About Us
First United Methodist Church of College Station is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community centered around faith, love, and service.
To love God and to love God’s people with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength! (Mark 12:30-31) With God’s help, we will accomplish our vision and mission through the consistent practice of: Passionate Worship, Radical Hospitality, Constant Spiritual Growth, Risk-taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity! We believe that with Christ as our guide, ALL things are possible! And we declare it to be so… in Jesus name, Amen!
To be the epicenter of spiritual, emotional, physical, and financial health for Bryan/College Station. (Ephesians 1:23)
what we believe
As a member of the United Methodist Church our doctrine and beliefs are as follows….
We believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; and on the third day He rose from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty! It is from thence that He will come to judge the quick and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Universal church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Our Pastor
KEFENTSE RISHER
Sr. Pastor of First UMC-College Station
Pastor Risher actively engages with numerous community boards, committees, and initiatives, exemplifying his passion for outreach and social justice. His leadership roles include serving on the Brazos Valley Homeless Coalition, Brazos Valley Faith Leaders for Justice, and the BCS Habitat for Humanity Board. Additionally, he contributes to Bryan ISD Faith-Based Partners as well as denominational committees such as the TAC Parish Project.
Committed to spreading a vision of hope and purpose, Pastor Risher hosts “The Vision Project Podcast,” a platform dedicated to inspiring conversations about faith, purpose, and community transformation.
Through his compassionate leadership, unwavering commitment to justice, and dedication to community collaboration, Pastor Kefentse Risher continues to inspire meaningful change and spiritual growth throughout College Station and beyond.
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PROFESSION OF FAITH/CONNECTED TO JESUS CHRIST
If you have never been a member of any church, you may unite by professing Jesus Christ as your Savior.
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RESTORED
If you have previously been a member of First Church or another church, but have been out of the fellowship for more than three years, you may unite by renewing your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
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TRANSFER
If you are a member of another church, you are welcome to unite with this family of faith by requesting that your membership be transferred to First Church.
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AFFILIATE MEMBER
If you are a member of a United Methodist Church in another city but will be residing in this area, you may unite with this family of faith as an affiliate member. You will maintain membership in your home church but be under the pastoral care of First Church.
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ASSOCIATE MEMBER
If you are a member of another Christian Denomination in another city but will be residing in this area, you may unite with this family of faith as an associate member. You will maintain membership in your home church but be under the pastoral care of First Church.
what we do
Our History
First United Methodist Church of College Station has a rich history and a great heritage. These three churches with historical backgrounds became one body:
Located in Millican, Texas, it was established in 1866.
Started as a Sunday School in 1879. Land was later acquired on Jones Bridge Road, becoming their permanent location.
Founded in the early 1900s in a school near Bryan, Texas. In 1910, land was bought, and by 1912, a new church was built and renamed Nelson Chapel Methodist Church.
Between 1944 and 1945, members began moving and settling around the College Station area. An acre of land was purchased on Highway 6 and First Methodist Church of College Station was born through the prayerful leadership of many strong clergy, laity, families, friends and community members who saw a vision for the future.
During a critical season of change and merger within in the Methodist Church, leadership explored the needs of all three churches to come together as one body to build a stronger church in College Station. As April 1968 ushered in the birth of the United Methodist Church from the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and The Methodist Churches, the churches within the Central Jurisdiction Conference were uniting with the General Church. This was a time of great change and challenge that was guided by the prayers of many dedicated members.
In June 1968, what was once three worshipping churches became one collective body of believers to serve Jesus Christ in new ways known as First United Methodist Church of College Station. During the years of 1974 through 1999, First United Methodist Church and Lee Chapel United Methodist Church in Bryan shared pastoral leadership as the Bryan-College Station Charge.
Preparing for a new future in 1999, First United Methodist Church began a new season of building, moving, and visioning through prayer. After 30 years of great ministry on Texas Avenue, they were on the move again! God continued blessing First United Methodist Church to build a new church in 2003. Today, we continue building by faith on the shoulders of all who have come before us and plant new seeds for the body who will come in the future. First United Methodist Church is the Church of Promise…thanks be to God.
frequently asked questions
We are passionate about the local church, and are on mission to see God’s kingdom established across the earth. See how you can get involved:
Absolutely not, come as you are. (1 Samuel 16:7)