Kirbyville Methodist Church

07/16/2023

[Kirbyville, Texas] - In a momentous meeting held on July 12, 2023, members of Kirbyville Methodist Church gathered to listen to a compelling presentation delivered by Reverend Tim Turner, a distinguished presiding elder in the East Texas Conference of the Global Methodist Church (GMC). The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as attendees absorbed the vision and values espoused by the GMC. Following the presentation, a motion was made and unanimously seconded to join the GMC, cementing the church's commitment to a united future.
The decision to unite under the GMC marks a significant milestone for Kirbyville Methodist Church, exemplifying the spirit of togetherness and hope that permeates its congregation. With no divisions or dissension, the church members demonstrated a shared belief in the principles and goals set forth by the GMC. The unity of purpose was palpable, fostering an environment brimming with optimism and renewed energy.
Since embarking on this unified journey, Kirbyville Methodist Church has already witnessed tangible signs of growth and revitalization. Congregants have responded enthusiastically to the prospect of aligning with the GMC, resulting in increased attendance and heightened engagement within the community. The collective decision to join hands and move forward as one has breathed new life into the church's mission, reigniting its commitment to spreading love, compassion, and the teachings of Christ.
Reverend Tim Turner, a leader within the GMC, articulated a compelling vision for the future of the church during his presentation. With inspiring words, he emphasized the GMC's commitment to inclusivity, a Biblical foundation, and a renewed focus on spiritual nourishment. The congregation was captivated by his passionate delivery, recognizing the opportunity to become part of a broader movement that upholds these shared values.
"We are thrilled to join the Global Methodist Church and align ourselves with a collective mission dedicated to embodying Christ's teachings and fostering unity among believers," is the feeling among members. "This decision not only strengthens our bonds within the congregation but also enables us to make a greater impact in our community and beyond."
As Kirbyville Methodist Church sets forth on this new path, joining the GMC, the prevailing sentiment within the congregation is one of excitement and renewed purpose. Congregants are eager to participate in the GMC's initiatives, finding solace in the shared commitment of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The decision to unite under the GMC's banner heralds a new chapter in the church's history, one that holds great promise for the congregation and the community it serves.
The unity and hope radiating from Kirbyville Methodist Church exemplify the power of collective action and the ability to advance the growth of the Kingdom of God. As the church moves forward in one accord, their decision to join the GMC serves as an inspiring example for others seeking harmony, growth, and a steadfast commitment to their faith as a part of God’s Global Church.

Methodist Church

07/03/2023

Most left after our gathering, but there were still a handful of us in the kitchen. Decided to make them stop talking and look at the camera.

07/02/2023

1st Sunday Update as Kirbyville Methodist:
This was the first Sunday service as Kirbyville Methodist Church, and it was moving. Some shed tears of joy and hope. Many people said they have not felt the Spirit of God in the church like that in years. This is just the first Sunday, but the church has already seen growth. One member who left said they are moving their membership back and several other people who were there said they are coming back after not attending church for a long time. The overall feeling was of hope and excitement for the future of the church. God in on the move and He loves this church and we felt it today!

07/02/2023

Oops! This is Pastor John. I need to correct an unfinished thought from the sermon. I said "We don't need God’s help, He needs ours" here is the rest. "This is His church, His agenda. He will use us to help Him to build His church!"
If we are not willing to serve Him and Help Him build the Kingdom.... He will send someone in our place!

06/30/2023

To the Church in Kirbyville,

The rapid pace of societal change can be overwhelming, causing us to seek stability amidst the craziness. While embracing change can be beneficial, there are certain changes that call for resistance. It is during these times that we must dig our heels in and stand firmly together. Let us step out of the ever-shifting sands of social doctrines and find our footing on the unwavering foundation of Christ Jesus. May we embrace the Word of God and live by the truth it imparts.

On July 1st, a change will take place within our Church. The change involves the removal of a single word from our name, "United" and we will no longer be affiliated with the UMC. It is important to note that the essence of our Church remains unaltered. The building, address, phone number, email, business numbers, articles of incorporation, staff, bank accounts, our beloved All God’s Children preschool, and a majority of the members remain intact. We will simply update everything to remove the word "United."

While I lament the departure of a handful of once faithful members who chose to leave alongside the word "United", please know that we hold them dear, and they will be missed. Nevertheless, we, the congregation, stand united in extending a warm welcome to them and all others. It has come to my attention that those who departed were significant contributors and held various leadership positions. It is worth mentioning that the majority who remain have previously served in those roles, some for over a decade. God consistently provides and equips His Church, for He loves each and every one of us.

Rather than hastily filling the vacant positions, I believe this presents a wonderful opportunity for you and others who have always had a desire to serve. If you are reading this and have been contemplating a return to church, or finding one, that small voice you hear is not your own but the Holy Spirit beckoning you toward God's desire for your life. Therefore, I wholeheartedly invite you to join us this Sunday morning at 10:45am. Come, let us worship the Lord our God, for He is truly worthy of our praise. Bring with you your talents, abilities, and love for Jesus and others. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that all authority has been bestowed upon Him, if you have been saved through faith in Jesus, then you are already a member of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Therefore, I encourage you to walk into our Church on Sunday as a beloved member of God's family.

Allow me to clarify that our resistance to change lies in the preservation of the Biblical foundation upon which this Church was established in 1897. In terms of change, nothing substantial has occurred. We remain a gathering of believers committed to faithfully serving our Lord as Spirit-filled, devoted members of His Church. We are but a small part of the Body of Christ here in Kirbyville, entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel and teaching what Jesus commanded us.

I eagerly anticipate your presence this Sunday, as we gather together in love and fellowship. Know that you are cherished, and we are a family, with God as our Father.

Love in Christ,

Pastor John McKissack
Cell: (409) 790-3031 "Feel free to call me"

Methodist Church

06/29/2023

This is Rev. John B Mcissack III. Is this message on the churches sign offensive? It should be! I decided to title my sermon with what is being said about my new Church "Kirbyville Methodist Church," and what people are saying about it... God has been calling me to this church for years! If you want details about that, I will sit down with you and elaborate, It will be my pleasure. You will really understand, God has His hands all over this church, His church. Just for the record, God has fired me up and I have been commissioned by Him to fire up His church in Kirbyville. Join us at Kirbyville Methodist Church on Sunday Morning, or follow us here... We will be streaming. Fire is about to fly! God loves you and He is GOOD!

Methodist Church

06/26/2023

We are delighted to announce that starting July 2, 2023, Reverend John McKissack will be joining us as the interim pastor at Kirbyville Methodist Church. Reverend McKissack and his wife, Tammy, have long held a deep connection with the members of Kirbyville. Currently serving as the pastor at Magnolia Springs Old Time Methodist Church for the past 6 1/2 years, John brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his ministry.

John and Tammy have an inspiring history of service. They were once foreign missionaries in the Dominican Republic, where they constructed a small chapel. In that impoverished neighborhood, they initiated a weekend children's Bible school to provide spiritual guidance. Tammy formed a ladies' group and led Bible study sessions in the chapel, while John delivered sermons in Spanish. Following their time in the Dominican Republic, they led church groups on short-term mission trips into Mexico.

Following their mission work, John and Tammy returned to Southeast Texas, where they are passionately following their calling to serve the Lord and His Church. Their commitment to spreading the word of God and their love for all God’s children are qualities that make them invaluable additions to our church family.

We eagerly anticipate Reverend McKissack's arrival and look forward to the blessings his leadership will bring to Kirbyville Methodist Church. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Reverend John McKissack and Tammy as they embark on this new chapter of their ministry with us.

To keep up with what is really happening at Kirbyville Methodist Church, click [FOLLOW]

Methodist Church

06/25/2023

Kirbyville, Texas – June 12, 2023 – Following Kirbyville Methodist Church's decision to sever ties with the United Methodist Denomination, a task force was established to shape the church's future. Their research findings were presented during a meeting held on June 12, 2023.

Several weeks prior to this meeting, Reverend Tim Turner, representing the Global Methodist Church, met with the task force and the congregation and addressed their concerns. During the meeting with Reverend Turner, he was questioned about an interim pastor to guide the church through the transition to the Global Methodist Denomination. The task force recommended Reverend John B. McKissack III, an Independent Methodist Pastor from Magnolia Springs Old Time Methodist Church, located approximately 15 miles west of Kirbyville. Reverend Turner agreed this was a good course of action, despite Reverend McKissack not being affiliated with the GMC.

The task force subsequently contacted Reverend McKissack, inviting him to consider the role of interim pastor. After seeking consent from his current congregation, Reverend McKissack confirmed his availability to step into the pulpit on July 2nd, as the worship services of both churches could be accommodated without conflict.

On June 12, 2023, the members of Kirbyville Methodist Church convened to receive the task force's recommendations. The unanimous proposal put forth by the task force was to join the Global Methodist Denomination. Additionally, they shared the encouraging news that Reverend John McKissack had accepted the position of interim pastor to help guide them through the transitional phase.

As the congregation eagerly anticipates the upcoming meeting with Reverend Tim Turner on July 12, 2023, they find themselves at a pivotal moment, preparing to make a significant decision. A crucial vote regarding their affiliation with the Global Methodist Church will take place during this gathering, as Kirbyville Methodist Church embarks on a path that will shape its future.

Kirbyville Methodist Church faces the winds of change, navigating uncharted waters. Their pursuit of a worshipful, service-oriented community remains steadfast, grounded in the principles that unite them in love.

Methodist Church

06/23/2023

Kirbyville, Texas - April 12, 2023 - In a significant decision, members of the United Methodist Church of Kirbyville, Texas, convened a meeting with the District Superintendent of the Southeast Texas District to deliberate their future course. Following an extensive discernment process, which involved exploring the possibilities of disaffiliation from the United Methodist Denomination or remaining, the congregation gathered in earnest to address their concerns about the church's trajectory.

The meeting saw the attendance of numerous dedicated long-term members, all deeply invested in safeguarding the church's future. With a resounding majority, the decisive vote to disaffiliate and sever ties with the UMC was carried by more than two-thirds of the members present. As a consequence of this significant shift, the church will undertake certain tangible changes, beginning with the removal of the iconic cross and flame logo, as well as the exclusion of the word "United" from its name, formerly known as the Kirbyville United Methodist Church.

Reflecting on the church's history, it is worth noting that it was founded in 1897 as "Kirbyville Methodist Church" and served the community under that name for 72 years before embracing the United Methodist denomination 54 years ago. Given the recent turn of events, it appears highly probable that the church will revert to its original name which it has served under for the majority of the churches life.

While this transformation has been met with a sense of sadness among the members, there remains an underlying thread of hope. The universal unity shared among all Christian churches, guided by the authority of Christ Jesus, serves as a comforting reminder. Emboldened by this truth, the Kirbyville congregation pledges to persist in their unwavering commitment to worship, teach, and serve under the guidance of Christ, embodying the essence of the Body of Christ, the Church.

In the face of change, the Methodist Church of Kirbyville is poised to embark on a new chapter, steadfast in its dedication to the worship, teaching, and service that have defined its mission. While bidding farewell to the cherished symbols and name that have adorned their sanctuary for years, the congregation finds solace in the timeless truth that all Christian churches are united and serve under the authority of Christ Jesus.

This historic decision has evoked a range of emotions within the church community. There is no denying the sadness felt by many members as they part ways with the denomination they have been affiliated with for decades. However, it is through this difficult transition that hope emerges as a guiding light. The congregation remains resolute in their belief that the essence of the church resides in the unified devotion to Christ and the unwavering commitment to be the embodiment of His love and teachings.

Looking ahead, the Methodist Church of Kirbyville will continue to gather for worship, drawing strength from the shared faith and fellowship that has sustained them through the years. The teaching ministry will persevere, seeking to nurture spiritual growth and deepen the understanding of God's Word. Furthermore, the congregation's commitment to service will remain steadfast, reaching out to the community and extending a helping hand to those in need.

As they navigate this transformative journey, the members of the Methodist Church of Kirbyville are united in their resolve to honor their past while embracing the future. Though the road may be challenging, their unwavering faith and reliance on the guidance of Christ will empower them to overcome obstacles and forge a renewed path forward.

The decision to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Denomination marks a defining moment in the church's history. However, it is not the name, logo, or denominational affiliation that defines their identity. Instead, it is the love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to following Christ's example that truly makes them who they are.

In the days and months to come, the Methodist Church of Kirbyville will navigate the process of redefining itself, rekindling the spirit of its origins, and embracing the future with hope. With each step they take, they embody the resilience and enduring spirit of the Body of Christ, for it is not a name or an affiliation that makes a church, but the collective hearts of its members.

Methodist Church

06/23/2023

April 12, 2023
Kirbyville Methodist Church
105 W Main St, Kirbyville, TX 75956