Dr. Sara Taylor-Lattimore ’05, a double major in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Religion at McMurry University, played soccer and held leadership roles in Alpha Phi Omega, Gamma Sigma, and Student Government, to name a few. These diverse experiences shaped her into the confident leader she is today. As a local church pastor and conference congregational resource minister, she leverages her educational foundation to guide churches in vision casting and development for the future.
Dr. Taylor-Lattimore expanded her education throughout her career. After McMurry, she pursued a Master of Divinity at the Iliff School of Theology, graduating in 2019, and most recently, attained her Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives from George Fox University this past May 2024.
At the beginning of Dr. Taylor-Lattimore’s career, she worked for Child Protective Services as a legal caseworker. In 2008, she followed a call into full-time ministry with the United Methodist Church.
“Ministry is always offering adventures and opportunities to be creative,” Dr. Taylor-Lattimore expands. “It is also a career that allows opportunities to build relationships, walk through life with people, and to be innovative and creative in how you approach each setting.”
Over the years, Dr. Taylor-Lattimore has served in various capacities, including medium to large-sized local congregations and camp ministry. She has a passion for serving others, writing, and speaking, which has been a driving force throughout her career.
Since 2008, Dr. Taylor-Lattimore has been dedicated to full-time ministry with the United Methodist Church. Before her current roles as a Congregational Resource Minister for the Montana West District and Lead Pastor at Three Forks and Willow Creek UMC, she served six years as Director of Missions and Outreach and College Ministry at First UMC of Lubbock, TX (2016-2022). Additionally, she was the Director of Christian Education and Children’s and Family Pastor at St. Luke’s UMC, Lubbock, TX, for seven years (2008-2014), and the Program Director at Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center in Glen Rose, TX (2014-2016).
Dr. Taylor-Lattimore’s passion extends beyond her ministerial duties to include empowering others to step into their callings and leadership roles. Her doctoral research focused on the impact of play on experienced leaders who have suffered burnout or leadership trauma. In 2016, she contributed as a curriculum writer for the publication Beyond Belief for InsideOut Christian Resources for Outdoor Ministry, released by Chalice Press in 2018. Looking forward, Dr. Taylor-Lattimore is excited to write her own book. Outside of work, Sara dreams of growing her family through adoption, kayaking with orcas, and traveling across North America and internationally in an RV. Dr. Taylor-Lattimore is married to Aaron, and they have two children, Carson and Kennedy Grace, with whom they enjoy everyday adventures.
Dr. Taylor-Lattimore’s ministry career has been filled with diverse and memorable experiences. From slipping and sliding through mud to cooking spaghetti for 200, hosting community events, and being interviewed by the media, she cherishes the opportunities that have shaped her. Her travels, writings, and encounters with people worldwide, in places like Cape Town, South Africa, and England, through missions in Angola, Honduras, Guatemala, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and various U.S. states, have enriched her perspective profoundly.
Reflecting on her career, Dr. Taylor-Lattimore advises aspiring ministry professionals to approach their calling with faith and passion for God’s creation. Despite its challenges, she finds ministry deeply rewarding, witnessing the power of God in people’s lives. Her advice includes embracing joy, maintaining a light-hearted perspective, and fully embracing one’s identity. Building a supportive community and leveraging networks are also crucial for professional and personal growth.