I took my first pastoral appointment in the United Methodist Church at Ebenezer UMC in Knoxville, TN, and I currently serve as teaching pastor at Main Street UMC in Tazewell, VA. I have also served on preaching and teaching teams at churches in Maryville, TN; Wilmore, KY; and St Andrews, Scotland. I completed my PhD in New Testament at the University of St Andrews under the supervision of Professor N.T. Wright. I have experience standing simultaneously in the worlds of Christian ministry and biblical scholarship, and now I am committed to bridge-building in Appalachia between churches and universities, lay people and scholars, and different denominations and faith traditions. I publish as a New Testament scholar and speak in a variety of contexts, including academic conferences, public lectures, and church services. I would love to connect with you to discuss speaking engagements and ministry partnerships! Appalachia has something to say, but none of us can say it alone.