1) Where are you currently serving? Please share a bit about the work/ministry in which you are involved.
I am currently the Assistant Dean of Worship and Music and Assistant Professor in the Practice of Worship at Candler School of Theology. I also serve in ministry with my husband at Providence Missionary Baptist Church as first lady and an associate minister.
At Candler, my job and ministry role is to oversee the worship life of the seminary. This includes leading a team of seminary students in the planning and execution of over forty worship services per semester. I get the privilege of watching these students grow in their thoughtfulness in worship leadership.
At Providence, I lead the women’s ministry and work with a team to offer vital spiritual growth for the women of the church through discipleship, learning, and service.
2) What are some of your memories from your time in the DLI program?
My best memories involve connections with others who were in seminary. It was a great time of coming together and meeting others in the discernment of the next steps in ministry and life, and to know that there were other Disciples out there experiencing the same or a similar journey as my own.
3) What skills, experiences, and/or knowledge did you gain by participating in the DLI program?
I will speak more about it below, but one skill that I gained was a mindfulness of presence. I know it may sound weird as there were other more pressing things covered through the program, but there were intentional times of stillness, reflection and listening that were shaped into the program that required us to be fully present. It required me to let go of the things I had left undone and really lean into the experience. When I did that, I experienced my surroundings and those I was there with in very different ways. It was a great lesson I learned that I carry with me.
4) In what ways has this participation shaped your understanding of ministry and, in particular, what it
means to be a leader?
Ironically, the most impactful part of DLI that has shaped me was the charge to be fully present. I continue to keep this mindfulness with me ever since my time at DLI. We engaged and learned a lot, but the intentionality that was placed on being fully present in the moments was the most impactful, and has certainly shaped me as I juggle highly demanding roles professionally and in ministry. Over time, carrying that awareness has taught me that no matter how busy we are (and ministry is busy), it is important to be fully present in the moments as a matter of pastoral care and presence, as well as a matter of self-care. You can easily miss what God is doing in and through you if you are not fully present.