As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the lives of people throughout the world, educational institutions have been one of the most affected sectors in society.  As it became apparent how easily and quickly the virus was spreading, institutions of higher education had to make swift and difficult decisions, including moving in-person classes to online formats, canceling winter and spring sports, extracurricular activities, and study abroad experiences, and, in many cases, postponing or canceling spring commencement ceremonies.

Amid the uncertainty and anxiety of these days, college chaplains continue to minister to their students and the wider community. HELM recently hosted a virtual meeting of chaplains who serve at Disciple-related colleges and universities, creating space for them to support one another, both personally and professionally. With some cities and states under shelter-in-place orders and, throughout the country, rules around practices like social distancing in place, supporting the campus community has been challenging. However, with the help of digital platforms like Zoom, GroupMe and, Google Meet, chaplains are able to offer support and care. 

Cisa Payuyo, from Chapman University, shared how important it has been for students to get together, if only virtually: “Students have asked if we can get together twice a week. They are hungry for this because they feel isolated, so getting together virtually is very helpful.” Chaplains are providing opportunities to connect through worship and prayer as well as informal times of community conversations or playing video games together. At the University of Lynchburg, Stephanie McClemore shared that there has been a good response to a virtual campus prayer meeting: “We have also hosted online community chats that are like fellowship hour.” Emily Miller, chaplain at Transylvania University, said that Wake-Up Wednesdays, which were previously on-campus, have been moved online: “We read the lectionary scripture for the week, sing together and then pray. The simplicity of just coming together, lighting a candle, reading scripture, and praying is meaningful.”

Nancy Brink of Chapman University shared with the group a practice that is being taught to students, merging the need for hygiene with prayer: “We have been teaching the second response to the 23rd Psalm in the Chalice Hymnal. The words are ‘Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.’ If you sing that twice through, it is exactly the amount of time we are supposed to wash our hands. I have found that to be an amazing spiritual practice during these past weeks. It turns a chore into a prayer, and we have been teaching that to the students.”

While chaplains are creatively adjusting to ministering remotely, many challenges still remain. On many campuses, some international students have remained and are dealing with being isolated from both their families as well as the larger campus community. Seniors, who should be enjoying the final weeks of their college careers, are grieving the loss of spring celebrations and milestones. Chaplains must also prepare for the eventuality that in the coming weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic will directly affect the lives of students, faculty, and staff.

HELM is thankful for the work of chaplains as well as administrators, faculty and staff at Disciple related schools as they seek to shepherd their communities through these difficult days. HELM will continue to support the ongoing ministries of chaplains by hosting weekly virtual gatherings and creating a space for sharing and encouraging one another.

Brite Divinity School – In June, Brite Divinity School welcomed Dr. Michael St. A. Miller as Executive Vice President and Dean. Dr. Miller succeeded Dr. Joretta Marshall, who, after seven years of outstanding service as Executive Vice President and Dean, returned to her full-time appointment as Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care and Counseling. In August, Dr. Oluwatomisin Oredein joined Brite Divinity School as Assistant Professor in Black Religious Traditions, Constructive Theology, and Ethics.

Brite recently hosted Ministers Week 2020, which featured three days of inspiring worship, thought-provoking lectures, and enriching workshops. This year’s preacher was Rev. Grace Imanthiu. Earlier this month, Brite was honored to host a lunch and conversation with Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens, General Ministers and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) The event was well attended by Disciples from Brite, TCU, and the Southwest Region.

Christian Theological Seminary – Coming off the ground-breaking success of the Mixed Methods Preaching conference, sponsored in part by the Oreon E. Scott Foundation and Light of the World Christian Church, Christian Theological Seminary’s Ph.D. program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric welcomed the second cohort of candidates. The Seminary added new members to its esteemed faculty: President David M. Mellott (Ph.D., Emory) in theological formation; Rev. Dr. Kimberly D. Russaw (Ph.D., Vanderbilt University) in Hebrew Bible; Rev. Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen (Ph.D., Vanderbilt University) in New Testament; Rev. Dr. Courtney Buggs (Ph.D., Emory), who was awarded the prestigious Louisville Institute, postdoctoral fellowship, in Homiletics; Rev. Dr. Nicole Robinson (Ph.D., Loyola University Maryland) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. CTS is beginning a comprehensive strategic planning effort to prepare CTS for 2025 and beyond. Utilizing multiple sources—both inside and outside of the seminary—the Seminary will consider what we can become and what God is inviting us to consider. The project will begin in Winter 2020 and is expected to conclude by Spring 2021.

The Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago – DDH is marking its 125th academic year with the theme, “Grateful for what is to come,” and an eye to the future. After an anniversary celebration last May, DDH welcomed a larger than usual entering class of Disciples Divinity House Scholars this fall and awarded the first Dr. Geunhee and Mrs. Geunsoon Yu Scholarship. A $4 million campaign will undergird scholarships, create immersive learning opportunities, and enhance the accessibility and welcome of the building. A new video, Grateful, celebrates 125 years.

The Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University – The Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt provides an essential community for ministry students at Vanderbilt Divinity School as they explore both the academic opportunities and the vocational contexts of ministry. This year, we continued our Practice of Ministry series, which provides essential tools, information, and reflection for “hands-on” ministry. In the fall, we focused on Sacred Practice as we hosted alums and local clergy to learn about baptisms, child dedications, funerals, hospital and hospice visits, and pastoral care in times of crisis. This spring, we have centered our program around Community Practice as we have learned about ways that we create and sustain community in a variety of ministry settings. House activities have included monthly dinners, weekly hangouts, and gatherings at the interim dean’s house. First-year students have focused on core courses as well as making a successful transition to graduate school. Second-year students are engaged in field education in local churches, hospitals, and community nonprofits. Our third-year students have completed their capstone papers and are looking forward to graduation in May. DDH-Vanderbilt continues to provide a lively living-and-learning community for students who are discerning their path to and through ministry.

Disciples Seminary Foundation – DSF currently supports 95 students who primarily study with five partner schools: Claremont School of Theology, Iliff School of Theology, Pacific School of Religion, San Francisco Theological Seminary, and Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. DSF is in the midst of changes in leadership and program offerings as we discern our direction for the near future. Two programs, DSF Discover as well as Mission and Peace Education, have been phased out, leading to the elimination of a few job positions. While no new DSF Discover webinars are scheduled for production, existing webinars are still available through the DSF website (www.dsf.edu).  As the tuition scholarship program is being evaluated, a moratorium on new scholarships for 2020-2021 will be implemented; however, stipends for textbooks and supplies will still be available during that period. DSF will honor its commitment to current students, and they will continue to receive tuition scholarships through matriculation. There is much more going on at DSF, and we are convinced that this is the work we are called to do in this season of change. Our commitment to supporting theological education and leadership development is secure, and making hard decisions in the present will create a firm foundation to ensure a stable future.

Lexington Theological Seminary – LTS was awarded two major grants by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.  The first $1 million grant, awarded in December of 2018, is to explore various aspects that support Thriving in Ministry. Through this grant, among other projects, we are seeking ways to support graduates in the first five years of ministry, to continue to examine how to support those in bi-vocational ministry through the founding of a bi-vocational institute, and to provide formal training for those who serve as mentors for graduates.  A second $2 million grant was awarded in December of 2019 for the Thriving Congregations Initiative: Strengthening Pastoral and Congregational Ministry.  With the awarding of this grant, the Rev. Erin Cash has resigned as Director of Admissions, effective March 2020, and will serve as the grant project director. Also, the Rev. Carol Devine began as Director of Communications in November 2019.  LTS continues to grow, with enrollment for the 2018-2019 year at 145 students (up from 127 during the 2017-2018 academic year) with an 89 percent retention rate.

Phillips Theological Seminary – PTS continues to build on its commitment to educate the whole church with 209 degree-seeking students enrolled in the 2019 fall term and more than 230 student registrations in the Ministry Training Program. President Nancy Claire Pittman, who recently completed her first year in office, is looking forward to receiving the final accreditation report from the Association of Theological Schools in February following a successful accreditation site visit in the fall. She is also overseeing the selection of a new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean. Theological School Digest

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have provided and continue to provide excellence in higher education, especially to African American students. Prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1965, institutions of higher learning in the United States routinely barred African American students from attending. Those schools that did accept African American students tended to have quota systems, severely limiting access.  HBCUs were founded after the civil war to provide African Americans with quality higher education, and today over 100 still exist.

Two HBCUs, Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, and Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi, are affiliated with the Disciples.  HELM celebrates these relationships and the continued influence that these schools have on students, graduates, their communities, and our nation. For Additional information, click on the links below to read more about their history, academic offerings, and the exciting programs they offer.

Jarvis Christian College

Jarvis Christian College began as Jarvis Christian Institute, modeled after the Southern Christian Institute in Edwards, Mississippi.  Formal instruction began as early in 1913 after Major James Jarvis and his wife, Ida Van Zandt Jarvis, donated 456 acres to the Christian Women’s Board of Missions with the understanding that a school would be built to provide quality education to African American children.  During the first few years, elementary and high school classes were offered, with the first college-level courses beginning in 1916.  In 1928, the school incorporated as a college with the state of Texas granting a formal charter to Jarvis Christian College in 1939.

Jarvis Christian College has a long history of providing students with not just an excellent education but also the intellectual, social, and spiritual foundations to prepare them for the future. Under the leadership of current President Lester C. Newman, who has served since 2012, the number of degree programs, faculty, and athletic teams has grown. Today, Jarvis Christian College has over 900 students and offers majors in 13 different areas of study. In addition, the college has a satellite campus in Dallas and a partnership with the University of Texas in Tyler.

For more information on Jarvis Christian College, please click here. To learn about all fifteen of the Disciple affiliated colleges and universities affiliated, click here.

Tougaloo College

Tougaloo College traces its founding to the purchase of 500 acres outside Jackson, Mississippi in 1869 by the American Missionary Association of New York.  The land was purchased to establish a school for the education of former slaves and their descendants.  In 1871, Tougaloo University received its charter, initially providing elementary education as well as a “normal” school offering teacher training.  The first college credit courses were offered in 1897 and the first Bachelor of Arts degree was awarded in 1901.  In 1916, the school changed its name to Tougaloo College.

The Disciples’ relationship to Tougaloo College is connected to the founding of the Southern Christian Institute by the Home Missionary Society of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1882. SCI, located in Edwards, Mississippi, served black students during the Jim Crow era and trained several generations of African American educators, clergy and other leaders. In 1954, the Southern Christian Institute merged with Tougaloo College and continued its central mission of education, while also playing a critical role in advancing the cause of justice during the Civil Right Movement.

Tougaloo College is regularly ranked as one of the top schools in the Southeast. In the state of Mississippi, the school has historically produced over 40% of the practicing African American physicians and dentists, and more than one-third of the state’s African American attorneys. The school’s current president, Dr. Carmen J. Walters, maintains a commitment to academic excellence as well as continuing the school’s legacy of standing for social justice. Today, Tougaloo College has an enrollment of over 700 students, offers degrees in 29 majors, and has established partnerships and exchange programs with a number of universities, including New York University, Brown University, Bowdoin College, and the School of Medicine at both Boston University and the University of Buffalo.

For more information on Tougaloo College, please click here. To learn about all fifteen of the Disciple affiliated colleges and universities affiliated, click here.

What college/university will you be graduating from?

Northern Kentucky University

Majoring in…

Major: Political Science

Minor: Pre-Law

What was your motivation for deciding your major(s)?

At the heart of Political Science is people. Each individual person is different and they react differently to things that happen in life. I chose to major in political science to better understand other people. It’s also a major that I knew would enhance and challenge me. I stand true to my beliefs, but also want to be equipped to understand why I believe the way that I do.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I try to stay focused on the present, looking at the steps that I’ll take today to influence my tomorrow. I would say that within the next five years I will be in my career. This may not be a direct answer, but I pray that I’ll be where God has called me.

What advice would you give the Freshman year version of yourself?

The same advice that I always give:

1.  Be yourself.
2.  Get Involved.
3.  Have fun!
4.  Know your limitations.
5.  Go beyond even your own expectations.
6.  Follow your heart.

If you had a talk show, who would your first three guests be?

1. Jesus 2. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 3. My future self.

How has your vision of the future been enhanced by your time in the Leadership Fellowship?

Being a Leadership Fellow reminded me to not always rush for the future. We often spend way too much time planning for what is next without enjoying the now. As a Leadership Fellow, I experienced a community of strangers who became friends and then became family. This is what I hope to continue in the future. Moments of honest intention that will lead to a happy, healthy, and impactful life.

Updated bio:

Jordan J.D. White was raised in Lexington, Kentucky and is a member of East Second Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lexington. He also holds duel membership at Independence Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Independence, Kentucky. Jordan is an Political Science major and Pre-Law Minor at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). He is an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Young Life, Student Leader of the Order of the Chalice (Disciples affiliated campus ministry), Committee Member for the Curriculum Implementation Committee for Success by Design (NKU’s Strategic Framework), and is a Student Pilot for NKU’s Enrollment and Student Success (serving as a liaison and peer counselor for students and departments).

Formerly Jordan has served in numerous capacities on and off the NKU’s campus. He is the former Secretary of Student Involvement for NKU’s Student Government Association (SGA) overseeing the allocation of over $100,000 of university organization funds. Additionally, he formerly served as a Senator for SGA and the NKU’s Association of Campus Residents (ACR), and a member of NKU’s Norse Economic Club. Off-campus, Jordan served for 2.5 years as an intern with the Kentucky Council of Churches.

Throughout his undergraduate career, his involvement leadership positions has propelled him to be the recipient of several honors. He was one of the inaugural recipients of East Second Street Christian Church’s Brown-Clark Scholarship for Persistence in 2017. Among the honors he has received are Northern Kentucky University’s Gold and White Gratitude Award,  Sophomore of the Year in 2018, Sound Body Award in 2018, and the William Lamb Leadership Award in 2019.

1) Where are you currently serving?  Please share a bit about the work/ministry in which you are involved.

I currently serve at Light of the World Christian Church (LWCC) where I am the Servant Leader for the New Members Ministry.  I have the privilege of leading a team that walks with persons deciding for the first time or redeciding to join in a closer relationship with God, either by baptism and/or new/returning membership with LWCC.  I get to witness the manifestation of God’s love realized within a person firsthand, which is a beautiful thing indeed.

Outside of the physical church, I serve as a full-time Mental Health Counselor.  I journey with individuals, couples, families, and groups to encourage living a life that they enjoy, where healthy boundaries within self and others become accessible and even preferred.

2) What are some of your memories from your time in DLI?

I often think about my first-time joining this amazing group of leaders. It was a beautiful few days in Utah where I experienced a transformation like none other.  Keep in mind, I was entering my first DLI Conference from an immovable and unshakable embedded theology, so I thought I knew everything about how God operates.  Then, all-of-a-sudden, the person who held the responsibility for bringing the elements for communion had a delay in their flight.  Someone spoke in a loud voice, “Does anyone have some bread and a cup?”  Out of nowhere, one of my esteemed colleagues grabs a loaf of perfectly sliced wheat bread with the honey top.  Another colleague fills a cup with water from the fountain. The words of institution rang bountifully.  That day, I experienced God in a new way as my foundation was beautifully shaken.  Since then, my sermon continues to be filled with an encouragement for the person listening that God can move even in our immovable, unshakable, embedded places.

3) What skills, experiences and/or knowledge did you gain by participating in DLI?

I gained space within myself to be impressed by God.  I learned from training on sermon and bible study preparation, advocating for others both inside and outside of the church, and thriving in discomfort.  DLI exposed me to various ways of doing ministry and I’ve been able to bring some of these “eye-openers” back to my home church, asking some critical questions that challenge and, simultaneously, bring peace.  I am so thankful to have gained relationships with other leaders who are trailblazers inside and outside of the church.  The Revolution continues!

4) In what ways has this participation shaped your understanding of ministry and, in particular, what it means to be a leader?

Being a part of this program has challenged everything I thought I knew.  Before DLI, and to my detriment, I thought the pastor was the most important piece on the chessboard. At DLI, I learned the gift of empowering others to not just have ideas, but to live into them, is vital.  I learned to distribute not just responsibility but authority, and not just the idea of leadership but the freedom to make mistakes.

Quinlan Pulleyking will graduate from Missouri State University in May 2020 with a degree in Communication Studies. During her undergraduate career, she also minored in Religious Studies and completed certificates in Conflict & Dispute Resolution as well as Interfaith Engagement. Throughout college, Quinlan has served on staff at an after-school ministry for at-risk youth in Springfield, Missouri area. She also currently serves as the Interim Communications and Media Minister at Emmaus, a local inter-denominational church body. During her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, riding her road bike with friends and listening to engaging podcasts. Quinlan hopes to continue to work in ministry and non-profit communications following graduation, as well as possibly pursue graduate education.

What college/university will you be graduating from?

Missouri State University

What is your Major?

Major: Communication Studies

Minor: Religious Studies

Certificate(s): Conflict & Dispute Resolution, Interfaith Engagement

What was your motivation for deciding your major?

I went in undecided (because I wanted to be honest) and landed in Communication Studies for a couple of reasons. I was passionate about Speech & Debate in high school (as well as the importance of public speaking) and I fell in love with the communication courses I was enrolled in. A lot of people overlook or don’t understand the field of communication, but a degree in communications can be beneficial in any arena! We could all do a better job at practicing effective and compassionate communication.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Continuing to work full-time in the field of communication and media for a ministry and/or non-profit!

What advice would you give the Freshman year version of yourself?

Simple things, I guess.  Don’t let the advice and pressure of other people in your life dictate your decisions (even if it is good advice!) This is the time when it is okay to be figuring things out. Take your time and enjoy it! It is good to take things a little less seriously and pour out more grace.

If you had a talk show, who would your first three guests be?

I would say Jamie Tworkowski (founder of the non-profit mental health organization “To Write Love on Her Arms”), Andrea Marie Regan (lead musician in United Pursuit), and Morgan Harper Nichols (poet and author).

How has your vision of the future been enhanced by your time in the Leadership Fellows Program?

Being a part of HELM’s LFP has done an excellent job at exposing me to diverse experiences over a significant portion of time. HELM has been part of all four years of my college experience and has given me really valuable opportunities for travel to new places, engage in conversations with peers from across the country, and hearing from passionate speakers and leaders. HELM has never failed to expand my perspective and take me out of my comfort zone, which has definitely been a factor as I consider opportunities for my future.

The Disciples Leadership Institute (DLI) brings together emerging Disciples leaders (clergy and lay), seeking to deepen understanding and develop relationships across perceived boundaries of race, culture, and language. This month we highlight past DLI participant Hollie Woodruff as she shares what she gained from the DLI program and how it continues to influence her life and ministry.

On her current ministry:

I currently serve as the lead pastor at Seventh Street Christian Church in Richmond, Virginia, though I wish to recognize the amazing team I get to work with, including MDiv student, Jayme Babczak. We’ve been working together at Seventh Street almost as long as I’ve been here, co-creating and pastoring together.

Seventh Street Christian Church is a congregation that has been around in some form for nearly 190 years!  It started as Sycamore church and, over its history, has moved and merged into what is known today as Seventh Street Christian Church. Like many of our congregations, we are navigating the landscape of changes in religious America.  How do we meet the religious needs of this generation?  How might we have failed them? Where are we most successful?  How do I navigate those questions while supporting my current congregation?  Besides the traditional pastor responsibilities like preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, I am also taking care of other responsibilities – building management, renovations and rental agreements – that makes me glad I grew up with a dad in construction and have my Bachelor of Business Administration.

On memories from participating:

My best memories are connected to the relationships I built.  Some of my closest colleagues came out of DLI and I am deeply grateful.
I remember taking walks with Amy Gopp early in the morning around the campus of Eden Seminary.  I remember struggling with challenging topics such as “what is truth.”  I remember a powerful sermon given by Earle Fisher about the power of friendship in the story of the paralytic man at Capernaum. I still draw upon the worship services that engaged all our senses.
When I think about the people I was with in DLI, I know many of them are doing so many amazing things in the church – they are congregational pastors, regional ministers, leaders of justice ministries, interim ministers, and authors!  AMAZING people!

On important learnings:

I know that I’m not alone in ministry.  We can forget that.  Congregational ministry can be so isolating, so just to know I can pick up the phone and get someone else’s perspective on an issue is always reassuring. DLI was the first time that I was a part of something in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that was intentional about the diversity of voices – people of color, different gender orientations, people who are part of the LGBTQ community, and younger voices.  This sounds crazy today as I believe we’re much better about it now, but back in 2005 and 2006, it was kind of a novelty.

On how it shaped her sense of call:

A skill I will always be working to cultivate is listening. DLI helped me hone in on that, particularly in working with a group of diverse leaders.  As a dominant straight white voice, I (we) need to be quiet and open our ears. I think part of being a good leader is always asking one or more of the following: “Do I need to talk?  Do I need to share it now?  Does it need to come from me?”

I’m grateful to DLI for its contribution to the continued shaping of my call.

During the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature (AAR/SBL), held in San Diego November 23-26, CPB/Chalice Press and HELM hosted a reception for over sixty Disciples scholars and graduate students. Speaking about the event, Chris Dorsey, President of HELM, noted that “For the second year in a row, HELM and Chalice Press have held the reception as an early evening event. Attendance continues to be robust, and the energy and excitement around the reception have been great.” Those in attendance shared where they are teaching or studying. In addition, Dorsey and Brad Lyons, CBP President and Publisher, also gave updates on the work of HELM and Chalice Press, respectively.

Discussing the importance of being present with Disciples scholars at the meeting, Lyons said, “It’s always good to see the teachers and educational mentors of our faith at events like AAR/SBL. It helps us understand how higher education is changing, how Chalice Press can prepare to serve the church of the next ten years, and what additional resources are needed in our classrooms that Chalice Press can develop. We’re grateful for the fellowship and the deep conversations that take place at those kinds of events, creating a sacred space in the midst of an ordinary convention hall.”

The meeting of the AAR/SBL is the largest global gathering of academics in the field of religion, with attendance usually exceeding 10,000 participants.  Over 1,200 events are offered during the four-day conference, including academic sessions, receptions, workshops, and tours.

The Disciples Leadership Institute (DLI) brings together emerging Disciples leaders (clergy and lay), seeking to deepen understanding and develop relationships across perceived boundaries of race, culture and language. This month we highlight two past DLI participants, Yvonne Gilmore and Wilson Dickinson, as they share what they gained from the DLI program and how it continues to influence their lives and ministries.

Yvonne Gilmore

On her current ministry:

I am currently serving Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago as Associate Dean. The Disciples Divinity House offers an exceptional residential scholarship program in conjunction with the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. It is one of the seven theological education institutions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Scholars of the Disciples Divinity House are also students of the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, where they pursue MDiv, MA, or Ph.D. degrees.

On memories from participating:

I fondly and gratefully remember DLI as a space of theological innovation, bold vision, and space to re-discover church-wide leadership. I experienced the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in a different way than I experienced it at the General Assembly or at a Regional Assembly, which are also spaces where the whole church gathers. Sharing in participant-led programming over 5 days with 40 people from different places with varied vocational commitments, racial/ethnic backgrounds, and theological commitments provided a new entrance for understanding possibilities in the church and in my own ministry. I met peers, colleagues, brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors that I didn’t know I had, that lived and served in different places. They became sources of support, collaboration, and challenge over the years.

On important learnings:

The Christian Church is a deeply rooted, widely imaginative, theologically capacious, and diverse church. Practicing modes of dialogue and curiosity, worship planning and practice, table practices, and shared inquiry that made space for everyone was a gift. We did not always agree with one another, but we valued each other and remained present with integrity throughout the program. I’ve continued to cultivate ways of practicing and re-purposing “Witness and Response,” a way of bearing witness to faith and making space for an unfiltered response to four “witnesses,” developed by Joe Blosser at the first DLI.

On how it shaped her sense of call:

Leadership is not a solitary commitment. It is always a shared interpretive project. DLI was built on the supposition that models of leadership abound across the life of our church, and that making space to discover and learn from a variety of “images of God” and ways of leading and serving God is essential for leadership development. Adaptive leadership growth is often activated in the vineyard with other leaders and by a deepening relationship with one’s own leadership model. Earnest translation and conversation about faith across lines of practice, party, place, and space help me hear, map and understand myself as well as my neighbor.

Wilson Dickinson

On his current ministry:

I am a Disciples writer, teacher, and pastor serving in central Kentucky. I teach theology and am the Director of the Doctor of Ministry and Continuing Education Programs at Lexington Theological Seminary. I also serve as the Director of the Green Good News, an organization that educates, cultivates, and organizes at the crossroads of discipleship, justice, and sustainability. My second book, environmental justice and agrarian reading of the Gospels written for a popular audience, entitled The Green Good News: Christ’s Path to Sustainable and Joyful Life, is coming out this November.

On memories from participating:

I mostly remember friends, and by this, I mean friendship in the highest sense, of the bonds that are created by shared life and common calling. These brief retreats were marked as much by laughter as by uncomfortable truths. I would leave feeling both renewed and deeply challenged.

On important learnings:

DLI underlined for me the power of relationships that are held together by shared stories, study, and worship. So often in ministry and in organizing, we focus so much on the message that we lose the power of the medium. DLI did an excellent job of creating the space that held people together around challenging and personal issues, but it did so in such a way that the content did not emerge through a concluding document or action. Instead, it was woven into our relationships, and this has subsequently shaped my own life and call.

On how it shaped his sense of call:

My roots run deep in white establishment churches and DLI expanded my idea of what ministry is. It was at DLI that I first became friends with church planters and they were part of a number of groups that planted seeds that led my wife and myself to start a dinner church a few years ago. Furthermore, the friendships that I made with some folks in DLI have played an integral role in shifting from being a person who had hopes of a pro-reconciling church to now coming to understand that the path of discipleship requires the work of anti-racism, racial justice, and reparation.