Pastor Ray Gilman became the Senior Pastor of First Methodist Church of Azle in August 2023, after being unanimously selected as the preferred candidate by the SPR Council. He spent many years in marketing and advertising before being called into ministry. His business experience included campaign development, team leadership, design and production of related materials - mostly in photography and print materials.

Pastor Ray graduated from Knox College in 1988 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts. The LORD called Pastor Ray to mission in 2008 to Uganda. At that time, he experienced miraculous provision and grand movements of the Spirit. He came back with a clear, audible call to ministry. He clearly heard in a fretful time of prayer, “I brought you here to find your voice.” After that, he was never the same again. He graduated from United Theological Seminary in 2017 with an MDiv. in Theological and Ministerial Studies emphasizing Church Revitalization. In May of 2018, Pastor Gilman was formally received by the UNYUMC annual conference as a Provisional Elder. He surrendered his UMC credentials upon receiving the call to serve at First Methodist Azle and was ordained as an elder in the Global Methodist Church in February 2024.

Pastor Ray is married to Andrea, and they have three lovely daughters. They relocated to Azle, Texas from Upper New York in August 2023. 

Pastor Ray can be reached at rgilman@fmcazle.org or by leaving him a message at 817-444-3323

Grant grew up and was raised in the Springtown/Azle area. He has strong family ties to this part of town. Grant grew up in a musical family that was highly active in Church ministry and began playing trumpet and piano before turning 10 years old. Grant graduated from Springtown High School. He was active in the music program. After graduating high school, Grant attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood TX where he pursued a degree in Music. This is where his passion for Choral and Music worship fostered further. Through studies at Howard Payne Grant had the opportunity to serve multiple churches in San Saba and Brownwood as a Music Minister Intern. After graduating from Howard Payne, Grant moved back into the metroplex and began his life in Fort Worth. It was here he began his life as a music minister at Ridglea United Methodist Church. Through his position at Ridglea Grant would meet his wife, Alyssum Power. Alyssum and Grant married in June of 2020. Alyssum also serves and works in ministry currently as a Chaplain. Grant and Alyssum have 3 dogs whom they love very much. Grant is so thankful to serve as the Music Director at First Azle Methodist Church. Grant is passionate about providing music that allows congregates and leadership alike to connect further with God. In his free time Grant composes and produces music, spends time with family and friends, and spends time in nature. Grant is very thankful for the opportunity to use his gifts for ministry in the Azle community.

Grant can be reached at gnewman@fmcazle.org or by leaving him a message at 817-444-3323.

Pat Noe came to First Methodist Azle in October 2016 for three weeks while the Financial Secretary was out for surgery; she is still here! Pat enjoys organizing and accomplishing the administrative tasks of the Mission and Ministry of church, allowing others to focus their talents on the ministry aspects. 

Pat resides in Weatherford with her husband Richard and the youngest two daughters of their  twelve children. She and Richard enjoy the outdoors together and time spent with family, especially their many grandchildren.

She can be reached at pnoe@fmcazle.org or 817-444-3323 (leave a message).