Bishop Robert Schnase of the Rio Texas Conference announces the appointments of Rev. Dr. Robert Ortiz as superintendent of Las Misiones District and Rev. Dr. Marcus Freeman as superintendent of the Capital District. “I am so grateful for the leadership and sincere spirit of both Robert and Marcus. Their willingness to say yes and serve God through the work of the cabinet is deeply appreciated and profoundly significant during this unique time in the life of the church.”

Dr. Ortiz began his ministry in 1997 and he has served churches in the Rio Grande, Southwest Texas, and Rio Texas Conferences. He has served the past eleven years at Alamo Heights UMC. He is a native of San Antonio and graduated from Brackenridge (Wheatley) high school. He also graduated from the University of Texas San Antonio with a BA in sociology, master of divinity from United Theological Seminary, and a doctor of ministry in church leadership from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C. Robert is married to Diane and they have five adult children and one granddaughter, plus Bella the Dog and Juno the Cat.

The current Las Misiones District Superintendent Greg Hackett says, “Robert brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Las Misiones serving in both Rio Grande Conference churches and in Rio Texas churches in both small church systems and large systems (some at the same time!). He is constantly learning new strategies and developing close relationships. I am delighted to pass the mantle to such a colleague!”

Rev. Ortiz states, “I am honored and humbled to be asked by Bishop Schnase to serve as the superintendent of Las Misiones district. I am filled with hope as we take our next faithful steps in ministry together. I look forward to serving the churches of the district and getting to know many more of you. May our journey be filled with love for God and love for others. I will be praying for you and ask that you pray for me.”

Dr. Freeman is an experienced superintendent and has gifts in preaching and pastoral care. Marcus received both his master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from Perkins School of Theology. Dr. Freeman will continue as the superintendent of record for the Crosssroads District. As the dynamic on the ground changes for districts and local congregations, the cabinet will seek creative ways to provide appropriate supervision for all districts of the conference.

Dr. Freeman mentions, “I am humbled and honored to be appointed by Bishop Schnase to represent him for the next couple of years as superintendent in the Capital District, which is the place where I grew up, began my ministry journey, and served for seven fulfilling years as a pastor. I now look forward to learning about the churches and pastors of the district and supporting them toward achievement of their fullest potential in the dynamic mission field that the Austin area has become. My wife, Janice, our daughters, Lillian and Leslie, and I are looking forward to being closer to the love and support of family as we begin this new chapter of ministry and life.”

Both appointments will begin July 1, 2023.