Kenneth Lee Carder - Ordained Ministry

Ordained Ministry

Ken was ordained Deacon in 1963 by Bishop Roy H. Short. He was ordained Elder in 1965 by Bishop H. Ellis Finger, Jr. Prior to his election to the Episcopacy, Ken pastored churches in Gaithersburg, Maryland; Bristol, Tennessee; Abingdon, Virginia; and Oak Ridge and Knoxville, Tennessee. While in Oak Ridge he helped to initiate an ongoing dialogue between scientists and theologians. He continues an interest in science/technology and theology/ethics. He chaired the Task Force on Genetic Science, which presented its report to the 1992 U.M. General Conference. In addition to dialogue between science and theology, Ken has special concern for prison ministries, racial justice, and ministry with the poor and marginalized.

Ken Carder was a delegate to the South Eastern Jurisdictional Conference of the U.M. Church in 1980. He was elected General Conference delegate, 1984-92. He has served in several Annual and General Conference positions, including Chair of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration, a Director of the General Board of Church and Society, and president of the General Board of Discipleship. He was also a trustee of Emory University, and Henry College, Martin Methodist College, Lambuth University, and Millsaps College, and a member of the Board of Governors of Wesley Seminary.