Congratulations Dr. Stevie McKinney. Dallas, TX—On May 17, 2008, the Doctor of Ministry Degree was conferred upon Rev. Stevie D. McKinney from Perkins School of Theology (Southern Methodist University) in Dallas, Texas. The commencement sermon was delivered by Bishop William B. Oden of the United Methodist Church at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX. Bishop Oden challenged the students in his message to remain faithful and stand strong in the face of opposition.
Dr. Stevie D. McKinney's area of study was Parish Leadership. The title of his professional project (dissertation) was "Are the Leadership Styles of Jesus, as Reflected in the Gospels, Applicable for Christian Lay Leaders that Work Both in Congregations and Small Businesses?" Dr. McKinney's goal is to use this model of leadership as a tool to enhance and strengthen leadership styles within the church. Dr. McKinney's professional team consisted of Dr. Evelyn L. Parker, Associate Professor of Christian Education, Perkins School of Theology (SMU); Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District; Dr. Paul W. Gardner, pastor of Williams Memorial CME Church, Augusta, GA; and Mrs. Delores T. Roberts of Warner Robins, GA.
Dr. McKinney is currently serving as pastor of the Lane Chapel CME Church in Tupelo, MS. On the Sunday following his graduation, we, the Lane Chapel Church family, honored Dr. McKinney with a congratulatory reception to show our love and support in his academic accomplishments. Dr. McKinney has already written one book "When Shepherd and Sheep Walk Together" (2002) and is currently working on a second book. Dr. McKinney is the husband of Deborah (Doss) McKinney and the father of Savannah Renee McKinney.
Submitted by Lane Chapel CME Church family.