About Us

Founded in 2002

Formation of the South Texas District

In September 2002, the General Board of the UPCI approved the formation of the district.

The South Texas District is part of the United Pentecostal Church International located in Houston, Texas. Tracing its roots to an anniversary date of 2002, the South Texas District was founded to equip today’s ministers with the tools they need to enhance the Kingdom of God.

The South Texas District was divided into 8 sections. We began our first year of operation with 160 churches and daughter works and 330 ministers.

Progress in 2018

South Central Texas District Formation

In September 2018, the General Board of the UPCI approved the formation of the South Central Texas District.

Within the new boundaries created by these changes, South Texas District currently has:

4 sections in the Houston Metro
1 section in the sw, including Victoria and surrounding cities.
119 Churches
28 Daughter Works
288 Licensed Ministers

The Churches of the STX District are based on holiness. We believe that Christians can experience a deeper level of life in which there is victory over sin, power to witness and serve, and a richer fellowship with God, all through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

119 Churches

28 Daughter Works

288 Ministers

Leadership

Rev. Ken Gurley

South Texas District Superintendent

Ken Gurley has served as the Senior Pastor of First Church since 1988. He and his wife live in the Clear Lake area and are proud parents of three children—one son, two daughters—and their spouses, along with eight beloved grandchildren.

He is a respected leader, author, and host of the popular devotional series Morning Devotion with Ken Gurley. His works include The Book on Prayer, The Point of Low Points, Four Tables, Notable Women of Scripture, the Preaching for a New Millennium series, and the MORE small group curriculum. Subscribe for daily inspiration and encouragement.

Rev Gurley has held several key leadership positions, including Deputy Director of the National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference and President of the Second Chance Network. He previously served as the District Superintendent of the South Texas District and was recently reelected to serve once again in this capacity.

Rev. Wayne Collins

South Texas District Secretary-Treasurer

Wayne Collins has been in ministry for 34 years. He is a 1990 graduate of Texas Bible College. He was an associate missionary to the country of Guatemala preaching throughout the country and teaching in the Bible College. Upon returning to Texas he founded a Spanish-speaking church, Tabernaculo De Vida, in Liberty TX. He has traveled and preached in many parts of the US as well as Mexico and Central America. He was a state-certified Police chaplain for three different police departments over the last 25 years. Brother Collins graduated from TBC in 1990 and was honored to return back in 1997 as full-time Theology instructor for two years. On September 11, 2011, Brother Collins founded Pentecostal Life Center in Richmond, TX and continues to serve as the Senior Pastor. He has served on the HMW section as sectional secretary for five years. Bro Collins is now honored to serve the South Texas District as District Secretary-Treasurer.

The Vision

The Vision of the South Texas District revolves around four God-inspired challenges. Encapsulated in each of these exciting challenges are elements that will inspire growth, both spiritually and numerically. By stretching ourselves to reach these initiatives, we will most certainly bring the Whole Gospel to the Whole World by the Whole Church. This vision will compel us to believe that every community and city within our district will hear this glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.