12-07-2025
Amarillo United Methodist Church welcomes new senior pastor
Amarillo United Methodist Church welcomes new senior pastor
Amarillo UMC welcomes new senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Chad Johnson
Rev. Chad Johnson brings his first message to Amarillo UMC on July 13
The Amarillo United Methodist Church is welcoming its new senior pastor, Reverend Dr. Chad Johnson, to the pulpit on Sunday, July 13. He comes to Amarillo UMC from the First United Methodist Church of Jacksboro, Texas, according to a news release.
'I love The United Methodist Church and work to live by our mantra every day as a pastor, and a person, of Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. I believe this is who we are called to be by Christ and who we have been for so long as the Wesleyan people called Methodists," Johnson said in the release. "I am excited about all the ways we can live into this identity more and more, each and every day. Like the old hymn says, 'God has work for us to do, work for us to do' and I am truly looking forward to ministry in Amarillo, Texas.'
Johnson holds a Doctor of Ministry and a Master of Divinity and from Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology; a Master of Native American Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University; and a bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University in Business/Sociology. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in mental health and clinical counseling from the University of Oklahoma.
Johnson brings many talents to Amarillo UMC, including music, which is an integral part of his life. While in Jacksboro, he taught percussion for three years with the high school and middle school bands. When a devastating tornado hit Jacksboro in 2022, he played a key role in the town's recovery and is a minister devoted to missions and outreach.
In addition, he is a full citizen of the Chickasaw Tribe of Oklahoma. Merging his heritage as a Chickasaw and his Christian theology as a pastor has led to the publication of his first book, "Finding God on the Indian Road: Exploring the Intersectionality Between Native American and Christian Spiritual Living."
Originally, from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Johnson loves to golf, spend time outside, be with family, study, read and cook. 'Anytime I can light up my firepit out back and put some meat on the smoker I am a happy camper. I call myself a foodie, although I'm not sure how good of one I am, but I love to try new foods and restaurants and enjoy live music immensely,' he said.
Amarillo United Methodist Church is located at 3001 Bell St., sharing a facility with St. Luke Presbyterian Church. Services are Sundays at 9 a.m. and streamed online at For more information, contact Gary Pitner via email at gwpitner@ or by phone at 806-341-1417.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Rev. Chad Johnson brings his first message to Amarillo UMC on July 13
