South Central Jurisdiction Leaders Gather in El Paso for “All Things in Common”
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Rev. Amanda Banda
Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference
Leaders from across the South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church recently gathered in El Paso, Texas, for a time of conversation, collaboration, and holy conferencing centered on a shared future for the church. Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey joined bishops and conference leaders from across the region for the gathering, called All Things in Common—a name drawn from the early church’s shared life and witness in Acts 2.
Ten Conferences make up the south central jurisdiction of the united methodist church. map courtesy of todd seifert, great plains conference.
Rather than serving as a legislative meeting, the gathering was intentionally designed as a space for listening, relationship-building, and discernment.
“This was a gathering where no decisions were made and that was intentional,” Bishop Harvey shared in closing reflections. “What mattered most was the depth of conversation and the willingness to sit together, listen to one another, and imagine what faithfulness looks like in this season.”
A Shared Space for Collaboration and Connection,
Held January 19-21, 2026, the El Paso gathering brought together bishops, the South Central Jurisdiction’s Futuring Taskforce, and conference leaders, including directors of connectional ministries, treasurers, and communications staff. The event aligned with the Committee on Episcopacy’s mid-quadrennial meeting and emphasized collaboration across conference and jurisdictional lines.
Leaders of the south central Jurisdiction gathered at lydia patterson institute in el paso, tx in january 2026. Photo courtesy of todd seifert, great plains conference.
Bishop Delores J. Williamston gave the opening messsage for day one. Photo courtesy of todd seifert, great plains conference.
lydia patterson INSTITUTE students led worship during chapel. Photo courtesy of todd seifert, great plains conference.
Organizers framed the gathering around Acts 2:42-47 and a series of shared practices rooted in the call to live “all things in common.” These themes included calling leaders together, recalling shared mission, supporting ministries such as Lydia Patterson Institute on the U.S.-Mexico border, reconnecting with Wesleyan heritage, and strengthening mutual accountability for the next generation of disciples.
Throughout the gathering, leaders reflected on how shared ministry and deeper relationships can help the church respond faithfully in a changing world.
Participants took part in a “Walk in Their Shoes” experience, crossing the border into Juárez, Mexico, to glimpse part of the journey students make to attend Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas. Photo courtesy of Todd Seifert, Great Plains Conference.
Encouraging Signs of Growth and Opportunity
In her reflections, Bishop Harvey also lifted up hopeful signs shared, particularly demographic and missional insights across the jurisdiction. Every annual conference in the South Central Jurisdiction is experiencing population growth, with especially strong growth projected in Texas.
Data shared during the meeting highlighted significant growth potential in regions such as the Rio Grande Valley, where population increases over the next decade are expected to be substantial.
attendees gathered for dinner with students and parents on the final night. photo: amanda banda, rio texas conference.
“These realities remind us that we are not a church without a future,” Bishop Harvey noted. “There is strength in this jurisdiction, and there is real opportunity for ministry if we remain connected and attentive to where God is already at work.”
Looking Ahead with Prayer and Trust
The All Things in Common gathering is also connected to broader, ongoing discernment across the denomination, including preparations for the upcoming Leadership Gathering later this year. While only a limited number of delegates will participate in person, United Methodists across the connection will be invited to engage through surveys, webinars, and shared reflection. Updates and more information about the Leadership Gathering are available at resourceumc.org/LeadershipGathering.
Bishop Harvey encouraged the Rio Texas Conference to remain grounded in prayer as these conversations continue.
“We move forward trusting that God will provide once again,” she shared. “This is a season for listening deeply, strengthening relationships, and following the Spirit’s lead together.”
Additional opportunities for engagement will be shared as they become available.
The South Central Jurisdiction includes the Great Plains, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Indian Missionary, Louisiana, Texas, Horizon Texas, Rio Texas, and New Mexico Annual Conferences.
gated entrance of lydia patterson institute. photo: amanda banda, rio texas conference.
stairway at lydia patterson featuring names of umc churches. Photo: amanda banda, rio texas conference.
border crossing from Juarez, MX to El Paso, tX. Photo courtesy of Todd Seifert, great plains conference.
bishops of the South central jurisdiction with Dr. Carla cardoza, lydia patterson institute president. Photo courtesy of Todd Seifert, great plains conference.
students gather for weekly chapel at the lydia patterson institute. Photo courtesy of Todd Seifert, great plains conference.
featured artwork of the lydia patterson institute students. Photo courtesy of amanda banda, rio texas conference.
students of the Lydia patterson institute lead opening worship. Photo courtesy of Todd Seifert, great plains conference.
