The longtime head of one of Texas’ most prominent churches has announced he will step away from the pulpit after more than a decade of leading a congregation that includes some of the state’s most well-known figures.

The Rev. Paul Rasmussen, senior minister of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, said he will resign from his position effective Feb. 1, 2026, as he continues to cope with the effects of Parkinson’s disease, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2020, as The Christian Post reports.

Rasmussen announced in a video message sent to his congregation on a recent Thursday afternoon. The move follows more than 12 years of leadership as senior pastor and over two decades of service in various ministry roles at HPUMC. His congregation includes former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, making the resignation even more significant in both local and national religious circles.

In the video address, Rasmussen shared that while his medical condition has been manageable, a noticeable decline in energy in recent months led him and others at the church to discuss the importance of transitioning leadership. After meeting with the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, he agreed that the time had come to “pass the baton.”

Stepping Down from the Pulpit with Grace

“I couldn’t manufacture the kind of energy that this church needs, expects, and demands,” Rasmussen said, referencing a key factor in his decision. Reflecting on his time in service, the pastor called HPUMC “the best church on the planet” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in what he described as an extraordinary season of his life and ministry.

Rev. Matt Tuggle, the church’s executive minister for contemporary worship, has been named as the incoming senior pastor and is expected to take the lead following Rasmussen’s departure. Currently overseeing HPUMC's Cornerstone service, Tuggle has worked closely with Rasmussen and will now take on a larger role in guiding the 15,000-member congregation into its next chapter.

Rasmussen will not be leaving the ministry entirely. Instead, he will transition to the role of pastor emeritus, allowing him to maintain a presence within the church community while stepping back from his full-time responsibilities. “I look forward to the next season of my life and the next season of yours,” he said in his message.

A Life of Service Before and Beyond the Church

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Rasmussen’s journey into the pulpit followed an unconventional path. Before his ministry, he worked as an assistant basketball coach and sports marketing professional. His academic background includes a history degree from Centenary College, a master's from the University of Richmond, and a Master of Divinity earned from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology.

He began his preaching journey in 2001 at HPUMC’s contemporary Cornerstone service and eventually ascended to lead the entire church. Over the years, Rasmussen has also served on several nonprofit boards, including the St. Philip’s School and Community Center Executive Board and the Methodist Health System Foundation Board of Trustees.

The pastor has long straddled theological divides within the United Methodist Church. In a 2024 statement, following the denomination’s vote to lift a ban on blessing same-sex weddings, he said HPUMC would not permit such ceremonies on church property but would allow pastors to officiate at other venues. “We’ve always been open and affirming to our friends and neighbors in the LGBTQ community,” he said in the same message, noting the complexity of navigating both progressive and traditional spiritual values.

Community Reactions and Leadership Transition

Reaction among church members has been a mix of support and sadness. Many credit Rasmussen with not just spiritual leadership but also for fostering a sense of unity and dialogue across diverse theological perspectives. His departure prompts reflection on the legacy he leaves and the direction in which HPUMC will now head under new leadership.

The transition to Rev. Tuggle is expected to be smooth, with the two pastors having collaborated closely in recent years. Church leadership said Tuggle is well-positioned to guide HPUMC through this delicate time while maintaining its commitment to tradition, service, and spiritual growth.

Rasmussen emphasized that the next chapter of the church’s legacy is promising. “I know God has great, great things planned for us,” he said. Despite the challenges, he remains confident in the strength and resilience of the congregation he has loved and served for over two decades.

Lessons to Learn

1. Health transparency supports stronger leadership: Rasmussen’s open discussion of his Parkinson’s diagnosis and its toll on his physical energy shows how honesty about personal health and professional capacity can foster trust and smooth transitions within complex institutions.

2. Planning succession is vital: By working early with the church’s governing body and designating a successor well in advance of his departure, Rasmussen ensured minimal disruption to the congregation and offered a model for leadership planning.

3. Respecting different viewpoints fosters unity: Rasmussen maintained relationships across theological spectrums within his church, demonstrating that supporting inclusive dialogue—even amid disagreement—is essential for a community’s long-term harmony. However, it's important to remember that no matter how careful or prepared one is, difficult situations can arise, and holding space for compassion, not blame, must remain a priority.

Why This Story Matters

This story resonates beyond a single congregation. For a community as influential and large as HPUMC, leadership transitions signal potential shifts in values, priorities, and public influence.

Rev. Rasmussen’s choice to step down highlights the importance of compassionate, thoughtful leadership and serves as a reminder that even spiritual leaders must reconcile human limitations with spiritual calling.

As one of Dallas’s most iconic religious figures ends a chapter, the story invites reflection on faith, public service, and how we support those navigating chronic illness while continuing to serve others.

In conclusion, Rev. Paul Rasmussen, senior pastor of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, will step down in February 2026 due to the effects of Parkinson’s disease, which he has managed since 2020. Having served in various leadership roles since 2000, Rasmussen will transition to a new honorary role while Rev. Matt Tuggle prepares to take over. Through leadership, compassion, and transparency, Rasmussen leaves a legacy that has shaped one of the state's most visible congregations—and will continue to influence its journey ahead.