Plano, Texas -- More than 1,600 guests filled the sanctuary at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano on November 12 for a remarkable night of teaching, inspiration, and celebration as world-renowned theologian and author N.T. Wright delivered the inaugural lecture in the new Dr. Scott L. Engle Lecture Series.
The evening opened with Senior Pastor Rev. Arthur Jones, who reflected on the significance of this new lecture series honoring longtime teaching pastor Dr. Scott Engle, whose scholarship, teaching, and pastoral leadership have shaped generations at St. Andrew. Jones shared that the series is part of a larger vision for equipping both pastors and congregants in Scripture and theology —one that includes an endowed directorship in Dr. Engle’s name at the Wesley House of Studies at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, where St. Andrew pastors receive their training.
Introducing the night’s speaker, Rev. Jones shared, “Tonight we will hear from one of the greatest teachers Christianity has known. He’s Scott’s hero, and Scott is one of mine.” He then welcomed N.T. Wright to the stage.
Wright began by expressing gratitude for the warmth of the congregation and its deep affection for Dr. Engle. “It is a privilege to come in on the tide of affection and appreciation the church has for Scott Engle,” he said. Turning to his central theme for the evening, he added, “Resurrection is dear to my heart; the theme that makes Christianity what it is.”
Over the next hour, Wright led guests on a compelling exploration of the resurrection of Jesus — not merely as a distant historical event, but as the heartbeat of Christian theology and the foundation of Christian vocation. Drawing from Scripture, scholarship, and pastoral wisdom, he invited the congregation to imagine themselves as participants in God’s ongoing work of new creation. He emphasized that resurrection is the foundation of our purpose and calling and that believers are called to live as Spirit-filled people who bring renewal into everyday life.
“We are God’s artwork in the new creation,” Wright said, challenging the notion that Christian life is just about escaping the world and going to heaven. Instead, he stressed the importance of faithful, embodied action in the physical world.
“The church is called to be the small working model of new creation in works of love and mercy, joy and light,” Wright said. “Resurrection has happened, God is putting the world right, and you can be a part of it now.”
The message resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom have long engaged with Wright’s writing — among them Dr. Engle, who first encountered Wright’s work through a cover story in Christianity Today nearly two decades ago. That early introduction shaped Engle’s teaching ministry and, in turn, the theological life of St. Andrew.
This inaugural event reflects the purpose of the Dr. Scott L. Engle Lecture Series, established in conjunction with the endowed directorship at the Wesley House of Studies at Truett Seminary. The series seeks to equip and inspire the church by bringing leading Christian scholars to St. Andrew to strengthen biblical literacy, deepen discipleship, and lift up the beauty and truth of Scripture.
As the evening concluded, the sense of gratitude was unmistakable — gratitude for Dr. Engle’s faithful influence, for N.T. Wright’s extraordinary teaching, and for a church community eager to grow in wisdom, hope, and the power of the resurrection.
“May we continue this journey with hearts awakened to the truth that Christ has been raised, and in Him, we, too, are made new,” concluded Rev. Jones.
The Dr. Scott L. Engle Lecture Series, launched in 2024 at St. Andrew Methodist Church, was created in conjunction with an endowed directorship in Engle’s name at the Wesley House of Studies at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary. A beloved teaching pastor at St. Andrew for more than 20 years, Scott Engle has inspired thousands through his adult Bible studies, regular preaching, in-depth weekly study guides, and two popular Bible study podcasts that have reached nearly 100,000 downloads. He recently launched his newest project: a weekly Bible video blog called “Below the Surface.” This partnership with Truett Seminary supports the development of future clergy and strengthens ties between the church and the seminary. The Engle Lecture Series, developed in coordination with Truett, will bring in leading scholars and teachers who bring their theological insight to the congregation for purposes of equipping, discipling, and growing Biblical literacy. It represents a unique and exciting addition to Christian education at St. Andrew.
St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.
