Three Disciple related colleges and universities are in their first year under new presidents. This month we meet Brien Lewis, President of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Before coming to Transylvania, Dr. Lewis served as President of Catawba College in North Carolina. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Read a brief interview with President Lewis below:

What drew you to Transylvania University?

I found the combination of a national-caliber liberal arts education in the heart of a thriving city especially compelling. It really offers our students the best of both worlds: the personal attention of a teaching-focused and dedicated faculty and easy access to the experiential opportunities (including internships and mentors) that will also help them develop the skills needed to navigate our complex future.

What has been your biggest joy so far? You biggest surprise?

The biggest joy has been the depth of commitment to the core mission and values of the University. It is evident in our students seeking the fullest residential and connected experiences possible, the thoughtfulness and creativity of faculty adapting to online and hybrid pedagogies, and the care and generosity of alumni and friends of Transy. Each is driven by the same passion: a deeply personal and relevant liberal arts education that will shape the critical thinking, communications skills, and creativity that students will need to thrive in “The Conceptual Age”.

The biggest surprise is how patient everyone has been. Students and parents, faculty and staff – everyone recognizes just how unusual and challenging it is to navigate the pandemic. As a result, they have given the Transy team the time and space to think things through, to experiment, and to not have all the answers overnight. When we have said, “We don’t know yet” people have nodded and said, “That’s fine – just let us know when you do.” I am grateful for the grace members of our community have shown each other.

What do the college’s historic ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) mean to you as you lead the institution into the future?

Transylvania University’s ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are vital on several levels. The values and tenets of the Church help provide a moral and ethical foundation for us in approaching complex issues such as racism and social justice, stewardship of natural resources, and civil discourse. In addition, the way the Church embraces people of many faith traditions sets an example for our campus community in accepting and understanding differences. It is my hope that we can deepen and expand our ties with the Church both for families who might

“Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” -John F. Kennedy

The art of learning to dance between reflections on past, present, and future is mastered when practiced in the presence of community, and this year’s Leadership Fellows Retreat was a practice session of that exact art. While the Leadership Fellows Retreat had originally been scheduled to take place in Indianapolis, the COVID pandemic required the retreat to be experienced virtually this year. During the 2020 virtual retreat, the 34 Fellows of this year’s cohort shared their talents, dreams, struggles, and hopes for the future.

Sarah Wilson, a first-year Leadership Fellow, shared the following about the impact of this year’s retreat:

“As a new member of the HELM Leadership Fellows Program, I was excited to experience the retreat for the first time. Even though the retreat could not be done in person this year, it was a very meaningful weekend that went beyond my expectations. HELM was able to create a space for all of the members to feel connected and open to each other. I was able to meet all of the members virtually and it felt as if I had known them my whole life. Throughout the retreat weekend, we were privileged to hear from Rev. Terri Hord Owens, Rev. Lee Hull Moses, Rev. Darnell Fennell, and Rev. Chris Dorsey. It was wonderful to hear from these four speakers and I learned so much about Disciples history, the current state of the Disciples church, different outreach opportunities through the National Benevolent Association NBA, and about the importance of generosity.”

In addition, Wilson noted that another meaningful part of the retreat involved meetings with Fellows who are part of the same year in the program. During those times, “We shared in many thoughtful and significant conversations and were able to create such a purposeful space for everyone. Each person in the Leadership Fellows Program was able to create a space of welcoming and love for each other. I am so honored to be a part of this program and look forward to spending the next four years as part of it!”

While we look forward with hope to a time when we can again meet together in person, we give thanks for the ability to connect virtually and for the amazing young people who are part of the Leadership Fellows Program.

Three Disciple related colleges and universities are in their first year under new presidents. One of these schools is Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, where President Douglas B. Palmer begin his tenure on July 1, 2020. Before coming to Culver-Stockton, Dr. Palmer served as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Walsh University in Ohio. He holds a doctorate in European history from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in modern European history from the University of Oregon, and a bachelors’ degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. To read a brief interview with President Palmer, click here. To view “Coffee with Dr. Palmer” and learn more about him, including what led him to work in higher education and his vision for the future of Culver-Stockton College, continue to read below!

 What drew you to Culver-Stockton College?

I felt a strong sense of community from my very first interview with the search committee. That’s saying something since it is a high-pressure situation. But the caring and kindness of this College shone through.

What has been your biggest joy so far? Your biggest surprise?

Every morning I get to go to work surrounded by young people full of hope about their future and looking to make a difference in the world. If you can’t find joy in that and working on their behalf to help that happen, then this isn’t the right job for you.

Surprise? The heat and humidity of a Missouri summer are formidable!

What do the ties to the DOC mean to you?

The Church’s call to bring wholeness to a fragmented world is our call too. This will be embedded in the way we teach, the way we function as a community, and our very ethos. Our goal will be to prepare students to use their intellect and faith – the best values of faith and the human spirit as our mission statement says – to become agents of repairing a broken world

To learn more about President Palmer see the “Coffee with Dr. Palmer” videos below!

To view more follow the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFs43EZt3RqokoNZhFVjc7NajFvdI16JF.

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

Since participating in DLI, I have had a number of different opportunities to serve in meaningful work. Immediately after DLI, I was hired to serve as a development director, fundraising for access to affordable mental healthcare in Los Angeles. After four years, I moved from LA to Denver to be the Development Director for AfricAid, an organization that supports girls in secondary school in Tanzania who are seeking to complete their education and develop into confident, community-minded leaders. Today, my son just turned one year old and I am extremely fortunate that my wife supports me as a full-time at home mom! Who knows what the future holds, but for now I am enjoying each moment with my baby Fynn.

2) What led you to want to participate in the DLI program?

In 2012, I attended DLI on the heels of returning from eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) as a Global Ministries Mission Coworker. I was unsure of what my next steps would be, and I saw the opportunity to attend this conference of young Disciples Leaders and thought, “I must be there!”

3) What are some of your memories from your time in the DLI program?

I recall DLI fondly. Mostly I remember connecting with individuals, hearing personal stories, both shared one on one and in group settings, and hearing very personal dreams for ministry. I think that’s the beauty of gathering those who are early in their careers (at the time, I was in my early 30’s as were many gathered, though the range was early 20’s to late 40’s!) People brought their visions for life and ministry. I too had a vision I was developing and dreaming about. At DLI I spent time talking with people about it: building it up, shaking it down, and trying to figure out my path forward. I have always been clear that “traditional church ministry” isn’t for me. And I am still trying to figure out what’s next with my vision. Maybe I always will.

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

I think back on that intentional gathering and thank HELM and Reconciliation Ministries for creating the space and place for diverse theologies, perspectives, leadership styles, racial and ethnic identities, points of entry, and ideas to come together. I believe that whatever I do in the future, the ideals that are the foundation to DLI continue to be important to me because that is the way church should be embodied in our world!

Higher education has been an important focus for Disciples since the very beginning of the movement. Throughout our history, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning to educate students and form leaders to make a difference in the world. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education.

In the midst of national and global challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, our higher education institutions are facing unprecedented challenges and they need our support now, more than ever. Even as they work diligently to ensure safe and healthy learning environments, the financial realities faced by many of our schools are adding additional stress to students, faculty, and staff.

This year’s offering will take place on November 15 and 22. You can also give online at https://disciplesmissionfund.org/special-offerings/thanksgiving/ (please choose “Thanksgiving Special Offering” on the Designation Dropdown List). Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps support the education of thousands of students at our fifteen colleges and universities as well as our seven seminaries and divinity houses. In addition, it helps continue the ongoing collaborative work of the church and higher education that is such a foundational part of the heritage of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Please give generously to this offering. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of our students and it makes a difference in the world.

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

I am currently serving as Associate Pastor at First Christian Church of Orange in Orange, California. I lead in several areas of congregational life, including worship, education, and overseeing ministry with children, youth, families, and young adults. During the time since I participated in DLI, some ways that I have participated in the life of the larger church include coordinating the youth program for General Assembly (Orlando), serving on and chairing the General Nominating Committee, and (currently) serving on the board of Disciples Seminary Foundation. In the Pacific Southwest Region, I have participated in the early years of the Youth Immersion Ministry (YIM) as one of the adult leaders; YIM is an anti-racist pro-reconciling ministry composed of an intentionally multi-racial, multi-cultural group of high school youth.

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

Before participating in DLI, I felt a commitment to anti-racist pro-reconciling work, to open and affirming ministries, and to having conversations across differences. DLI helped me to put into practice all of those ways of being— in the same setting! The program naturally facilitated building relationships, several of which have maintained connection.

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

Something that I have learned from my time in DLI is that rich diversity— where everyone has not only a seat at the table but also a voice— does not just happen without a lot of intentionality and work. And the fruit of the work, although messy, is so well worth it. DLI invites young leaders to wade in these waters and emerge with more experience and confidence in doing essential work that the Church is called to. I am so happy that DLI helped shape my story and my call!

The Disciples Divinity House (DDH) at Vanderbilt seeks a full-time Dean. The Dean will provide visionary leadership, guiding our community in discerning our next bold steps. They will fundraise for our mission to make excellent ministers for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and mentor students attending Vanderbilt Divinity School (VDS) through coaching, programming, and other forms of support. As theological education evolves, DDH has done the same. This position no longer includes a teaching role at VDS, through collaboration and partnership with VDS will be encouraged and celebrated. Less an academic position and more of a chaplain/pastor/executive director role, we invite candidates with experience in fundraising, organizational leadership, spiritual formation, and pastoral care and counseling to consider applying.

Please follow the link below to see the full description and benefits!

DDH Vanderbilt Search Letter

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

I am currently in my fourth year of medical school at the Texas A&M College of Medicine and doing my clinical rotations at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, Texas. Upon graduation, I plan to go into a three-year Internal Medicine residency program. Afterward, I hope to specialize in Hematology/Oncology, which is another 3-year fellowship program. I am hoping to return to a more rural and underserved area when I become an attending physician.

2) What are some of your memories from your time in the LF program?

Every trip I have had with the LF program was memorable! The trips were definitely some of the highlights of my college experience. Some of my favorite memories include the wonderful and eye-opening experiences I had in Cuba, learning about how Christian faith and socioeconomic policy intersect in a socialist country. Hearing from Cubans about their country, and their goals to continue an “ethics-based economy” with the country opening up to the world, was a humbling experience. As a future physician, I also appreciated the time I got to spend talking to a physician from a small Cuban town, learning about how their community-based medical system works and how it truly cares for all types of citizens, rich or poor.

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

As fellows, we were so lucky to learn from great leaders. Rev. Chris Dorsey really set the tone and allowed for meaningful experiences in the program. I continued to learn about the importance of living out our Christian faith, not only by word but also through service. We were encouraged to seek out systems of injustice and evaluate the ways we can transform those oppressive systems.

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

I think that the HELM Leadership Fellows Program has taught me that to lead doesn’t necessarily mean one has to be the loudest or bravest or wisest person in the room. It means to learn about each member of your community, realize the God-given gifts each has to bring to the table, and learn how to make those talents shine as bright as they can. In addition, being a leader means realizing the best ways we can live out Christ’s mandate to love one another as much as we love God and to evaluate the ways in which we aren’t living up to that standard. It means to continually challenge the status quo and to do right by those who are oppressed by the status quo.

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

I currently serve as the Lead Pastor of First Tongan Christian Church (DOC) located in West Valley City, Utah. We are a multi-generational and bi-lingual congregation that emphasizes both Tongan and Modern culture. Our mission statement states, “Seeking Christ, Fostering Community, and Cultivating Culture.” One of the ways we try to uphold God’s mission is through our music ministry under the direction of my younger brother, Sifa Uesi. He helped start a marching band for the church by offering free music lessons to the community. Students come from different backgrounds regardless of religious affiliation, race, age, gender, etc. The congregation also works in partnership with our fellow sister congregation, Granger Community Christian Church (DOC), led by Rev. Vinnetta Golphin.

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

Some of my memories from the DLI program involve being able to meet other Disciples from across the country. Worship and fellowship with fellow DLI participants were refreshing, considering there are not many Disciples here in Salt Lake City, Utah. There were activities that helped build our relationship with each other and with God. It was also nice to hear different perspectives about how to do church as well as reflect how we can help our particular congregations.  It was a really good time, especially when Beau Underwood talked about the meaning of hashtags (this is when hashtags became a thing lol!).

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

One of the skills I gained by participating in the DLI program is learning how to network and stay connected not only within DLI but the wider church and the community. I believe networking is an essential part of ministry, and I learned how to essentially connect with people that I had never met before. To this day, I still connect with my fellow DLI members, even some who have continued to higher positions in the church as well as serving their respective communities.

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

One way that this experience helped me to become a better leader is learning how to build relationships, which I believe is one of the components of the Disciples of Christ ethos. The invitation to the table is not necessarily about a ritual but about relationships. Christ sought relationships with his disciples and those on the margins of society. Building relationships with my fellow DLI participants opened my eyes that the table of life extends to different parts of the world. I witnessed this when we gathered together at the table to break bread. Building relationships is therefore an act of service to the community.