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Adam Hamilton

Adam Hamilton

by Rev. Glen Miles on July 15, 2022


Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area, earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts and a Master of Divinity Degree from Southern Methodist University, where he was awarded the B’nai B’rith Award in Social Ethics.

He was named one of the “Ten people to watch in America’s spiritual landscape” by Religion and Ethics Newsweekly. For his work in racial reconciliation Adam was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award. Named United Methodist Person of the Year for 2012 by the United Methodist Reporter for his leadership within the United Methodist Church. He’s received numerous other awards for community service.

Hamilton launched Church of the Resurrection with his wife and two children in 1990. It has since grown to over 20,000 adults and children in 2018 under his leadership. Today the church is the largest United Methodist Church in the United States with an average weekend attendance of over 12,000.

The congregation has a three-fold focus: Connecting with thinking people and inviting them to become followers of Jesus Christ, engaging in acts of justice and mercy in the community, and working to renew the United Methodist Church.

Adam has written over 25 books, published by Abingdon Press and Harper Collins, and Convergent, including:

  • When Christians Get it Wrong
  • Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White
  • The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
  • Making Sense of the Bible
  • Revival
  • Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times

Adam and LaVon have been married over 35 years and have two adult daughters and a granddaughter.

About the Author
Rev. Glen Miles

I was born and raised in California. My family traces its roots in the golden state all the way back to the 1849 gold rush. I was a preacher's kid who loved the church. I was active in Sunday School, youth groups, summer camps, and more. I attended a small Bible College but focused on becoming a teacher and basketball coach. A funny thing happened just before graduation: a small church in California offered me a job as their youth director. They assured me I could volunteer as a coach at the local high school which I was able to do. I loved serving that congregation.

After a couple of years there the elders called me in for one of their meetings. I wasn't quite sure why. The elder chair looked at me and said, "We believe you have a call for ministry. We will hate to lose you, but we are ready to pledge $100 per month to support you in seminary." I was overwhelmed by their offer and surprised by the call. Looking back, I can see now how my years growing up in the church helped to prepare me for the work of ministry.  

I am passionate about proclaiming the love of God for all people. In a world so easily divided by anger and hate, frustration and fear, the message of Heaven's inclusive love for all is desperately needed.  


Three fun facts about me: I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Julie. I lived in 14 different houses between birth and age 17. I've read the Hobbit nine times and The Lord of the Rings trilogy three times

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