Elizabeth, A Partner in Ministry: Rev. Joy Gonzalez

Rev. Joy Gonzalez, previously Associate Minister at Highland Park United Methodist Church and now Campus Pastor of Uptown Church, met Rev. Elizabeth Moseley at HPUMC soon after moving back to Dallas for ministry.

“We hit it off right away,” Joy said. “She was really encouraging as a fellow woman in ministry and fellow colleague in the North Texas Conference, navigating how to make such a big transition from one annual conference of the Methodist Church. And I know she has been a sounding board for many other ministers who are navigating not only the ordination process, but ministry in the denomination.”

As Elizabeth started Small Groups at HPUMC, Joy took note of her entrepreneurial experience and initiative. As colleagues and friends, Joy often had conversations with Elizabeth about her vision for Uptown Church. Through these discussions, Joy saw an opportunity to invite Elizabeth to be a part of the new campus.

“She said yes, and I'm so grateful that she did, because she has so much of that go-getter spirit and the ability to live in the uncertainty, but still believe in the dream,” Joy said. “One of her greatest gifts is that spirit and that belief that if God called me to it, God will lead me in and through it.”

After five years at HPUMC together, Joy and Elizabeth launched Uptown Church in 2021 at House of Blues, as Campus Pastor and Associate Minister, respectively. Elizabeth was crucial in Uptown’s launch and mission.

“When you create a new campus, you do so so you can reach new people and bring new people into community,” Joy said. “She's done that in all of her roles at HPUMC, but most recently at Uptown, where she has created a new space, a new place for people who maybe weren't connected, who now have this ongoing community of faith.”

Joy describes Elizabeth as an energetic and passionate person and preacher, which plays a big part in the lasting impact she has had in her 18 years with HPUMC and Uptown. In May, Elizabeth will start her ministry at First United Methodist Church.

“It's moments like this when somebody says yes to that call and is going somewhere else, that then you kind of look up from the day-to-day and again see God working on the bigger scale,” Joy said. “For all those who have gotten to interact with her in the places that she's worked, she's left and always leaves a mark of faithfulness. And I pray that people are inspired by that.”

“The Elizabeth I know is the talented pastor, caring wife and mother all rolled into one, and good at all of those things all of the time. That's always been inspiring to see—that whatever new challenge she brings on, she's consistent in the way she cares for her congregation, her kids, her spouse, and herself.”