Bishop Saenz Appoints Rev. Dr. Owen K Ross as Senior Pastor of First UMC Coppell

Rev. Stacey Piyakhun to Lead Multiplication Efforts for Horizon Texas Conference

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. has announced the appointment of Rev. Dr. Owen K Ross to serve assenior pastor of First United Methodist Church Coppell, effective July 1, 2025. Ross, who currently serves as the director of multiplication for the Horizon Texas Conference, will succeed Rev. Tom Palmer upon his retirement.

"It has been a tremendous privilege to help churches across the Horizon Texas Conference grow in vitality and reach new people for Christ,” said Ross. “I look forward to continuing that inviting work in the local congregation setting and am excited to journey alongside the people of First UMC Coppell."

Succeeding Ross as director of multiplication will be Rev. Stacey Piyakhun, who currently serves as an associate director for the department. In her new role, Piyakhun will oversee the conference’s work in church planting, congregational vitality and leadership development for clergy and laity, supporting the strategic priority of multiplying Jesus followers across the Horizon Texas Conference.

"I am deeply honored to serve in this new capacity and to build on the incredible work Dr. Ross has started in the Horizon Texas Conference,” said Piyakhun. “The opportunity to help churches expand their reach and nurture new disciples at all life stages is a great joy and responsibility, and I look forward to partnering with our conference’s pastors and laity in this holy work."

Bishop Saenz expressed his deep gratitude for both leaders and their dedication to the church’s mission.  

"Dr. Ross has been instrumental in cultivating new expressions of church and empowering leaders to bring the gospel to new communities,” said Bishop Saenz. “His passion for mission and discipleship will serve First UMC Coppell well. I am equally grateful for Rev. Piyakhun’s visionary leadership and her heart for equipping disciples. Her experience and dedication will ensure that our multiplication efforts continue to flourish in our newly expanded conference."

The Horizon Texas Conference celebrates these new appointments. A list of appointment announcements, updated weekly, can be found at www.htcumc.org/appointments.