Rev. Bonnie Bevers Appointed Coordinator of Young People Ministries for Rio Texas Conference
/New conference-level role will strengthen discipleship and support youth and young adult ministry across Rio Texas.
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey has appointed Rev. Bonnie Bevers as Coordinator of Young People Ministries for the Rio Texas Conference, effective November 1, 2026.
“God is calling young people to lead and serve in the church and in the world today,” said Bishop Harvey. “This new role is an investment in helping them recognize that call. By strengthening the ministries and leaders who walk alongside our youth and young adults, we are continuing to build a culture of call across the Rio Texas Conference.”
Funded by a generous grant from Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), the new position will support youth and young adult ministry across the conference, building on the work already happening in local churches, districts, camps, and campus ministries.
“Rev. Bevers brings a deep commitment to our connection, a passion for ministry with young people, and valuable leadership experience at the local church and across the broader connection,” said Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen, Director of Leadership Development and Faith Formation for the Rio Texas Conference. “Her gifts for building relationships, listening, and collaborating will be invaluable as we work alongside the faithful leaders already serving young people throughout our conference.”
Strengthening Discipleship and Developing Young Leaders
In this conference-level role, Bevers will work alongside congregations, district leaders, camps, and campus ministries to connect ministry leaders, share resources, and strengthen youth and young adult ministries throughout Rio Texas.
She will help coordinate conference-wide ministries, including Midwinter events, Confirmation Rally, summer camps, and regional gatherings. She will also provide coaching and training for youth and young adult ministry leaders.
An important part of her work will be helping youth and young adults explore where God might be calling them to serve. That could mean connecting a young person with a mentor, encouraging them to take on a leadership role, or helping them explore a call to ministry.
Bevers’ new role also supports two of the Rio Texas Conference's proposed strategic priorities: centering discipleship and cultivating relationships where people experience belonging and have a voice in the church.
A Passion for Walking Alongside Young People
“I am so excited to be joining the Rio Texas Conference staff as the Coordinator of Young People Ministries,” Bevers said. “Young people are the heart and soul of the church, both now and in the future! They have so much to teach us, and I look forward to working with youth, young adults, and the adults who support them to grow our community of faith and live into the call God has placed on all of our lives.”
Bevers currently serves as Associate Pastor to Youth and Children at First United Methodist Church in San Marcos. Since 2022, she has also served as Youth Delegate Coordinator for the Rio Texas Conference, helping young people participate in Annual Conference and other denominational gatherings.
Previously, she served in youth ministry leadership at Barrington United Methodist Church in Illinois and Bandera United Methodist Church in Texas. Her connectional leadership also includes service with UM ARMY at the conference and national levels.
Bevers became a deacon in full connection in June 2026. She earned her Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and completed a professional certification in youth ministry through Perkins School of Theology.
As she begins her new role, Bevers will spend time listening to youth, young adults, and ministry leaders across Rio Texas. She will learn more about the ministries already underway and look for opportunities to bring leaders together, share resources, and strengthen their work.
Her appointment is part of the conference’s investment in a church where young people can share their gifts, grow in faith, and take an active role in ministry and leadership.
