Dan Garrett
“I began teaching at the Seminary in 1998 while serving as pastor of Central United Methodist Church in Staunton, Virginia. In 2001 I was appointed by Bishop Joe E. Pennel to teach United Methodist studies at EMS, Union/PSCE, and The School of Theology at Virginia Union University. In 2003, I entered the retired relationship in the Virginia Conference and kept teaching at each of the three seminaries in retirement until 2008when I continued at EMS. The challenge of teaching United Methodist students in these three seminaries has been an exciting journey. Students have the opportunity to develop an appreciation for their own tradition in dialogue with the larger church, and hence to sharpen their understanding and commitment to the work. The ethos at EMS has been particularly hospitable to that formation process.
I am thrilled to be teaching United Methodist Doctrine and Polity at EMS. In addition, I teach a new course in Sacramental Theology and Liturgical Practice, added in 2007. I also serve as United Methodist Advisor to the Seminary. I continue to rejoice at the opportunity to help form the next generation of clergy leaders."
Dan began seminary teaching while serving as a parish minister in the United Methodist Church. With a particular love of worship and sacramental theology, he began teaching at EMS in 1998. He teaches United Methodist Doctrine, United Methodist Polity, and Sacramental Theology and Liturgical Practice. Dan also serves as United Methodist Advisor at EMS. In addition to courses at EMS he teaches a Church Leadership course at Shenandoah University in Winchester.
Following graduation from The University of Virginia (BA) in 1963, he was Commissioned an Officer in the U.S. Navy, and served on active duty for four years. He served as Executive Officer of the USS Coconino County (LST-603) during the Vietnam War. He earned the M.Div. degree from Yale Divinity School in 1971, and a D.Min. from Wesley Theological Seminary in 1984.
Dan is married to the Rev. Dr. Susan S. Garrett. They live in retirement in Berryville, Virginia. They have two sons, David and Joshua, both research electrical engineers with Broadcom in Irvine, California; and three grandsons, Zachary, Jonathan, and Benjamin.
Dan sings in the Sanctuary Choir at Braddock Street United Methodist Church. He is a weekly volunteer assisting the cook at the Winchester Salvation Army Shelter. He also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
University of Virginia, BA, 1963
Yale Divinity School, M.Div., 1971
Wesley Theological Seminary, D.Min., 1984