Meet Your Hosts

 
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CHRIS MCALILLY

Chris McAlilly is a United Methodist pastor and the founder and director of the Church Leadership Co-operative (theco-op.com). 

He is a graduate of Candler School of Theology (Master of Divinity, 2010) and Duke Divinity School (Doctor of Ministry, 2019). He has served as the Chair of both the Board of Discipleship for the Mississippi Annual Conference as well as Camp Lake Stephens. With a decade of ministry experience under his belt, he is currently serving as Pastor at Oxford University UMC in Oxford, MS.

Chris is passionate about exploring the heart of Methodism, cultivating traditioned innovation, convening important conversations about the future of the Wesleyan movement, creating new networks for leadership development, and revitalizing existing institutions. 

“I believe ‘The Weight’ is an important vehicle for meaningful disagreement rather than exhausted dismissal about topics that are crucial to the credibility and integrity of the church’s witness as it engages in some of the most important topics facing our culture today.” - Chris McAlilly

 
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EDDIE RESTER

Eddie Rester is a United Methodist Pastor who has served in the Mississippi Annual Conference for 23 years.

He is a graduate of Duke Divinity School (Master of Divinity, 1997) and George Fox University (Doctor of Ministry, 2008). After seminary, Eddie served for 17 years in Hattiesburg before moving to his current appointment at Oxford University United Methodist Church in Oxford, MS. 

Eddie is passionate about helping people come alive for the life that God has in store for them. He is specifically interested in helping the church dream big about the ways that it can make a tangible impact on the community through engagement, mission, and bridge building. 

“In a divided world filled with surface commentary and toxic interactions The Weight gives space to listen, consider, disagree, and find common ground. We believe the church can and must create a new culture committed to asking hard questions and listening for new answers.” - Eddie Rester