Next Steps

by Rev. Daniel Thueson on August 15, 2025

Who is that? You see a new face sitting next to you or across the aisle from you in worship, and you wonder, “Who are they?” Then, you begin to think of ways you can show hospitality, welcome them, help them feel seen and valued, and show them the grace of God. Once you introduce yourself to them and find out a little bit about them, you begin to think about how you can connect them to the life of the church, introduce them to the pastors, and answer their questions. This is why we have our Next Steps Class.

Maybe you are new? You walked into worship or an event one day and experienced the warmth and hospitality of this amazing congregation. You like it here but are hesitant to get involved. You wonder, what do they believe? What does it mean to be United Methodist? What do they have to offer me to help me grow as a Christian, follower of Jesus, and as a person? What does this church do to help the community and make a difference in this world? This is why we have our Next Steps Class.

Our Next Steps class is designed to help new people and long-time attendees learn what it means to be a part of this church and how to get involved. In this class, we give a brief overview of what we believe as Christians in the Methodist tradition, a little bit of church history, how to get involved in classes and missions, and what it means to be a member of the church. And, we do our best to answer whatever questions you have about God, faith, the United Methodist Church, and First Church.

As your senior pastor, it is a privilege to lead this class along with our Minister of Hospitality, Joanna Davis. We also have other church leaders and staff make appearances to share about their specific ministries. There is always an invitation to get involved, regardless of your membership status.

We offer the Next Steps class in two formats:
1. Next Steps
2. Lunch with the Pastor

You may learn more about either or both of these classes by calling the church office. 479-751-4610

If you have questions about what it means to be a member, don't hesitate to get in touch with .

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Daniel Thueson

PS: Below is a list of classes for this fall 2025. You can always learn more about current or future classes and studies HERE.

Bible Together
Create+Connect
Engaging Immigration
Esther: Daring Faith for Such a Time as This
Fit Faith
Lunch & Learn
The Prayers of Jesus
Social Justice Forum

About the Author

Rev. Daniel Thueson

Daniel is passionate about sharing the love of God with others. He desires to share the good news of Jesus, bring healing to a hurting world, and help the church express the grace of God by making a real and positive difference in people’s lives.

His personal vision is to strengthen and encourage the church so that the church is equipped to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. He believes we do this by loving God and loving our neighbor, stranger, and every other person – especially those who don’t love us – just as God has loved us. Pastor Daniel says we do this in word and deed, by how we interact with those around us, even those who disagree with us, and by how we help those in need, including physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

With over 20 years of ministry experience, Pastor Daniel is a native of Broken Arrow, OK. He received his Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University with a Certificate of Pastoral Care. His Bachelor of Theology is from Life Christian University. Pastor Daniel is a veteran of the US Air Force and Oklahoma Air National Guard, where he served as a medic. He was also a National Certified Taekwondo Instructor, ran and owned Taekwondo schools, and was a manager for Gerber Baby Foods and Nestle. His professional experience highlights his strengths in mission, evangelism, organizational development, and change management.

Pastor Daniel is married to Fran and has two step children, four grandchildren, and a black golden-doodle named Luna. Daniel enjoys life in the outdoors, martial arts, motorcycles, movies, and smoking meat. He was appointed as senior Pastor of FUMC Springdale after serving in Mountain Home, Charleston, Alma/Kibler, Benton, Dallas, and Coles Chapel/Branch.

Daniel invites you to experience God with us through worship, prayer, study, mission, and community.