Leading Theologically

Pastoral transitions come with a mixture of grief and joy. Family and colleagues are involved along with church leaders and members, presbytery, and more. How are they done in healthy ways? Come learn with the Rev. Shannon Kershner who recently moved from head of staff at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, IL to Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA.

Rev. Dr. David Loleng has a huge heart and a long record of commitment to congregational thriving. He currently directs Church Financial Literacy and Leadership efforts at the Presbyterian Foundation. This includes the Stewardship Navigator resource as well as the Church Financial Literacy and Leadership Coaching Program. He deeply believes in God who provides enough, a sufficiency rather than an abundance. He wonders often about what we allocate versus what we accumulate. Join us for this rich and fun conversation during the liminal time between the Reign of Christ Sunday and first Sunday of Advent in a new liturgical year.

Dr. Hanna Reichel’s new book, After Method: Queer Grace, Conceptual Design, and the Possibility of Theology, is called by some the “best book on theological method in a generation.” Reichel brings creativity, rigor, compassion, and creates needed space beyond absolutes. Conversant in Reformed, Lutheran, queer, and Latin American liberation theologies, Reichel breaks new ground. Don’t’ miss this rich theological conversation!

The Rev. Anthony Jermaine Ross-Allam bridges the academy, pulpit, and social ethics world with his work to repair historic harms. Ross-Allam credits his United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities professor who serves Liberty Community Church PC(USA) in north Minneapolis, the Rev. Dr. Alika Galloway's Womanist witness of just, creative, sacrificial, and faithful parish and community leadership as a way to face the brazen racist inequities the world is facing. Join us for this important and overdue conversation inviting us all to wake up for what God gave us.

Beloved preacher and writer Anna Carter Florence brings winsome insight to an array of characters and stories in the Bible—some celebrated and some overlooked. From courageous Abigail to Zelophehad’s daughters, and from an alabaster jar of ointment to Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree, Florence takes readers on an enchanting tour of the Old and New Testaments with reflections that reveal ancient wisdom and spark imagination anew.

The Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo was inaugurated as the 11th President of Columbia Seminary in November of 2022 following decades of service at Princeton Seminary. His inauguration theme as Forming Christian Leaders for an Endemic Era. What can we learn from the ways Columbia is navigating the mire of this endemic era to move closer toward where God is calling us next? How is God’s grace involved? Listen in to this conversation full of laughter and insight.

Mark Ramsay leads theologically in whatever he is doing from being a pastor, a board member, a resource to pastors and boards, a podcast host, a publisher of the Journal for Preachers and so much more. Mark shows up and listens deeply and then shares generously what he is learning and seeing. Join us for a fast-paced conversation about ministry today, which Mark still believes is a joyful calling.

After seven years serving as the Stated Clerk of the PC(USA), Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson is stepping down. Lee Hinson-Hasty and J. Herbert talk both the challenges and opportunities of serving as Stated Clerk and where God is calling the PCUSA – and J. Herbert - next. Our thanks to J. Herbert for his service to the Church – and beyond – in this important role. We are indebted to you!

This week, we have a special Leading Theologically episode! We’re turning the tables on Lee Hinson-Hasty, who has now interviewed 75 people who lead theologically. Teri Ott, Editor of the Presbyterian Outlook, will interview Lee about what he’s learned through these meaningful conversations with theological leaders. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Dr. Chris Burton teaches organizations that the Bible is full of examples that we can use to strengthen our community ties. He believes that division and hatred are grievous things that we must actively work against. His work centers the opportunity to live fully into the Lord’s prayer through prioritizing just community. He works with churches in order to help them do the important work of confession, undoing oppression, abolition, and community building. Join Lee for this lively conversation with Chris Burton, also known for his anti-racism consulting as Di Baddist Chaplain, an innovator you should know by the Presbyterian Outlook, as a CrossStreets podcast co-host, and TedX speaker.

For more than two decades the Rev. Joanne Rodríguez, a PC(USA) minister, has collaborated with scholars, students, and leaders in the church, academic, and non-profit world to cultivate a generation of Latine theological leaders. She knows what it takes to amplify diverse voices, work alongside in partnership, and imagine what God is doing next. Latinx students are one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in theological education today. Come and learn more and how to support them and what God is doing!

Even veterans of campus ministry and university chaplaincy have something to learn from the Rev. Gini Norris-Lane's wealth of nearly two decades in the field-- and even more so from the networks and relationships she has nourished. Why would you want to be involved, support, or grow a collegiate ministry and how might you do so? You won't want to miss this conversation!

The Rev. Dr. Jan Edmiston loves the church enough, she says, to transform it and she has a record of transformation as a pastor, mid-council leader, PC(USA) leader, blogger, and much more. A consummate partner in ministry, Jan served alongside Denise Anderson as the first co-moderators of the General Assembly in 2016, a model that has been adopted ever since. It's not just how Jan thinks, it is how she takes action that makes a mark. Join Lee and Jan for a well-rounded conversation about church leadership that matters.

As President for 14 years, the Rev. Paul Timothy Roberts, Sr. has helped the 156 year old historically black PC(USA) Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary redefine itself as an innovative institution with a robust social justice emphasis. A former pastor and sought after preacher, Paul brings to bear his Princeton University degree in Architecture and African American Studies alongside work in the business sector in New York City alongside his MDiv from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey in Celigny, Switzerland. Join us for a robust conversation that could include tennis, hot yoga, gardening, parenting, and lots of laughter!

What does our Christian faith have to say about the conflicts we experience in our lives and our world? Many of us grew up believing that conflict in our churches and communities was a sign of Things Gone Wrong. But what if there are other ways to consider — and respond to — conflict through the lens of faith? Join Lee and Associate Director of the Louisville Institute, the Rev. Dr. Aimee Moiso, for a conversation that is bound to be a learning experience for all involved!

William Yoo calls his 2022 history of slavery and anti-black racism in the Presbyterian Church, What Kind of Christianity. It is a great question and one that many Presbyterians know woefully little about. As Kwok Pui-Lan observes about the book, "In the global reckoning of Black Lives Matter [this book] is indispensable for understanding America's painful past." Come learn more about Dr. Yoo and this incredible book!

Did you know that prior to reunion, there were several all-Black governing bodies in the PC(USA)? Rev. Dr. Ed Newberry will be with us to discuss their legacy, including the history of Catawba Presbytery. A new video, a project of the Presbytery of Charlotte and the Presbyterian Foundation, tells the story of Catawba. Take this opportunity to listen in on a great conversation with Newberry, an unofficial historian for the PC(USA). Your questions and participation are encouraged and welcome!

A curator of sacred space, a writer, an artist, a strategist, a listener and a world adventurer": this is how the Rev. Jenny Warner describes herself. Sought after as a preacher and retreat leader, Jenny tends the sparks of new life to help communities dream, work, and birth new realities alongside God. Join Lee and Jenny for this conversation about Strategic Spiritual Leadership and how her congregation is living out its mission as “a Base Camp Building a More Loving World.

An innovative and collaborative leader, the Rev. Dr. Asa Lee was called as President of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary as it steps boldly toward nearly 230 years of service as an school. What does is take to lead a historic institution today? Courage and Curiosity. Join this conversation to learn more about Dr Lee, this style of leadership, and Pittsburgh Seminary!

What are the challenges and hope facing the evolving Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)? Join Lee for a conversation with the Rev. Dr. Frank Clark Spencer as he shares how the Board of Pension - where he serves as President - is uniquely positioned to offer the Church innovative and creative tools that support the well being of ministers amidst this change.