Effective January 15, 2025, the Rio Texas Conference will begin realigning responsibilities as part of a strategic effort to streamline operations and establish task groups to address key ministry priorities. These changes are designed to enhance collaboration and provide a more intentional focus on areas that will strengthen the Conference's mission and impact.

Since her assignment on September 1, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey has engaged in a listening tour with clergy and laity from across the Rio Texas Conference. This process of learning and listening has been instrumental in identifying the Conference's unique and pressing needs, providing the foundation for the upcoming realignment.
 
The redistribution of responsibilities aims to balance workloads and create space for more focused attention in critical ministry areas. By strategically aligning resources and leadership, the Conference seeks to maximize effectiveness and better support its ministries.
 
Dr. Robert Lopez will continue in his role as assistant to the bishop, serving as chief of staff and supporting the bishop in overseeing Conference operations. Working alongside the bishop, Dr. Lopez will ensure that all aspects of the Conference function at their highest capacity. “This will help me as I keep a foot in the Rio Texas Conference and the Texas Conference,” Bishop Harvey explained. In addition to his current responsibilities as liaison to the Board of Ordained Ministry, the Uniting Table, and Annual Conference planning, Dr. Lopez will also convene the newly formed Directors Table, fostering coordination and collaboration across all ministry areas. Robert will continue his work on the bishop’s cabinet.
 
The Directors Table will include Rev. Kendall Waller, who will maintain his oversight of finance and administration while expanding his role to include leadership development for clergy, laity, and congregational growth, including developing new faith communities. He will continue to serve on the bishop’s cabinet.
 
Dr. Tanya Campen will bring her leadership in intergenerational ministry to the Directors Table, overseeing ministry efforts for children, youth, and young adults, including campus ministries and adult faith formation. In collaboration with Rev. Miguel Padilla, they will focus on faith formation for young people, creating opportunities for deeper engagement and spiritual growth. Dr. Campen will continue her service on the cabinet.
 
Abel Vega’s dedication to mission, service, and justice will now encompass his role as Director of Connectional Ministry (DCM). In this capacity, Abel will work closely with leaders across the Conference’s programmatic ministries, fostering alignment and shared vision. His addition to the bishop’s cabinet and Directors Table reflects the importance of this critical work.
 
Bishop Harvey said, “The work of Dr. Lopez and Rev. Waller, Dr. Campen, and Mr. Vega will align the ministries of the Conference, providing better coordination and collaboration. There will understandably be overlap in the areas of responsibility, and the formation of the Directors Table will be better equipped to avoid duplication of effort. They will also bring synergy to our shared ministry as a cabinet.”
 
In addition to the Directors Table, Bishop Harvey has established four task groups to address specific ministry priorities. These groups will provide collective focus and strategic direction in areas critical to the Conference’s mission and operations.
 
One task group, formed in collaboration with Jaime Wesolowski, CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, will address processes and protocols for the shared ministry partnership between MHM and the Rio Texas Conference. This group, comprising six members from each organization, held its first meeting in November. It will continue working toward a preliminary report to be presented at Annual Conference 2025.
 
Hispanic and African American ministries remain key areas of focus for the Conference. Separate task groups dedicated to these vital ministries will convene in January to discern next steps, ensuring these efforts receive the attention and strategic planning they deserve.

Additionally, a task group has been formed to assess the future use of the Conference Building on Huebner Road. This group will approach the evaluation carefully and strategically, reflecting on how the building can best serve the Conference’s mission moving forward.
 
All task groups will present preliminary informational progress reports at the 2025 Annual Conference. Their role is to assess and provide recommendations to the appropriate committees, as decision-making will rest with those committees to ensure informed and collaborative outcomes.
 
“These are initial steps toward realignment and establishing priorities for the Conference. I am grateful to all who have enthusiastically said ‘yes’ to providing leadership to these important ministries of the Conference,” added Harvey. She also expressed gratitude for the commitment of the laity and clergy and highlighted the significant participation in onboarding meetings and gatherings, which have sparked excitement about the future of the Rio Texas Conference.
 

###