He previously served as pastor of Wesley Memorial UMC in Warrenton, North Carolina. He is married to Rachel, who is currently working on a Master of Education in School Counseling at the University of Texas in Austin.
In his ministry in North Carolina, Lance developed new programs for youth, reorganized the congregation leadership structure, and developed a summer contemporary worship service. He has also been active in visiting and community outreach.
Prior to living in North Carolina, Lance and Rachel both attended Texas A&M University. Lance earned Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science with a minor in business administration, and also a Master of Science in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M before receiving the call to the ministry.
One event that contributed to Lance perceiving his calling to ministry was the Aggie Bonfire tragedy of 1999. After the bonfire collapse, Lance found himself consoling fellow students with the message of Christ. While at A&M, he served as Worship Leader and as Director of College and Young Adult Ministry at A&M United Methodist Church. While at A&M, Lance published many articles on topics of distance education and agriculture. Aggies--if not everyone--will appreciate that Lance was a member of the Corp of Cadets and the Fighting Aggie Band.
Rachel and Lance were married in 2007. Rachel earned a degree in Math and Science Education from A&M, and is certified to teach grades 4-8.
