Retirement: Darris McNeely
Darris McNeely retired from full-time work for UCG on May 23, 2026. A man of truth, integrity and high character, Darris has made a very positive impact through his service in the Church, and continues to serve even after his official “retirement.”
Darris and his wife Debbie came into God’s Church in the early 1960s. They met at Ambassador College in Pasadena and were married in August 1973. Darris and Debbie have two grown sons, Chris and Ryan, and four grandchildren.
Darris is retiring from multiple roles and job positions for the Church. He has served as a Church pastor, youth camp director, World News and Prophecy managing editor, coordinator of international education and services, content coordinator for Church publications, publication writer and television presenter. Darris still serves as a festival coordinator, and as an instructor at Ambassador Bible College. Beginning in 2008 he has served more than 13 years on the Council of Elders.
Darris was chosen as a Beyond Today TV presenter more than 20 years ago. His first BT program aired nationwide on commercial television in December 2005. Since then, Darris has recorded over 175 television programs, plus numerous BT Dailies, Bible studies, shorts and reels.
Darris has been a prolific educator—especially during the last 20 years of his employment. He traveled the world, coordinating biblical travel experiences for other ministers and members, including the Seven Churches tour of Turkey. He has taught Fundamental Beliefs, Acts and World News and Prophecy classes at ABC until recently, when he switched to teaching Gospels.
Darris’ writing has also made a tremendous impact in the Church. Paul Kieffer spoke of how these articles have made a difference well beyond the English-speaking world. UCG-Germany has used 59 of Darris’ articles in Gute Nachrichten, and Jesmina Allaoua has mentioned that if all Darris’ articles were translated, they would have 10 years’ worth of German GN issues with an article by him! Darris’ work, both written and spoken, has been translated into many languages besides English and shared around the world.
“God has always, always taken care of us” Darris told the home office staff at his retirement luncheon. “With all the changes, splits and events of the past 53 years we were watched over and cared for by God and Christ, the living head of the Church. It has been a great career and I would do it all over again.”
In an interview conducted by Ben Light, Darris shared his reflections on his service to the Church during his full-time employment and his hopes for the next chapter of his continuing service. You can watch the video by scanning the QR code on this page.
Thank you, Darris, for your legacy of service and faith to God, the Church and our brethren and employees!
