Preacher, Prophet, Poet

Preface

A remarkable United Methodist minister, Wallace E. (“Wally”) Chappell of Dallas, Texas, never served an extremely large church and was never elected a bishop, but his life has left a significant mark on Methodism, particularly in the state of Texas.  His career is a model for anyone interested in the role of the minister and the contemporary Church, particularly in the Methodist tradition.

The story of Wally Chappell represents the “progressive tradition” in his denomination and in society as a whole.  While some people associate religion--especially in the Southern Protestant tradition--with ultraconservative theological and political views, Chappell has always championed progressive ideas, and has spoken his views courageously in a conservative environment.  Chapter 5 outlines his views on theology and Chapter 12 includes his reflections on a range of contemporary issues.

In an age in which the role of the Church has come into question in the eyes of some, Chappell presents a strong defense of the Church and a ringing challenge to it as well.  Is the purpose of the Church primarily individual salvation, or should it speak out on community, national, and international issues?  Is the Church primarily a local organization or club, or does it have an inherent tie to the larger body of the church?  Chappell’s thoughts on the church are in Chapter 8.

In addition to specifically theological and ecclesiastical matters, Chappell has notable ideas on personal and spiritual growth, and on making the most of one’s life, which are significant to those of both religious and nonreligious persuasions.  His concerns for personal health and physical fitness are as relevant as his ideas for personal and spiritual growth.

An insight Chappell exemplifies is the lifting of our vision from narrow, parochial matters to a broad-minded, cosmopolitan outlook.  A narrow perspective tends to view our group, race, social class, community, and local church as the final locus of truth.  The broader viewpoint, which Chappell favors, sees people of all races and classes as significant.  It views other denominations and other religions as important, and stresses a national and international perspective.

Two of Chappell’s sermons are in Chapter 1 and Chapter 13, and a round-trip bicycle ride from Dallas to Colorado is described in Chapter 11.  Some of his poems are introduced at relevant places, and an appendix has a collection of others.  Related reading and a glossary of United Methodist terminology are included.  

I would like to thank all those who assisted in the writing of this book.  John Fiedler and the staff of the First United Methodist Church of Dallas were encouraging.  Betty Balliet assisted in evaluating the poems.  Alice Peppler of Chicago, Illinois, read most of the manuscript and made many helpful suggestions.  Thanks to Bishop William Oden for taking the time to write an introduction, and to Darrell Wilbanks for most of the photographs.  My wife, Dorothy, suggested the subject for the book and was patient during its completion.  Most of all, I would like to express appreciation to Wally and Stell Chappell for their interviews and cooperation in this project.