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 Hello!
I am getting married in August and ould like to have my mother do a reading as part of the ceremony. Do you have any recommendations?
Also, I would like my future mother-in-law to say a prayer before dinner is served. Again, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Answer I'm sorry this took so long ... I've been away at Annual Conference for the past week.
Congratulations on getting married in August! That is such an important Means of Grace! May your marriage be blessed.
Are you wanting your mother to do a Scripture reading? If so, you might consider 1 Corinthians 13 ... the "love chapter." This is popular for weddings.
As for your mother-in-law saying a prayer before dinner, this is also an excellent idea! How kind of you to think of her, too.
