The Rev. Wesley Arning joined St. Martin’s in 2021 after serving as the Rector of St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Madison, Tenn. At St. Martin’s, he leads the Riverway service, the young adult ministry, Dad’s Bible Study and oversees Membership. He is also the co-host of St. Martin’s “The Wayside Podcast” and has helped create Parish-wide initiatives focused on theology and the arts.

The Rev. Arning earned undergraduate degrees in psychology and Biblical studies from Gordon College (Boston), where he studied in Jerusalem for a semester focusing on Rabbinic thought and Biblical archaeology. He has written a six-week devotional titled “Waters of Baptism” and is currently working on his second book based on Biblical enemies. The Rev. Arning also produces a blog at wesleyarning.com.

He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. He has served as the ecumenical officer and President of the Standing Committee in the Diocese of Tennessee. The Rev. Arning currently serves as a trustee of the Episcopal Foundation of Texas. He enjoys hiking in the national parks, playing sports and cheering for his beloved Boston Red Sox. The Rev. Arning and his wife, Megan, welcomed their first child in 2021. They also have a Golden Retriever, Sadie.