This interview is part of our series of getting to know the speakers and musicians who will be at the Midwinter conference in January. We asked them some questions about our theme for the year, “Follow Me.”
Tony McNeill, affectionately known as “Dr. T,” serves as an affiliate professor of worship and seminary musician at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He is a sought-after workshop clinician, lecturer, consultant, mentor, and choral conductor.
Where do you currently live?
Atlanta, Georgia
Can you describe a pivotal moment when you responded to the call to follow Jesus?
I remember vividly the Christmas morning when I was five years old. I stood alone at the entrance into the living room and saw a toy piano sitting center stage in front of the Christmas tree. I remember walking slowly toward that piano and hearing a voice speak clearly to me, as if someone else was in the room, “This is what you are going to do for the rest of your life here on earth.” Music has been my entire life since the moment I touched the first key.
How has your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus changed over time?
My understanding of what it means to follow Jesus has been impacted by the teachings and preaching of Pastor Kristian Smith, who challenges us to follow not in the name of Jesus but in the ways of Jesus. Too often to we lean on the name as a way of escape from doing the messy/hard work demanded by the ways of Jesus.
Who is the most interesting person you follow online, and why?
@UnfitChristian—D. Danyelle Thomas, curator—digital space for people who have been harmed by religion, are questioning religion, and/or are redefining faith in new, life-giving ways. She has a new book that debuts October 26 called The Day God Saw Me as Black: The Journey to Liberated Faith (Simon & Schuster).
Just for fun: What was your last Google search?
“Audi of Atlanta Service.” 😁
