06/04/2026
Calling | Chris’ Commentary | June 4, 2026
One of the unique aspects of United Methodism’s approach to life in the church is that we’ve always been a faith tradition emphasizing both lay and clergy leadership. Every United Methodist, regardless of where we are in our life and spiritual journeys, is called to wrestle with theological issues, discern how our faith shapes us, and commit to our congregation through our prayers, our presence, our giving, our service, and our witness. United Methodism believes that all of us are important in the life of the church.
Christ UMC has a long history of helping followers of Jesus discern where they fit in the life, leadership, and Body of Christ in the world. Our mission is to love God, serve others, and transform lives. And from time to time, someone’s life is transformed by hearing a call to ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church.
This week, the Horizon Texas Conference held its annual gathering in Wichita Falls, and we celebrated two of those who heard their call to ministry here at Christ UMC.
Rev. David Finley is on our staff, serving as the Associate Pastor of Adult Discipleship, assisting with our youth ministries, and helping lead our modern worship service. He discerned his call as he served as a volunteer in our youth program for many years. After being commissioned and entering the residency program, he served two other congregations, before returning to Christ UMC in 2025. On Tuesday night, he was ordained as a Deacon, celebrating with family, friends, and clergy colleagues this important affirmation of his calling.
Rev. Luke Thomson, meanwhile, grew up here at Christ UMC, attended Texas A&M for his undergraduate degree, and joined our staff while he attended Perkins School of Theology. When the opportunity arose, Luke became the pastor at First UMC Frisco, and on Tuesday he was commissioned as a Provisional Elder, entering residency on the road that David just completed.
David and Luke are not the only ones who have heard a call to ministry here at Christ UMC. Rev. Kristin Steed, who has served as our Pastor of Family Ministries for the past two years, after serving on our church staff in a variety of roles over the past ten years and during her seminary education, is moving to Trinity UMC in Denton, to become their pastor. Her family found their United Methodist identity here at Christ UMC.
While Laura Hudec, who has long been a leader at Christ UMC and at the denominational level, is on the journey toward responding to her calling as an ordained pastor. She was one of our lay delegates to Wichita Falls this week. Our congregation also includes retired pastors, as well as lay leaders who serve in significant roles in denominational leadership.
In the United Methodist tradition, we believe that we all have a calling from God as we journey in life and faith. I’m grateful to be part of a congregation that helps followers of Jesus discern that calling, in ways that bring us to leadership in the Body of Christ, according to the gifts and graces that God has given us.
The Service of Ordination and Commissioning that we celebrated on Tuesday night at annual conference is one of my favorite worship services of the year. Because it affirms that we encourage the calling of those who are responding to God, in ways that will transform their lives and the lives of the congregations they will serve.
The “Sending Forth” prayer from that service gives the church a chance to bid them Godspeed on their journeys: “We thank you, gracious God, for raising up among us faithful servants. Clothe them with your righteousness, and grant that we, with them, may glorify you by giving ourselves to others. Amen.”
Congratulations to David and Luke, as they celebrate a significant moment in their lives. If you’re discerning what your calling in the church might be, let’s go to coffee and talk about it!
In Christ,
Chris
