Missionary in Residence/Pastor of Outreach
jpurcell@twumc.org
281.297.5943
Joel first became involved with The Woodlands United Methodist Church in 1984 when he and his wife, Sarah, were preparing to go to Africa as missionaries. The Woodlands UMC’s congregation caught their vision and became the primary supporting church for their ministry, a relationship that continues to this day. After serving in Africa for one year, Joel and Sarah’s ministry called them to Peru where they began the Cinevan ministry, which used film showings in an open air setting as a means of evangelism and church planting. Hundreds of people came to know Christ through this ministry and many churches were birthed as a result of this outreach.
Twelve years ago, Joel and Sarah became involved in assisting pastors by providing literature to assist in their work. This ministry carried them throughout the country of Peru and Joel was involved in training pastors through this project. This ministry grew and five years ago Joel, Sarah and their two children returned to The Woodlands UMC where he has spread their literature ministry throughout the world.
In addition to his literature ministry, Joel serves as The Woodlands UMC’s Pastor of Outreach. As pastor of outreach, Joel is responsible for contacting new members and assisting people in the process of becoming members. With his relationship with The Woodlands UMC that has spanned over 20 years, Joel is a perfect fit to tell others why The Woodlands UMC is a special place to call home.
