Connect with God. Connect with People. Connect with Purpose.

by Rev. Johnru Villamor on September 08, 2023

As your Group Life Connections Pastor at FUMC Hurst, I am fortunate to have the privilege of connecting with individuals who are new to our church community. My role involves assisting not only newcomers but also our long-standing members and guests in finding their place within the various groups and ministries that make up our vibrant congregation.

Over the past couple of weeks, I've had the honor of meeting some of the new faces in our church. It's been a heartwarming experience to witness the warmth and hospitality that our church members have extended to these newcomers. When we shared their photos on Facebook, our church family came together with open arms, offering these individuals opportunities to connect with God, connect with fellow believers, and find their purpose within our church community.

This heartwarming response embodies the essence of the body of Christ. Our church is not just a building; it's an extension of Jesus's life and ministry in the world today. It's a place where individuals from all walks of life can come together, support one another, and embark on a journey of faith, growth, and purpose. We are a community that welcomes, embraces, and uplifts one another, just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry.

At FUMC Hurst, we believe that building connections and fostering a sense of belonging is essential to our mission. We understand that finding a spiritual home can be both exciting and challenging. That's why we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can feel at home and discover the richness of life in Christ through fellowship, service, and spiritual growth.

Our church is not just a collection of individuals; it's a diverse tapestry of stories, experiences, and backgrounds that come together to form a beautiful picture of God's love. It's a place where you can grow in your relationship with Christ, develop meaningful friendships, and make a positive impact in our community.

So, whether you're a longtime member, a newcomer, or a guest, know that you are a valued part of our church family. We look forward to walking this faith journey with you, as we continue to connect with God, connect with people, and connect with purpose—just as the body of Christ was meant to be. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those around us, and together, we can continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world today.

About the Author

Rev. Johnru Villamor

Johnru, short for John Rudolph, was born and raised in the Philippines. He served as a youth director in his late teens at their church in his home country and has always believed that God is calling him for church ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering in 2006 and used to work as a telecommunications engineer in Manila while leading various ministries as a church volunteer.

God brought him to a point when he felt a stronger desire to serve the church on a full-time capacity. So, he responded to God’s call to leave his corporate job and work as one of his church’s administrative staff, up until the time he decided to move to the U.S. in 2016. Shortly after he moved, Johnru became a member of Davis Memorial United Methodist Church (North Richland Hills, TX) where God provided opportunities for him to serve through preaching in services and leading discipleship programs. At that point, with the guidance of his family and mentors, God’s calling for him for ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church has been more discernable, hence he started attending seminary in 2018.

In 2020, Johnru began his pastoral internship at Smithfield United Methodist Church where he eventually was appointed as their associate pastor. He graduated in May 2022 with a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. In the same year, he got commissioned as a provisional elder in the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church and was appointed as one of the associate pastors at First United Methodist Church of Hurst.

Johnru is a beach lover who grew up in a close-knit family. His parents, Carmelo and Jocelyn, have recently joined FUMC Hurst. His older sister, Joice, is a campus missionary in the Philippines who will join the family in the U.S. soon. Johnru loves to have meaningful conversations (preferably over good food)! He is passionate about building relationships and sharing Jesus’s love with people, especially in the community.

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