San Antonio pastor named conference
congregational growth chief

The senior pastor of the largest congregation in Southwest Texas is moving to the conference staff.
The Rev. J. Michael Lowry, senior pastor of University UMC, San Antonio, is to succeed the Rev. Harry G. Kahl as Southwest Texas Conference congregational growth director.
Kahl, 63, becomes pastor of La Vernia UMC.
Bishop Joel N. Martinez has announced his intention to make these pastoral appointments during the June 7-10 Southwest Texas Annual Conference session in Corpus Christi.
In his new position, Lowry, 55, is to supervise efforts to start new congregations and revitalize existing ones across the southern third of Texas. He is to work directly with Martinez and the conference’s seven district superintendents to carry out the Bishop’s Initiative on New Church Development.
Lowry had led the 5,484-member University congregation since 2001.
Before that he served Bethany UMC, Austin (1997-2001); Asbury UMC, Corpus Christi (1984-1997); Wesley UMC, Harlingen (1980-1984); and St. Paul’s UMC, Kerrville (1977-1980).
Lowry began his ministry in 1974 in the Northern Illinois Conference. He transferred to the Southwest Texas Conference in 1976. He was ordained a deacon in 1974 and an elder in 1978.
Lowry earned a bachelor’s degree in 1972 from Earlham College, Richmond, Ind.; a master of theology degree in 1976 from Southern Methodist University, Dallas; and a doctor of ministry degree in 1985 from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.