Our Vision

Our vision is to be a hub through which the unconditional love and friendship of Jesus meets people where they are and transforms lives.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to:

Put Faith into Action.
Enjoy Friendship in Christ.
Connect with Community.
Rooted and Growing

Leander United Methodist Church (LUMC) has been a beacon of faith and community for over 160 years, with deep roots in the story of Leander and a vibrant vision for the future.

Our journey began in the 1860s in the town of Bagdad, a mile west of our present site. Bagdad served as a halfway station between Fort Croghan in Burnet and Austin, with Bagdad Road first a Native American trail, later a cattle-driving route, and eventually a military road. The church was first organized as the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and services were held in a log schoolhouse near the old well by Bagdad Cemetery.

As the community grew, so did the church. In 1877, the trustees purchased over 38 acres, and by 1879, the first church building was completed, dedicated by Dr. F. A. Mood, President of Southwestern University. The church's move to Leander in 1882 mirrored the community’s own shift when the Austin and Northwestern Railroad bypassed Bagdad. With merchants and residents relocating, the church followed, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the new town.

Leander UMC has celebrated milestones like its 150th anniversary in 2010 and recently invested in updates such as sanctuary renovations and a commercial kitchen to better serve the community.

But our history is not just a story of the past—it’s the foundation for our future. Today, Leander UMC is a thriving home for faith and fellowship, hosting beloved community traditions like the annual pumpkin patch, chili cookoffs, and Easter egg hunts. Our church is also a place for sacred moments, from weddings to Christmas gatherings, and a hub for outreach through luncheons, mission work, and more.

We are proud to be a church that honors its legacy while embracing God’s call to serve in new and meaningful ways.

Join Us!
We invite you to experience the legacy and spirit of Leander UMC for yourself. Whether you're looking for a place to worship, connect with others, or be part of community celebrations, Leander UMC welcomes you. Let’s continue this journey of faith together!

Common Questions

We are a mainline denomination with the mission of making disciples of Jesus the Christ for the transformation of the world. The United Methodist Church was formed in 1968 by uniting the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Methodism's roots can be traced to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley in 18th-century England. For more information about the United Methodist Church, click here.

Absolutely not. The United Methodist Church practices open doors, open hearts, and open minds. Expect to be welcomed and accepted just as you are.  If someone does not feel welcomed or accepted in our community, we want to know about it and work to change it.

Absolutely! United Methodists celebrate communion at an open table. All are welcome. There are no conditions. There is also no minimum age. The love of God is free and open to all and we demonstrate this belief in Communion.

Anyone wishing to be baptized or have their child baptized, can be baptized in the United Methodist Church. The only exceptions is those who have already been baptized. As we understand baptism to be an act of God, it is complete and need not be repeated.

If you are interested in baptism for yourself or your child, visit our baptism page.

The UMC welcomes all baptized people to membership in the church, and it's easy to become a member. Just let the pastor know you want to join during any service. You'll be asked to make a promise to support the mission of Christ through our church through your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Visit the Baptism and Membership page to let us know you'd like to join! (And by the way, if you're not yet baptized, click the same link to learn more.

Our church connects through service in our city, nation, and throughout the world.  To find out specifics, check out our ACTION page.

Yes- in a couple of ways. We have our Itty Bitty Food Pantry in the back of our parking lot, which is refilled almost every day with non-perishable foods. We also offer an HEB gift card once a month to families in need.

We've compiled a list of other resources in the Leander area that may also be relevant to your needs.

If you are experiencing a crisis and need immediate assistance, please call our offices at 512-259-1284. To schedule a pastoral conversation, please visit our care page.

LUMC and the Rio Texas Conference have partnered with Safe Gatherings to screen and train staff and volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Thorough background checks and extensive training are employed to help keep our kids and vulnerable adults safe. Every person at LUMC who works with children, youth, and/or vulnerable adults must be certified every two years.

Yes! We have Induction Loop technology in our sanctuary for those who have compatible hearing aids.