Ethics Considered

Join me for a conversation about my book, Reckoning Methodism: Mission and Division in the Public Chuch, Oct 13, 7:30pm EDT. Webinar interview hosted by Prof. Doug Tzan on behalf of the Historical Society of the United Methodist Church. Register here: https://wesleyseminary.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Sb4epUZPRlOsQxvqLnFIWA#/registration. Event flyer: https://darrylwstephens.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/HSUMC_Webinar_Registration_Flyer.pdf

I’m thrilled to announce that Sustaining Ministry Education: Cultivating the Ecotone of Lifelong Learning, edited by Darryl W. Stephens, has been published by Atla Open Press. This open access publication can be downloaded in whole or in part at https://doi.org/10.31046/3htbj032. For detailed information, see Sustaining Ministry Education.

Jason Jones of FaVS News Religion Desk interviewed me, along with two bivocational pastors, about achieving balance in ministry. The Rev. Karisa Rickard from Spokane Valley, Washington and Pastor Dan Koehler from Spirit Lake, Idaho, joined the Religion Desk to talk about their experiences as bivocational clergy. “The Dual Calling of Bivocational Ministry,” FaVS News … Read more

God save the king!? Followers of John Wesley today need a more adequate political theology than Wesley’s support for the British monarchy. In my latest article, I offer an appraisal of the Wesleyan political theology of Theodore R. Weber (1928–2023), Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics at Emory University and founding member and former president of … Read more

What is the identity and call of deacons in The United Methodist Church? Some 150 United Methodist deacons, provisional deacons and deacon candidates discussed this question and more during the 2025 Deacon Gathering, organized by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Sept. 22–24, 2025. Read more: “Deacons serve diverse, specialized roles,” Commentary … Read more

So many books, so little time! I just returned from the American Library Association conference in Philadelphia. This event draws over 10,000 people annually to see the latest in libraries and publishing. The exhibit hall serves as an expo of large and small publishers pushing their wares into the eager hands of librarians and other … Read more

In 2010, I led an effort within The United Methodist Church to develop curricular guidelines for teaching professional sexual ethics for ministry. The guidelines were adopted by the UMC in 2012 and renewed in 2024. Every candidate for licensing, commissioning, and ordination as clergy should be held accountable for this learning. Now, fifteen years later, … Read more

United Methodists are voting on constitutional amendments this year. I support all but Ballot #4. In response to my effort to spark conversation about this amendment (United Methodist Insight, May 7, 2025), the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) issued talking points in support of the amendment, May 10. Nevertheless, I remain convinced … Read more

Do United Methodists need another constitutionally mandated entity? United Methodists are voting on four constitutional amendment ballots this year. Three of them have garnered significant attention. The first ballot pertains to the package of legislation regarding worldwide regionalization. The second ballot pertains to inclusion in church membership, and the third strengthens the church’s stance against … Read more

Every once in a while, I am asked, “What is a deacon?” and “What is the ministry of a deacon?” Here’s a brief explanation. “Deacons are persons called by God, authorized by the Church, and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice” (UMC Discipline 2020/2024, ¶329). The role … Read more