Retiring Methodist bishop joins The Woodlands UMC

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Dr. Robert Hayes, the retiring bishop of the Oklahoma Area of The United Methodist Church, will join the staff of The Woodlands United Methodist Church as their Bishop-in-Residence effective Jan. 1, 2017.

"Bishop Hayes will bring a wealth of pastoral experience to our church family,” said The Woodlands UMC Senior Pastor Dr. Ed Robb. “He is a longtime friend and colleague of mine. He’s a man of high character and great wisdom, and an excellent resource for spiritual leadership."

Robb said the growth of The Woodlands UMC - which recently crossed the 12,000 member threshold - means there is a need for more support of the people and programs that make the church a vital part of the community. He believes welcoming Bishop Hayes onto the staff will help strengthen the church’s ability to provide that support.

"In addition to occasional preaching and participating in our traditional worship services, Bishop Hayes will play an active role in supporting our church staff, lay leaders and members-at-large with spiritual enrichment and adult discipleship opportunities,” Robb said.

As bishop, Hayes presided over more than 500 churches in the Oklahoma Conference and 87 churches of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference.

A third-generation pastor, Hayes was raised in east Texas. After graduating from Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, he earned a Master of Theology degree at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree at Drew University in Madison, N.J.

Hayes pastored several churches in Houston before serving in leadership roles within the Texas Annual Conference. He was elected bishop in 2004.

Hayes also the author of Strength for the Journey, a collection of devotionals published in 2007.