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D. Max Whitfield, Bishop of the New Mexico and Northwest Texas Conferences of The United Methodist Church, has accepted an invitation to serve as Bishop in Residence at Perkins School of Theology, ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University, effective September 1, 2012.

Bishop D. Max Whitfield

In announcing the appointment, William B. Lawrence, Dean of Perkins School of Theology, lauded Bishop Whitfield’s passion for helping develop future leaders and his legacy of pastoral concern. “Bishop Whitfield’s considerable experience and longstanding interest in leadership  will enhance the work of the recently established Center for Religious Leadership here at Perkins,” Lawrence said. “We also look forward to Bishop Whitfield’s prominent role with students, faculty and staff  in the area of pastoral care.”

Whitfield expresses enthusiasm about his upcoming responsibilities as Bishop in Residence, praising the leadership program at Perkins as making “a significant contribution to the church.” Whitfield adds, “This will allow me to be a small influence in the shaping of future leaders of the church.”

Whitfield has served as bishop of the New Mexico and Northwest Texas Conferences for 12 years. Prior to being elected to the episcopacy, Bishop Whitfield served as Superintendent of the Batesville and Fayetteville Districts in the Arkansas Conference UMC, after serving as senior pastor in various United Methodist congregations in Arkansas for more than 30 years. Whitfield’s distinguished ministry with the church and the larger community also includes serving on the Board of Trustees, Hendrix College; Conference Board of Ordained Ministry; Board of Directors, General Board of Global Ministries; Board of Directors, General Commission on Religion and Race; and numerous other positions. He served as a General Conference delegate for three quadrennia and a South Central Jurisdictional delegate for four quadrennia.

Whitfield was ordained deacon (1967) and elder (1970) in the North Arkansas Conference. An alumnus of Perkins, he earned the B.S.A. from Arkansas State University (1966),  M.Div. from Perkins School of Theology (1969), and D. Min. from Princeton Theological Seminary (1983).