United Methodist Education and DEI: A Global History of Opportunity and Inclusion with Philip Wingeier-Rayo

In this insightful episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson welcomes back Rev. Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo for a deep dive into the historical and current impact of Methodism worldwide, particularly through the lens of education, diversity, and inclusion.Takeaway 1: The Global Legacy of Methodist MissionsPhilip Wingeier-Rayo shares captivating stories from his recent book, “John Wesley and Methodist Missions,” highlighting/logging the surprising roots of Methodism in the Caribbean before it gained a substantial foothold in the United States. Listeners will learn how laypeople, such as Nathaniel Gilbert in Antigua, played critical roles in starting societies across the Western Hemisphere—often before official missionaries set foot there. These mission stories underscore how Methodism spread via local initiative, community-building, and the courage to cross social boundaries.Takeaway 2: Education as Core Methodist IdentityEducation is woven through the DNA of the Methodist movement. Philip Wingeier-Rayo details how Methodists have established over 1,000 educational institutions worldwide, with a focus on serving underserved populations. The conversation touches on the enduring legacy of Methodist colleges, including historically Black colleges in the U.S. and community-focused schools like Lydia Patterson Institute near the U.S.-Mexico border. Their commitment to accessibility and opportunity, he notes, goes all the way back to John Wesley’s earliest days at Oxford. Methodist efforts in education aren’t just historic—they’re still actively building bridges for students everywhere.Takeaway 3: DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)—Not a Trend, but a TraditionWhile DEI has recently become a politically charged term, the conversation reveals how diversity, equity, and inclusion are not new concepts for Methodists. Philip Wingeier-Rayo points out that Methodist institutions have championed diversity and equal opportunity since their founding, driven by the belief that all are created in God’s image and worthy of full participation in church and society. Even as universities cut back on official DEI programming, United Methodist campus ministries and chaplaincies are increasingly stepping up to provide safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for students from all backgrounds.Don’t miss this episode if you’re interested in the intersection of faith, history, education, and justice—or if you want to hear stories that inspire and empower. Make sure to check out Philip Wingeier-Rayo ’s book for an even deeper exploration tenets of Methodist missions.John Wesley and the Origins of Methodist Missions, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2025.Listen now and join the movement to live out your faith by being and doing good in the world!Philip Wingeier-Rayo serves as Executive Director of Education for the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry of the United Methodist Church. He is also Visiting Professor of Missiology, World Christianity, and Methodist Studies at Wesley, where he teaches courses in mission and evangelism, world Christianity, and Methodist history and doctrine. He served as Dean at Wesley from 2018-2022. Wingeier-Rayo was born in Singapore to missionary parents and grew up in Evanston, Illinois. He earned a double major in Human Relations and Spanish from Earlham College, a M.T.S. from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and a M.Th. from Seminario Evangélico de Teología in Cuba before earning a Ph.D. in Theology, Ethics and Culture from Chicago Theological Seminary. His teaching and scholarship is informed by 15 years of missionary service where he served with the General Board of Global Ministries in Nicaragua, Cuba, Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas. Wingeier-Rayo has published five books, including Where are the Poor? A Comparison of the Ecclesial Base Communities and Pentecostalism—A Case Study in Cuernavaca, Mexico (Pickwick Publications, 2011) and The Bible Through the Eyes of John Wesley (Upper Room/Discipleship Resources, 2019). His most recent publication is John Wesley and the Origins of Methodist Missions (Abingdon Press, 2025). Wingeier-Rayo and his wife, Diana, reside outside of Washington DC and have three adult children and one son-in-law.Books:John Wesley and the Origins of Methodist Missions, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2025.La Evangelización y la Misión de Dios: Una Teología Bíblica, Nashville, TN: Wesley’s Foundery Books. 2020.La Biblia a través de los ojos de Juan Wesley: 52 clases de discipulado para pequeños grupos, with foreword by Justo González, Nashville, TN: Upper Room, 2019.Where are the Poor? A Comparison of the Ecclesial Base Communities and Pentecostalism—A Case Study in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2011.Cuban Methodism: The Untold Story of Survival and Revival, Atlanta, GA: Dolphins and Orchids, 2006.