Season 12: Critical Themes for the Current and Future Church | Episode 3
Place Matters
Overview
This week, host Rev. Lisa Greenwood and co-host Rev. Kathi McShane continue exploring themes that will be essential to the future church – and they are happening right now. Rev. Bill Lamar, Pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Rev. Dr. Reggie Blount, Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership, and Culture at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, join Lisa and Kathi to discuss the power of place. This idea of ‘going local’ or the power of place in local, contextual ministry is a means of grace now and for the future flourishing of people, congregations, and communities.
Listen as they talk about the need for leaders to embrace the local stories and narratives of their communities while also advocating for the inclusion of younger generations in leading transformative change within the church.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
The Role of Place in Formation: Both guests underscore how deeply the places we inhabit inform our spiritual and communal lives.
AME Tradition and Community: The African Methodist Episcopal Church’s emphasis on community engagement offers profound lessons in living out faith in local contexts.
Innovative Local Ministry: Successful ministry innovation is deeply rooted in understanding and engaging the local community, fostering both spiritual and physical well-being.
Theological Anthropology: Understanding God's relationship with humanity is essential for nurturing inclusive and neighborly relations within communities.
Empowering Youth: The significance of allowing young people to lead and shape the future direction of the church is key to its vitality and relevance.
Meet Our Guests
Rev. William H. Lamar IV
Rev. William H. Lamar IV is the pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. He previously served Turner Memorial AME Church in Maryland and three churches in Florida. He is a former managing director at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. Lamar is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Duke Divinity School. He is the co-host of "Can These Bones," a faith and leadership podcast.
Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount
Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount serves on the faculty of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary as Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership, and Culture and teaches in the area of Christian Education, Congregational Leadership, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. He is the Program Director of the Garrett Young Adult Initiative and serves as an advisor for the Doctor of Ministry in Strategic Leadership in Black Congregations. Reggie is Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Oikos Institute, helping congregations harness the power of their assets to be a catalyst for communal transformation and economic renewal.
Show Notes
Rev. William H. Lamar IV is the pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. He previously served Turner Memorial AME Church in Maryland and three churches in Florida. He is a former managing director at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. Lamar is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Duke Divinity School. He is the co-host of "Can These Bones," a faith and leadership podcast.
Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount serves on the faculty of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary as Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership, and Culture and teaches in the area of Christian Education, Congregational Leadership, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. He is the Program Director of the Garrett Young Adult Initiative and serves as an advisor for the Doctor of Ministry in Strategic Leadership in Black Congregations. Reggie is Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Oikos Institute, helping congregations harness the power of their assets to be a catalyst for communal transformation and economic renewal.
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More From Season 12: Critical Themes for the Current and Future Church
What’s a Critical Theme for the Future Church That We Missed
With Rev. Lisa Greenwood, Rev. Kathleen McShane, and Rev. Dr. Blair Thompson
Small Boats are the Big Wave for the Church
With Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Rev. Dr. Michael Beck