Thomas W. Elliott, Jr.

An elder in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, The Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Elliott, Jr., served as the pastor of rural, town and suburban churches for 26 years prior to joining the Candler School of Theology faculty in 2013. Ties to local churches, campus ministries, and non-profits in the Atlanta area and beyond are beneficial as he assists students in their second year contextual education placements in ecclesial settings, directs the Teaching Parish program, and structures internship opportunities. 

Elliott currently teaches classes in "History and Polity of the United Methodist Church,” “Oral Presentation of Scripture and Sermon,” and “History and Doctrine of Methodism.” He has also taught “Contemporary Wesleyan Spirituality and the Means of Grace,” “The Church on the Border,” and “Enabling and Evangelizing Church,” and “Leadership in the Small Membership Church” in the MDiv program; "Theology in the Practice of Ministry" and "Wesleyan Movement" in the Course of Study program; and UM Polity, Evangelism, Sacraments, and Preaching in Advanced Course of Study.

In 2015, Candler students recognized Elliott for his dedication to teaching, naming him “Faculty Person of the Year.”

Elliott’s research interests focus on contextual education and the development of reflective practice, and John Wesley’s Preaching Ministry. Together with Dr. Anne Burkholder, Elliott is the author of The Quick and Easy Guide to United Methodist Polity (Wesley's Foundery Books, 2018).

Elliott is a member of The United Methodist Theological Field Educators (UMTFE), the Association of Theological Field Educators (ATFE) where he serves as Secretary, and the American Academy of Religion, Methodist Studies unit. He is certified in spiritual formation by the General Board of Discipleship, UMC. Elliott frequently serves as guest preacher in churches and worships at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. He serves as vice Chairperson on the board of directors for the Salem Campground, one of the oldest existing camp meetings in the nation.

Elliott is a graduate of Mercer University in Atlanta, B.A. 1984, Candler School of Theology, M.Div. 1987, and Emory University, D.Min. 1997. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Wesley and Methodist Studies at Nazarene Theological College of Manchester University, United Kingdom, with a dissertation on Christian Formation in John Wesley’s Preaching Ministry in the Early Methodist Revival.

A singer, songwriter, musician (guitar and piano), Elliott has performed as a musical storyteller in local churches, retreat settings, coffee houses and special venues. He has completed two CD projects, including Jubilee, a collection of worship songs written throughout his ministry.

Thomas Elliott, Jr. was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and is married to Kelly. Together, they have two adult children: Dr. Lucy Roberts (Dr. Kris Roberts) and Thomas Elliott (Danielle DeNardo). They are the proud grandparents of Vincent Elliott!