Christ United Methodist Church Plano (CUMC) has retained Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie as Preacher-in-Residence, a new organizational concept within the United Methodist Church. Rev. Dr. McKenzie is the Professor of Homiletics at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology where she holds the George W. and Nell Ayers LeVan Endowed Chair of Preaching and Worship. 

During her time as Preacher-in-Residence, Dr. McKenzie will take the pulpit at CUMC over the course of ten Sundays throughout her one year consulting term. In addition to preaching, she will serve as a mentor to the CUMC preaching staff, while continuing in her position at Perkins School of Theology. The inspiration for the new position within the United Methodist Church comes from CUMC Senior Pastor, Rev. Don Underwood. “We live in a time that calls for bold and creative action if the church is to continue to shape the lives of the people we serve. Dr. Alyce McKenzie is highly regarded as a preacher and lecturer who has the gift of making the gospel both powerful and relevant in the contemporary culture. Her presence will strengthen our pulpit ministry.“

Bishop Michael McKee of the North Texas Conference affirms Rev. Underwood’s vision and selection of Dr. McKenzie. “Christ UMC is known for its bold and innovative approaches to ministry. The concept of a Preacher-in-Residence is yet one more example, and Dr. Alyce McKenzie is the perfect choice for the position. As a clergy member of the North Texas Conference, she has always been highly committed to local church ministry, and this is one more way in which she can offer her many gifts to Christ UMC and the churches of the North Texas Conference.”

CUMC is thrilled to collaborate with Dr. McKenzie in the coming year, and with Perkins by extension of the relationship. Dean William B. Lawrence adds, “Perkins School of Theology has always existed for the purpose of resourcing the church with well-trained and highly qualified pastors. This extension of Dr. McKenzie’s ministry as the Preacher-in-Residence at one of our most vital churches is yet another example of the important partnership that exists between the academy and the local church.”

Dr. McKenzie’s first Sunday to preach at CUMC will be August 4, 2013.