Author

Will Willimon

Professor of the practice of Christian ministry

The Rev. Dr. William H. Willimon is professor of the practice of Christian ministry at Duke Divinity School. He served as bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church from 2004 to 2012. For 20 years prior to that, he was dean of Duke University Chapel and a professor at Duke Divinity School. He also has served churches in Georgia and South Carolina. Willimon is the author of over 70 books, including “Bishop: The Art of Questioning Authority by an Authority in Question.” He teaches and lectures widely, as well as writing the blog, A Peculiar Prophet.

Will Willimon: Incorporation

By Will Willimon Professor of the practice of Christian ministry

The inner life of a fictional church in the Midwest is the subject of a novel by the bishop who served the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church from 2004 to 2012.

Listening like a bishop

By Will Willimon Professor of the practice of Christian ministry

Most people who have the leader's ear want to talk about protecting the status quo, says United Methodist Bishop Will Willimon. The trick is to find people who have not been heard.

Tim Soerens

Applications now open for Reflective Leadership Grants

“This was a game-changer for us. The chance to climb up from the ‘dance floor’ of our everyday activity and discern a clarified organization future from the ‘balcony’ was the gift we needed even more than we understood at the time.

If possible, please pursue this extraordinary opportunity.”

— Tim Soerens, Parish Collective

Christian leaders from a variety of roles are welcome to apply. The grants provide “balcony time” to reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives and discern next steps. The application deadline is May 2, 2025.

Learn more