Pastor
Lewis S Flanigan was appointed in the summer of 2026 by the Iowa Conference of United Methodist Church.
Pastor Flanigan was born in West Texas. He lived in West Texas, California, and Dallas, Texas until he graduated high school.
He was married at a young age (age 20) and was married 47 1/2 years until his wife, Pam, died. He has three children, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, with one due in November 2026. All of his grandchildren and great grandchildren live in Iowa.
Pastor Flanigan gave his life to Jesus at the age of 11; was called to preach at the age of 14; and was called to become a pastor at the age of 19 while doing evangelistic meetings. Pastor Flanigan was ordained in The Salvation Army, and re-ordained in the United Methodist Church in Iowa.
Over the course of his life, he has pastored three churches as a licensed or lay pastor. In The Salvatin Army, after he was ordained he had ten appointments in ten years, and was in one of them for four years because the head of the United Way threatened the hierarchy to defund The Salvatin Army if they tried to move him. Almost all of those appointements had problems, and as soon as things were settled, they were moved.
Hence, the move to the United Methodist church in Iowa in 1993. He was appointed to Faith United Parish around Centerville for two years. Then he was appointed to Cresco First & Zion for ten years. After that he was appointed to Sydney & Thurman (adding Riverton after the first year) for two years. Finally, before retiring, he served at Colo and Collins for nine years. After retiring, he has served interim appointments in Monona (Giard & McGregor) were a part of that charge at the time; a small church on the west side of Evansville; Hampton, IA; Clarion; and Humboldt. Since 2023 he has filled the pulpit, on a part time basis at Hemenway Presbyterian in Boonville, IN.
Pastor Flanigan loves to read. He used to love playing sports, but his body seems to have aged beyond his mind. So, now he loves to watch sports. Iowa State is where his allegiance is; but he also roots for Iowa, UNI, and Drake when they are not playing ISU. He also roots for coaches more than players, so he does cheer for many different teams.
He will be in the church office on Wednesday mornings. He has an open door policy, so come on in if the door is open. He will visit on Wednesdays as it fits the schedule, or as needed on other days.
