Matt Bailey has been serving as a pastor in the central Texas conference since 2015 when he graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary and gratefully returned to the great state of Texas. Matt began a life in ministry when he joined his local church’s praise band at the age of 11 in Sugar Land, Texas. He met his wife, Jennifer, at Texas A&M. They married in 2000 and began serving as lay people at FUMC Midlothian, where Matt served as worship leader and youth pastor before feeling a call to ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church. Matt served as the pastor of Lorena UMC since entering ordained ministry in 2015. Jennifer has been a middle school math teacher since 1999, blessing many school districts along the way. Matt and Jennifer have been blessed with two wonderful children. Emma is 14 and loves to sing and perform musical theater and currently helps lead worship at Lorena UMC. James is about to be 10 and likes to ride his scooter and fish with his dad. Matt’s passion for ministry is to see people encounter the living Christ for themselves through worship, prayer, scripture study, service, and small group support. Outside of ministry, Matt likes to play various musical instruments and go kayak fishing.
Ennisite all my life. Couldn't think of a better place to call home. Married to Donnie Lefler in April 1995 - Wow...almost 25 years now. We have 2 Children - Gwendolyn Faith Lefler - she is 21 years and Nursing Student at Abilene Christian University and Grady Thomas Lefler is 17 Years and is a Jr. at Ennis High School. Grady is currently on the Bass and Archery Team and, of course, I couldn't forget about our high maintenance dog we call Gypsy. Our kids are the joy of my life - Whatever they are involved in - We are, too.
My family and I are members at Creekside Church of Christ in Midlothian. We are an active church family - Teaching, Volunteering, helping with all the church activities. I was a CDO Teacher for about 10 years while my children were little. I have also been involved with several community events as well as involved with the EISD. If my family isn't busy, you will usually find us on a lake somewhere. We love the outdoors and love to fish. I am excited to be a part of the First United Methodist Church again.
