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!