In the city of Kyle, Texas, two United Methodist congregations that once worshiped less than two miles apart have now become one. After months of prayer, discernment, and conversation, The Journey United Methodist Church and Kyle United Methodist Church have officially united their ministries, beginning a new chapter together as one congregation.

What began as a simple “what if” conversation eventually grew into a shared vision for a stronger, more sustainable ministry serving the Kyle community.

A Conversation That Grew Into Something More

The earliest conversations began between the pastors of the two congregations, who had both wondered why two United Methodist churches were located so close to one another. “Even visitors who were new to the area would ask why there were two churches so close,” said Rev. Kallie.

Following denominational disaffiliation conversations, both churches reaffirmed their commitment to remaining United Methodist and to maintaining an inclusive witness in their community. At the same time, The Journey was facing increasing financial strain and rising rental costs. What began as a lighthearted idea soon became a serious discernment process.

“We were clear we did not want to just worship in the same building as two different churches,” Kallie explained. “If we were going to come together, we wanted to do so as one united church.”

Discernment Together

Leaders from both congregations began meeting to explore what unity might look like.

Lay members from each church gathered to discuss possibilities, concerns, and hopes for the future. As the conversations proved fruitful, both church leadership teams continued discerning what was important to preserve and how the two ministries might come together. Pastors from both congregations spent time carefully examining their ministries, calendars, and strengths. “It was like a beautiful puzzle where we both had pieces the other was missing,” Kallie shared.

From those conversations came a guiding mission statement for the newly united church:

“To unite the ministries of The Journey UMC with Kyle UMC in order to create a more sustainable church with a coherent inclusive United Methodist witness to the City of Kyle and surrounding areas so that together we can do more in ministry and reach more people for the glory of God.”

Both church councils ultimately affirmed the vision and agreed to move forward.

Congregations Respond With Excitement

As the possibility of a merger became more real, members of both congregations responded with openness and anticipation. At Kyle UMC, Rev. Kallie introduced the idea through a fall sermon series titled “United Methodist Together,” reflecting on the meaning of being the church together through Ephesians 2:12–22.

Meanwhile, The Journey congregation prayed regularly about the future and what God might be calling them toward. Pastor KP encouraged members to imagine what ministry could look like if less energy was spent worrying about finances and more energy was spent serving the community together.

“The Journey congregation was receptive and quickly got excited as conversations unfolded,” KP shared. One of the moments that made the vision feel real came when members of The Journey joined Kyle UMC for worship in early January.

“That was one of the moments when everything felt real and we all began to get excited,” Kallie said.

A Meaningful Celebration

The official celebration service marking the union of the congregations took place this past Sunday.

Originally, Rev. Kallie had planned to preach the sermon alone. Instead, she and Pastor KP decided to preach together as a symbol of their partnership and shared leadership. “We wanted to model what it looks like to trust and lean on each other’s gifts,” Kallie said. The service also included the presence of Bishop Harvey, the district superintendent, and members of the conference cabinet. “Having Bishop Harvey, as well as our District Superintendent and many members of the Cabinet present, made the day feel especially important,” Kallie said. For both congregations, their presence served as a celebration of the courage, faith, and openness that made the merger possible.

One meaningful moment during the service came when the bishop asked the pastors a symbolic question: “What shall this church be called?” The two pastors looked at each other before answering together — a moment that reflected the entire journey leading up to that day. “Even as we came to conversations with different things in mind, what made it work was a willingness to look to one another and take one step at a time — making sure each step was one we could take together.”

Looking Ahead

While the united congregation will continue using the historic name Kyle United Methodist Church, some members have affectionately begun referring to the community as “New Kyle.”

The name reflects the spirit many feel as they step into this new chapter together. Pastor KP shared that what lies ahead is both unknown and exciting. “We don’t know. And that’s what’s exciting,” KP said. “We are joyfully anticipating what God can do through us in this new chapter.” Members are already expressing their support and excitement. During the merger vote charge conference, Kyle UMC member Martha Jo Young offered a simple but heartfelt welcome: “We would like to welcome ya’ll [The Journey] with open arms and open hearts.”

For both congregations, the journey toward unity has been guided by a shared sense that God has been at work throughout the process. “To paraphrase one of our favorite songs,” Kallie reflected, “God makes beautiful things out of dust — out of us.”