First Methodist Church of Shreveport — Church Directory

Quick Facts

Pastor — the shepherd God holds accountable Dr. Steven Bell (Senior Pastor; ordained elder in GMC)

Founded 1845

Denomination Global Methodist Church (GMC)

Service Times See website

Men's Ministry No

Kids Ministry Yes

Website firstshreveport.com

Pastor Credentials GMC ordained elder; transitioned from UMC during 2022-2023 disaffiliation

10-Point Theological Scorecard

Christology

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

Orthodox per GMC Book of Doctrines

Strong

Scripture

Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?

Inerrancy per GMC standards

Strong

Men's Discipleship

Intentional formation for men?

Verify

Caution

Soteriology

Faith alone? How is salvation presented?

Wesleyan Arminian

Strong

Gender / Biblical Design

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

GMC traditional Methodist structure

Strong

Leadership Structure

Male elders/pastors? Accountability?

GMC connectional polity

Strong

Preaching Style

Expository or topical/therapeutic?

Verify

Caution

Mission Clarity

Great Commission central?

Active GMC growth

Strong

Cultural Alignment

DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?

GMC alignment = orthodox sexual ethics post-2022

Strong

Accountability Structure

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

GMC; chose GMC route in 2022-2023 disaffiliation

Strong

Assessment

First Methodist Shreveport is one of the historic Methodist congregations (founded 1845) that disaffiliated from the UMC and joined the Global Methodist Church (GMC) in 2022-2023, retaining property and assets. Pastor Dr. Steven Bell is an ordained elder in the GMC. Five members of the church staff were ordained in summer 2023 at the Eastern Texas Annual Conference. The deliberate post-schism realignment with GMC reflects MOOP-aligned conservative-orthodox positioning on biblical sexuality and authority.

#gmc#methodist-gmc#shreveport#louisiana#post-umc-schism#historic-1845#disaffiliated-2022#verified-2026

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MOOP Engagement Tracker

How this church was personally verified by the MOOP directory team:

✓ Researched church website

Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 — Annual review recommended

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