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An F1 tornado tore through the Springtown, Texas, area on April 26, leaving widespread damage, destroying homes and claiming one life. In the days that followed, The Rev. Terre Duchesne McGill ’28, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Springtown and a Master of Divinity student at Perkins School of Theology at ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½, helped coordinate relief efforts for displaced residents and grieving neighbors. 

For McGill, the experience became a real-world expression of the ministry and theological formation she is developing at Perkins. 

Opening the doors to the community

Serving as pastor at First United Methodist Church of Springtown, McGill said her church immediately answered the call to help the community – the only thing left to do was decide how to execute.  

“The county already knew our desire to open our doors to the community, so they reached out immediately,” said McGill. “By the time I arrived at the church, people were waiting in the parking lot to discuss bringing in the Red Cross and establishing a shelter.” 

After holding worship for members impacted by the storm, representatives from the city, county, Red Cross, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and other agencies were coordinating efforts to open a shelter for displaced residents. 

Though the church had never hosted a disaster shelter before, McGill said agency partners helped make the process possible. She described the Red Cross as a "well-oiled machine," bringing trained volunteers and established procedures that allowed relief efforts to begin quickly. 

Through Safe Harbor Counseling, which maintains an office at the church, community members had access to counseling and emotional support alongside physical resources.

Theology in action

With the support and flexibility of her Perkins professors, McGill was empowered to fully attend to the immediate needs of her community.  

“The overall message I received was: ‘This is the ministry you're in school for. Keep doing what you're doing,’” said McGill. 

After a disaster that claimed a life and left many grieving, McGill realized the congregation needed something different than the sermon she had originally prepared. 

“I preached about God being with us in the storm–in the destruction, grief, and uncertainty,” she said. “There was tremendous grief surrounding that loss. It was important to remind people that God was present in the midst of it all and that we could be Christ to one another through acts of comfort and care.” 

“How you understand Scripture affects how you interpret disasters,” she said. “Your theology shapes how you respond when people ask difficult questions. Your understanding of loving your neighbor influences how you provide food, shelter, and care.” 

Almost two months after the event, the work left to do is a marathon, not a sprint.  

While immediate needs have been addressed, recovery efforts continue as residents navigate different challenges depending on their housing situations and insurance coverage. 

It is during this long recovery process that McGill has seen firsthand the many forms ministry can take.  

“Sometimes it's coordinating agencies,” she said. “Sometimes it's opening doors and welcoming people. Sometimes it's feeding people, listening to them, comforting them or even climbing onto an RV to help secure a tarp.” 

In situations like this, McGill expressed that flexibility might be a spiritual gift in itself. She’s also grateful for the support of the Horizon Texas Conference and UMCOR. Immediate needs are being addressed, and her church recently hosted a disaster assistance center in partnership with United Way. 

You can still support the relief efforts in Springtown, Texas

Learn how to volunteer, donate or stay informed about ongoing recovery efforts in Springtown, Runaway Bay and Mineral Wells .