Pastor Dave Felps and his family moved to Bastrop and joined First UMC when he was 9 years old. He grew up in this church before moving away to college. He became a computer programmer for over a decade. He eventually heard the call to ministry, went to seminary and became an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. God has brought Pastor Dave back to FUMC as its current pastor.
Pastor Dave pastored three different churches in the San Antonio area over 17 years. He has worked in a number of different ministries. There have been several food pantries and homeless ministries. He has worked with Habitat for Humanities to help build affordable homes and give a “hand up” for people who need it.
He has worked in a number of weekends on “Walk to Emmaus” teams where Christian leaders are encouraged and equipped for our walk with Christ. He has also worked on teams with Kairos Prison Ministry International. Kairos works to bring the grace of God to those who are imprisoned.
He has worked in a recovery ministry with people who deal with addictions. In his last church, they were just starting a “sensory ministry” for children with autism and other sensory challenges. Dave has also worked served on the board of a fostering agency which served (as the bible would call them) orphans.
Pastor Dave has worked in a variety of ministries all aimed to reveal God’s grace in a broken world. In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches us to feed the hungry, bring drink for the thirsty, welcome the stranger, visit the prisoner, clothe the naked and to care for the sick. This is the call of every Christian.
Dave has been married for over 30 years to Christi and they have two daughters Abby and Emma. Christi works in Human Resources. Abby lives in Tennessee and Emma is in San Antonio.
From Pastor Dave, “I am excited to return to First UMC of Bastrop. This church has always focused on being an integral part of this community. The church is 190 years old and the beautiful sanctuary has been here for 100 years, but the church isn’t a dead monument from another time, it is vital and filled with people who are passionate about bringing the light of Christ into the world. I love that the bishop has called me back to this church and we will continue to worship, serve and love in the name of Jesus.”
Rev. Dave Felps
