Tripp Gulledge

Rev. Tripp Gulledge is a PhD student in religious ethics at Southern Methodist University, where his research invites religious traditions to shape our conceptions of economic life. Formed by lifelong reflection on his disabled identity, his experiences in public life have allowed him to cultivate a solidarity with workers whose agency is under constraint; that solidarity now drives his research about the nature of work, its place in the just economy, and its requisite rights and duties. His theological vision for work is inspired by the ancient Benedictine monastic tradition and its rhythmic activities of prayer and labor. Tripp received Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees from Perkins School of Theology with highest honor in 2023 and 2025, respectively, and he earned concurrent degrees in music performance and music education from Auburn University with high honor in 2020. Tripp is also an elder in the United Methodist Church and an associate minister at Highland Park UMC in Dallas, TX. He lives in Dallas with his wife Courtney and their two dogs, Dakota and Ripley.

Course Advisor: Dr. D. Stephen Long

Publications:

“Uncommon Wisdom: September 2024,” preaching notes for Discipleship Ministries worship resources, September 1-29, 2024, full series available at https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/uncommon-wisdom/fifteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-year-b-lectionary-planning-notes/fifteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-year-b-preaching-notes

“These Bones Will Live: Pentecost 2024,” preaching notes for Discipleship Ministries Worship Resources, May 19, 2024, available at https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/these-bones-will-live.

“Crossing Over: Transfiguration 2024,” preaching notes for Discipleship Ministries Worship Resources, February 11, 2024. Available athttps://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/crossing-over/transfiguration-sunday-year-b-lectionary-planning-notes/transfiguration-sunday-year-b-preaching-notes

Presentations:

“Eminently Sacred?: In Search of A Benedictine Sociology of Work,” annual meeting of the Southwest Commission on Religious Studies, March 7, 2026.

“Preserving Contemplation in the Face of Innovation: An Ancient Monastic Response to the Labor Crisis,” 49th International Patristic, Medieval, and Renaissance Conference at Villanova University, November 1, 2024.

“Taking Charge: The Nature and Role of Authority in Ancient Christian Monasticism,” Perkins School of Theology Minister-Author-Scholar-Teacher Program Capstone Symposium, May 12, 2022.

Fellowships & Awards:

Southern Methodist University Mustang Fellowship, $31,500 annually, 2025-2030.

Departmental Travel Award, Southern Methodist University Graduate Program in Religious Studies, $500, January 2026.

B’nai B’rith Award in Social Ethics, Perkins School of Theology and the Harold M. Kaufman Memorial Foundation, 2024.