The Mission
The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Draw the Circle Wide
Located in the vibrant heart of downtown San Antonio, Travis Park United Methodist Church is a place where tradition meets inclusivity. Known for its socially conscious spirit and open-hearted hospitality, Travis Park Church joyfully welcomes, affirms, and celebrates all people.
Here, you won’t find a stagnant congregation. Instead, you’ll discover a diverse community worshiping side by side as beloved children of God. Whether people are discovering church for the first time, have been attending church all their life, or are coming back after church hurt, this is a place where people of all ages can take the next steps in their discipleship journey. Discover a community where you don’t have to fit in to belong.
We Are Guided by the United Methodist Social Principles
“The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.” – John Wesley
The United Methodist Social Principles, as adopted by General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., 2024, “support the provision of comprehensive, age-appropriate education for sexual health, as well as access to consistent, effective, and affordable contraception.”[1] The United Methodist Social Principles also “affirm ministries and initiatives aimed at promoting reproductive health and enhancing the quality of life for women and girls.”[2]
At Travis Park United Methodist Church, we believe these social principles apply to ALL people. We also recognize that access to reproductive health services is too often limited by economic factors. Those living in poverty are often unable to make choices about when to become pregnant or about the size of their families. They often lack access to safe prenatal and postnatal care. Such a lack of agency perpetuates a cycle of poverty by restricting the ability to participate in the workforce and by increasing the strain on scarce family resources. Therefore, we support policies and programs that extend reproductive health services in economically challenged areas.
This statement was approved by the Travis Park United Methodist Church Leadership Board August 28, 2024 as originally submitted by the Travis Park United Methodist Church Reconciling Ministries work area.
[1] Church, T. U. (2024). The United Methodist Social Principles. General Conference, (p. 28). Charlotte.
[2] (Church, 2024)
Additional information and a complete reading of The United Methodist Social Principles, 2024 can be found here.
UMC Social Principles
The Social Principles 2024 of The United Methodist Church addresses real-world challenges such as climate change, poverty, human trafficking, and systemic injustice. These principles call for responsible stewardship of creation, fair economic policies, and the protection of human rights for all people, including migrants, indigenous communities, and those facing discrimination. They also advocate for sustainable energy solutions, gender equality, and ethical consumerism.
Who are United Methodists?
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people, and that we share in expressing that love. So the United Methodist tradition emphasizes God’s grace and in serving others. We believe that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God’s love–showing us the fullness of God’s care through Jesus’ teachings, death and resurrection.
John Wesley started the Methodist movement in 18th century England. His teachings on practical divinity (living out our faith) and appeals to reason and experience form important aspects of United Methodist practice today.
We are a Reconciling United Methodist Congregation
Our History
Travis Park Church celebrates 175 years in San Antonio!
On February 4, 1846 – just as Texas was becoming a state – the Methodist Episcopal annual conference in Houston sent Rev. John Wesley DeVilbiss as a missionary to San Antonio. Our church was formed later that year, at the heart of a city that then had 730 residents.
Our Affiliations
Our Conference & District
Travis Park Church is a part of the Rio Texas Conference, which spans South Texas and covers churches in large cities and small towns from Austin to McAllen, from San Angelo to Victoria in vibrant cities, historic small towns and struggling communities. We are part of the Central District (formerly the Las Misiones District), consisting of churches in San Antonio and beyond.
Our Ministry – 25 Years Serving All In Need
Founded in 1999 at Travis Park Church, Corazon San Antonio operates in the heart of downtown San Antonio serving our homeless and marginalized neighbors by providing a day center and resource hub, medical clinic, harm reduction outreach, housing case management, hot meals, clothing, warm showers, hygiene items, access to recovery groups and spiritual services.
Our Identity
Travis Park Church has been affiliated with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) since 2005. RMN is a group of congregations and groups worldwide which have adopted statements welcoming people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Travis Park Church is the only Reconciling United Methodist Congregation (2008) in San Antonio.
Have you lost your church home due to disaffiliation?
We know you are hurting and we’re here for you.
Travis Park Church is a Lighthouse Congregation in the Rio Texas Conference, which means we are a welcoming place for those whose church has closed or disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church. We are a Reconciling United Methodist Congregation, and we welcome all who seek to find belonging and healing. Travis Park Church is a safe space where new guests can find refuge in relationships, listening hearts, and unconditional love within a congregation that is remaining in the UMC.