Rev. Dr. William T. Chaney, Jr.
Pastor William T. Chaney, Jr. came to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church as Lead Pastor in July 2025, bringing with him over 25 years of rich ministry experience as a […]
Pastor William T. Chaney, Jr. came to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church as Lead Pastor in July 2025, bringing with him over 25 years of rich ministry experience as a pastor, church planter, and leadership coach.
Music is central to Pastor Chaney’s understanding of worship. His love for music is woven into every service — you might find him at the piano before worship begins, or leading the congregation in musical responses. He delights in drawing from a wide range of musical traditions, weaving together classic Methodist hymns, jazz, gospel, and contemporary Christian music into a vibrant worship experience.
Pastor Chaney holds a Bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and a Masters of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University — where he also met his wife, Rev. Dr. Michelle Holmes Chaney. The two share a deep partnership in faith and life. Together they are the proud parents of a young adult daughter, Courtney.
Following ordination, Pastor Chaney planted churches in Grayson, GA and West Baltimore, MD. He trained church-planting pastors in Nashville, TN before obtaining his doctorate of divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. He then served as Lead Pastor at Arlington Forest United Methodist Church and Chesterbrook United Methodist Church in Northern Virginia.
An Ohio native, Pastor Chaney is a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan — football is his favorite way to decompress, though he’ll happily watch just about any sport. Stop by his office sometime; you’ll find a pastor who is always glad to share the good news of Jesus alongside a generous helping of his favorite treats – coffee and chocolate.