First United Methodist Church of Austin

This church lives God’s mission of LOVE! The people are so warm and inviting and prove that church isn’t a place of hate and false information about what Christ truly wants for all us… to love and be loved. The church is actively involved in Feed My People, feeding the homeless in Austin, opening the Free Store to give clothes and school supplies to the poor in Austin, working for fair housing and immigration reform and strongly support the LGBT community. COME! You will love this place!

Have found this church to be embracing and authentic, preachers have changed in the past 10 years I have been attending, but God’s message remains the same! Great mix with young and old and numerous opportunities to serve.

I attended this church on and off for 4 years while I lived in Austin. The pros: It’s very big, but you somehow get to know lots of people. It’s easy to get involved. There’s Adult Sunday School. There are like 6 services to choose from, 4 of which are on Sunday. There’s a wonderful contact there, Jen Stewart, who can direct you to anyone or anything you are looking for. Want to get involved in the community — she knows who you should talk to. The sermons are great, fast and memorable (though it depends on which service you go to… all pastors are different). Finally, there’s a ton of education programs so you can learn more about the church, bible, whatever.
The cons: for me, there weren’t enough people that I felt were «like me.» I just mean, there wasn’t someone who I was just like — I want to hang out with that person some time. I was 23 — 27 years old while I attended, and single. But, the congregation is always growing and changing!
My final piece of advice, don’t let all the services and sunday school classes overwhelm you. As for Sunday service, here is a quick run-​down:
The 8:30 in the Sanctuary was my favorite — not too much music, not too crowded and the timing meant I could get on with my day.
The 9:00 in the chapel is short and sweet. This was my standby when I was running late for the 8:30. Gets you out in time for Sunday School, and seems to be a blend of conservative and contemporary.
The 11:00 in the Chapel is VERY contemporary… some people have described it as Young Life-​ish.
The 11:00 in the Sanctuary is pretty traditional, with traditional Hymns, a Choir, etc.
Good luck!