AboutRev. Gregory S. Neal Expertise I can answer questions dealing with all issues of United Methodist Doctrine and Wesleyan-Arminian Theology. In particular I can answer questions dealing with the Sacraments and other liturgical and worship-oriented questions. I can also answer questions dealing with the form, structure, and organization of the United Methodist Church and our relationship with other denominations.
Experience
I am an ordained Elder in the UMC and have served as senior pastor of Churches for 18 years. I have served on several boards and agencies of the UMC, including the Board of Ordained Ministry, the Board of Discipleship, and the Division of National and World Outreach of the Board of Global Ministries. I have served as Study Leader in numerous Schools of Christian Mission, as well as Assistant Dean and Dean of the North Texas Conference School of Christian Missions. I have lectured and preached in Churches, Districts, Conferences, Regional Seminars, and Colleges on the United Methodist understanding of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. I have lead churches on spiritual retreats, preached revivals, and have taught Disciple Bible 1 - 4 more than 10 times over the past decade. I have served as Spiritual Director on 17 Emmaus Walks in two Communities (Dallas and Red River).
Organizations: I am a Clergy Member in Full Connection and have been a member of the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church since 1991. I am a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Academy of Religion. I am also a member of the Emmaus Community, and am currently serving as Senior Spiritual Director for the Dallas Emmaus Community. I have been a member of the Order of Saint Luke in the United Methodist Church.
Publications: I have my own website: www.RevNeal.org. I have written two books, "Grace Upon Grace" and "Seeking the Shepherd's Arms," both available at Amazon.com and in bookstores.
Education: BA, M.Div., and Ph.D.
Current Pastoral Appointment
Senior Pastor, St. Stephen United Methodist Church of Mesquite, Texas
Awards and Honors Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church
Fellow of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist
Question If you are getting married in a Methodist church, is it "protocol" for the pastor of that church to have to be a part of the ceremony. The pastor conducting the ceremony is a friend of the family and a Methodist pastor, but why is it "protocol" for the home pastor to "have" to be included in the ceremony?
Answer It is a matter of pastoral authority as well as "good protocol" that the appointed pastor at least authorize all weddings in the churches to which they are appointed as pastor-in-charge. All ministerial, pastoral and sacramental functions in a UM church are conducted under the authority, oversight, and supervision of the appointed pastor of the church. It is the pastor's duty and responsibility to ensure that all worship services are properly conducted in accordance with Christian teachings and the Discipline of the United Methodist Church. This is so by virtue of their appointment by the Bishop as pastor-in-charge of the church; they are "in charge" and they are responsible, for good or for ill, for all the services that are conducted in their church.
Hence, even if the minister officiating in the marriage ceremony is an ordained United Methodist minister, it still remains the case that proper protocol and Disciplinary authority requires that the appointed pastor, who has responsibility for all ministerial functions in that church, at least give their consent to the ceremony and to the minister performing it. It is not necessary that they be present and participate in the service -- although, if that is their wish, it is their right and responsibility, and such an invitation should, by all means, be extended to the pastor in charge when permission is being requested to conduct the service -- but it is extraordinarily bad "form," as well as a violation of pastoral authority, for laity to schedule weddings and invite outside clergy without clearing it -- in advance -- with the appointed pastor-in-charge of the church. Indeed, it is considered "proper form" by most clergy to require that they be invited by the pastor-in-charge before they will accept an invitation to conduct a wedding in someone else's charge.
Is there some reason why you do not wish the pastor of a particular church to be involved in a specific wedding? If I can help, please feel free to write again.
