Highland Park UMC Pastor Paul Rasmussen to Step Down, Citing Health Concerns

Highland Park UMC Pastor Paul Rasmussen to Step Down, Citing Health Concerns

The senior minister of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, has announced that he will step aside after more than a decade of leading one of the nation’s most prominent Methodist congregations. In a video message shared Thursday afternoon, the Rev. Paul Rasmussen informed church members—including former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush—that he plans to step down as senior pastor effective Feb. 1, 2026.