Interim Bishop of Record, Janice Riggle Huie, has announced the appointment of Rev. Dr. Robert Lopez as District Superintendent of El Valle District effective Sept. 1. Robert is currently the superintendent of the Crossroads District and will continue to serve in that capacity during the transition. Incoming Bishop Robert Schnase will name a new superintendent of the Crossroads District at a later date.

Rev. Lopez has a deep love for the Rio Grande Valley, where he grew up and where his family members still live. He is bilingual as well as bicultural. Preaching, organization, and leadership are Robert’s gifts. These graces and tools are essential in helping churches reach the rapidly changing mission field of the Rio Grande Valley. 

"I love the Rio Grande Valley! I graduated high school in the valley, I graduated the university in the valley, I got married in the valley. I have served two congregations there. My time in the Crossroads District has been special and I look forward to the rest of our time together,” said Lopez. “I am indeed humbled by all of the support here in the Crossroads. Que honor y privilegio regresar al distrito El Valle, no hay palabras para expresar la gratitud que siento en mi corazón. I am looking forward to getting to know churches, pastors, leaders, and community. El Valle district has done wonderful work, I am blessed to be a part of its future!" 

Rev. Dr. Warren Hornung has been assigned part-time to serve as Assistant to the District Superintendent in both districts to assist Rev. Lopez and the oversight of the two districts. He recently retired in 2010 after a long tenure of service in the Southwest Texas and Rio Texas Conferences. Dr. Hornung has ties to both districts. He currently resides in Yoakum, in the Crossroads District, and served as superintendent of the McAllen district from 1989-1994.