Rev. Jerry Slye
General Superintendent & Pastor of the Hill Country Church
In 1982, I was enjoying early success in the accounting department of a large company. I was married, had two toddlers, a new house and a new car. Life was good! God shook my world when He made my call to full time ministry clear. Before I had time to allow the gravity of my calling to sink in I was the pastor of a small church in southeast Texas. That church was patient as I pursued my formal pastoral and theological education. I have been a full time senior pastor without interruption since that calling in 1982.
My pastoral philosophy is simple. In the words of my pastor Dad, feed the people and love the people. God charges me with the responsibility to preach the Word without compromise. When you believe the Word you cannot help but love the people. The people of the Bethel Methodist Church faithfully give and work to set me free to study and minister the Word in the pulpit, on the phone, in homes, in hospitals and anywhere I find an opportunity (Acts 6:1-4).
