Lisa Stewart to retire in mid-December

Lisa Stewart has been on staff at HPUMC since 2007, but she’s been living out the church’s mission long before that.

Prior to joining the church’s staff, Lisa chaired the Church Council in 2000 and volunteered with HPUMC Kids and Youth ministries, something she credits with helping her become a better parent.

Seeing her heart for church work, former HPUMC Senior Minister Rev. Mark Craig and his Senior Associate, Rev. Steve Matthews, asked when Lisa wanted to officially join the team. Once her kids grew into teenagers, she called Steve and told him that she was ready.

Lisa began as a Curriculum Coordinator for HPUMC Youth and served in a number of different positions. However, it was working in HPUMC’s Outreach and Impact ministries that had the greatest influence on her.

“Over the last decade, I have come to have a different understanding of poverty,” she said. “I totally believe the local church can change the world and wipe out poverty! And I believe the biblical mandate is clear that deeply devoted followers of Jesus Christ should work to fight poverty and promote justice.”

She attributes meeting and experiencing the strong faiths of some of our neighbors living in poverty with helping grow her own faith. Moreover, she recognized that we’re responsible for helping those that are less fortunate.

“Those of us who are blessed are our brothers and sisters’ keepers,” said Lisa. “We can be the hands and feet of Christ in our world.”

HPUMC’s increased focus on racial justice helped Lisa Stewart grow and realize that we each need to be part of the solution. “My work with colleagues of color has opened my eyes to how deeply racism is embedded in our current culture, our attitudes, even our institutions,” she said.

“Servant leadership is the most essential responsibility for any of our staff,” said Rev. Paul Rasmussen, HPUMC Senior Minister. “Lisa Stewart models that call as fine as anyone I’ve worked with. Her legacy of fighting poverty will be the gold standard for a generation to come.”

Some of her fondest personal memories at the church include her children’s baptisms and Confirmations as well as her daughter’s wedding. Professionally, dedicating the 100th Carpenters for Christ home and mission trips to Costa Rica were especially meaningful moments. She’s also incredibly proud of how the Impact Team responded to last year’s winter storms in their disaster relief efforts.

“Our team came together and we were able to help feed thousands of people due to the generosity of HPUMC,” Lisa said.

Stepping into the Director of Impact role is Caroline Hazlett.

“Caroline understands what it means to fight poverty and promote justice,” said Lisa Stewart. “She is a natural leader with tons of energy and passion for HPUMC and the work we are doing.”

Caroline credits Lisa with setting up this ministry for success for a long time to come. “During her time at HPUMC, Lisa has literally transformed the way we do missions,” Caroline Hazlett said. “As a result of her leadership, our impact in Dallas and around the world has been multiplied in ways that will continue to resonate for years to come. HPUMC, Dallas, our Impact partners, and countless individuals are all better because of Lisa!”

Lisa’s last day officially on staff with HPUMC will be December 16. In addition to spending lots of time with family and traveling, she plans to continue doing what she does best—making an impact.

“I'll start my retirement by volunteering at Austin Street to serve dinner to our neighbors experiencing homelessness on December 19,” she said. Then Lisa plans to work on several projects with some of HPUMC’s local partners.

If you see Lisa, be sure to thank her for her many years of service and dedication to HPUMC’s mission.