Hello, I’m Gary. I’m a practical theologian, writer, hymnwriter, musician and preacher rooted in the Methodist tradition, trying to help people encounter God in ways that are honest, kind and justice-shaped. Most of my work sits where worship, everyday life and the edges of church meet – in local congregations, community spaces, chaplaincy and online. You might already have sung some of my hymns and songs, which are used in services and gatherings across the Church.
Over the years I’ve seen how deeply people long for language, images and practices that reflect the wideness of God’s welcome – including those who are queer, disabled, neurodivergent, exhausted by church or just quietly curious from the edges. My own journey has been shaped by these stories, by work in lay ministry and chaplaincy, by leading worship and making music with communities, and by ongoing study in practical theology. This site is one way of gathering that experience and offering it back as something useful.
GaryHopkins.net is a hub for my projects: Priming the Lectionary, worship resources, music, writing and collaborations. You’ll find material you can pick up and use in all sorts of settings – services, small groups, retreats, chaplaincy, festivals, cafés, online gatherings, or on your own with a notebook and a cup of tea. Everything is created with inclusivity, accessibility and theological depth in mind, and is designed to be adapted for your context.
Whether you’re a church leader, a lay person, ordained, a chaplain, small-group facilitator, an artist, musician or simply someone who loves the idea of faith being both beautiful and honest, you’re very welcome here. My hope is that these resources will help you and your community grow in courage, imagination and shared language for talking about God’s love in the world.