Aldersgate Church — Church Directory

Quick Facts

Pastor — the shepherd God holds accountable Ryan Smallwood (Lead Pastor)

Founded 1985 (first service August 4, 1985 in All Saints Episcopal school gymnasium); voted 97% to disaffiliate from UMC and joined GMC

Denomination Global Methodist Church

Service Times Sunday 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM

Men's Ministry No

Kids Ministry Yes

Website www.aldersgate.online

Pastor Credentials Credentials not published on website; lead pastor through denominational transition

10-Point Theological Scorecard

Christology

Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)

GMC Trinitarian orthodoxy.

Strong

Scripture

Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?

GMC biblical authority affirmed.

Strong

Men's Discipleship

Intentional formation for men?

No dedicated men's ministry confirmed; verify.

Caution

Soteriology

Faith alone? How is salvation presented?

Wesleyan salvation by grace.

Strong

Gender / Biblical Design

Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?

Emily Fisher serves as Next Gen Pastor — indicates women in pastoral roles at this local church; GMC Mid Texas Conference varies on women elders.

Caution

Leadership Structure

Male elders/pastors? Accountability?

Ryan Smallwood confirmed as Lead Pastor on current site; full staff roster not re-surfaced in single fetch — Emily Fisher Next Gen Pastor per prior note remains flagged in gender score.

Caution

Preaching Style

Expository or topical/therapeutic?

Conversational, relevant Bible teaching style.

Strong

Mission Clarity

Great Commission central?

Active outreach ministries including missions emphasis.

Strong

Cultural Alignment

DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?

97% vote to disaffiliate signals strong orthodox commitment.

Strong

Accountability Structure

Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?

Global Methodist Church — joined after 97% disaffiliation vote.

Strong

Assessment

Aldersgate Church in Lubbock was founded in 1985 when a preacher began knocking on doors inviting people to a new church experience — the first service was held August 4, 1985 in the gymnasium of All Saints Episcopal School. The congregation voted 97% to disaffiliate from the UMC and has joined the Global Methodist Church. Lead Pastor Ryan Smallwood (married to Amy, two adult sons Blake and Jeb) leads with a conversational teaching style. Notable: Emily Fisher serves as Next Gen Pastor, meaning women do serve in pastoral roles at this particular local church — a YELLOW flag on the gender rubric for readers committed to strictly male-only pastoral offices. The lopsided disaffiliation vote signals strong institutional orthodox commitment, however. Named for John Wesley's famous May 1738 Aldersgate Street conversion experience.