President Jim Welch
Effective Jan. 1, 2023
The Eastern Texas Conference (ETX) Transitional Conference Advisory Team (TCAT) is pleased to introduce Rev. Jim Welch as our President Pro Tem, as named by the Transitional Leadership Council (TLC) of the Global Methodist Church. Jim draws from a deep well of wisdom that has been filled by a Gospel focused faith, voracious reading, and a lifetime of pastoral experience. He has a heart of grace that shapes how he approaches difficult decisions that have an impact on others.
Jim can, and does, make tough decisions; but these are always Christ-like in spirit because they are grounded in and guided by grace. Without exception, wherever Jim has served, it has been a ministry with vision, marked by deep relationships and always grounded in the Good News of Jesus.
Jim Welch’s Bio:
Jim was born in Goose Creek (now Baytown) in 1950. Baptized and Confirmed at St. John’s UMC, where his parents were active for over 50 years. He graduated from University of Houston in 1973 and from Perkins at SMU in 1977 with a MTH. Jim married Debbie in 1974 and together they served churches in Edom (student charge); Needville, Houston (Christ and St. Paul’s[associate]); First Bay City; Grace Baytown; and First Longview.
Jim was invited by Bishop Norris to serve on the cabinet as the Houston North Superintendent. After reorganization, he served as Superintendent of the Central South District. Jim finished active ministry as the senior pastor at Kingwood UMC. He was a delegate to four general conferences, leading the delegation in 2008 when he was also the endorsed episcopal candidate.
Jim has served on different annual conference boards through the years, including 16 years on the Board of Ordained Ministry. He served as the vice-chair, chair, and cabinet rep on the board. Jim has been on the boards of several other organizations as well, chairing the state board of Volunteers of America as well as serving on the boards of San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, the Methodist Children’s Home, and the executive committee of the Texas Methodist Foundation, where he chaired the initial clergy initiative of that board.
In retirement, he has served as interim pastor at First Port Neches and First Houston and has been active in Kairos prison ministry. Jim and Debbie have two children and four grandchildren, the oldest whom they have been blessed to raise.