Welcome to FUMC Gainesville!
A Christ-Centered Church in the heart of Gainesville, Texas

First United Methodist Church of Gainesville is a welcoming, Christ-centered community committed to helping people know Jesus, grow in faith, and serve others with love.

For generations, our church has been part of the spiritual fabric of Cooke County. Today, we continue that legacy by offering thoughtful worship, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to live out our faith in practical ways.

Whether you are new to the area, exploring Christianity for the first time, returning to church after time away, or looking for a church home, you are welcome here.

What We Believe

We are part of the United Methodist Church and rooted in historic Christian faith.

We believe:

  • God is Love and Invites us into a loving and personal relationship.
  • There is one God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and through Him we receive forgiveness and new life.
  • Salvation is by grace through faith.
  • The Bible is the foundation of our faith and practice.
  • We examine life and faith through the 4-part lens of Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience of the Holy Spirit.
  • The church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Our theology is centered on grace — God’s grace that seeks us, saves us, and continues shaping us throughout our lives.

What to Expect on Sunday

We know visiting a new church can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you can expect:

Worship Style
Our service is a Relaxed Traditional style. The atmosphere is reverent but welcoming. The structure is Scripture-centered, with music and prayer all designed to help you encounter God in a meaningful way. We incorporate historic Christian elements alongside practical, applicable teaching.

Length of Service
Our worship service lasts approximately 60–75 minutes.

Music
You will experience traditional hymns and other worship music that encourages congregational participation. Throughout a given month we feature music from our Choir, Handbells, and band all supplementing congregational signing. Our historic organ is not just a visual feature, it still contributes to beautiful music nearly every Sunday.

Teaching
Messages are rooted in Scripture and focused on helping you apply God’s Word to everyday life.

Dress
You’ll see everything from Suits to jeans and hoodies or everything in between. Come in whatever attire feels most right for you.

Children
We offer a welcoming environment for children and families. Nursery and children’s ministry information is available at the Welcome Desk.

Communion
We celebrate Holy Communion regularly, and all who seek Christ are welcome at the table.

Our goal is simple: to create a space where you can worship authentically, grow spiritually, and feel genuinely welcomed.

Meet Our Pastor

Pastor Jacob Fields serves as the lead pastor of First United Methodist Church of Gainesville. He is passionate about helping people grow deeper in their faith, strengthening churches for long-term health, and leading with clarity and integrity.

Jacob and his family are grateful to serve in Gainesville and are committed to investing in this community. He believes the local church should be both spiritually vibrant and missionally active — rooted in Scripture and engaged in real life.

You can often find him connecting with members, meeting new guests, or cheering on his children in their activities. He would love the opportunity to meet you personally.

Join Us This Sunday

We would love to welcome you in person.

Sunday Worship: 10 AM
Location: 214 S Denton St, Gainesville, Texas 76240
Questions? dbalderas@fumcgainesville.org

If you are looking for a church home or simply a place to begin exploring faith again, we invite you to come and see.

There is a place for you here.