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Season 14: Healing the World Through New Models of Ministry | Episode 5

Speak Up and Speak Out

Overview

Faith and law can work together to heal communities.

In this episode of the Igniting Imagination® podcast, we explore the intersection of faith and law with Leslee Matthews, Founder and Managing Attorney of Speak Out & Up Law, LLLC. Leslee shares how her work at the intersection of legal advocacy and faith is transforming lives—especially in communities that have historically been overlooked or harmed by legal systems.

Through her story, we discover the unexpected power of building relationships with unlikely allies—even those once seen as adversaries—in the pursuit of justice and human dignity. Leslee challenges us to broaden our understanding of ministry beyond traditional walls and titles, inviting us into a more expansive, love-rooted vision of service.

Meet Our Guest

Rahel Billups

Leslee Matthews, Esq.

Leslee Matthews, Esq., MSW is a Founder & Managing Attorney for Speak Out & Up Law, LLLC. Speak Out & Up Law is a legal empowerment law firm rooted in Proverbs 31:8-9: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” As a social worker and attorney, Leslee is an advocate for social justice and passionate about connecting the community with resources. Leslee earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas Woman’s University and her Master in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating magna cum laude.

Meet Our Co-Host

Rahel Billups

Rev. Dr. Amy Butler

Rev. Dr. Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

Amy is the author of Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other. Her new book, Holy Disruption: A Manifesto for the Future of Faith Communities, with Dawn Darwin Weaks, will be out September 16!

Show Notes

Leslee Matthews, Esq., MSW is a Founder & Managing Attorney for Speak Out & Up Law, LLLC. Speak Out & Up Law is a legal empowerment law firm rooted in Proverbs 31:8-9: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” As a social worker and attorney, Leslee is an advocate for social justice and passionate about connecting the community with resources. Leslee earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas Woman’s University and her Master in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating magna cum laude.


Rev. Dr.
Amy Butler is the founder of the philanthropic initiative Invested Faith. She previously served as the first woman senior minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (D.C.), associate pastor at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, and intentional interim minister at National City Christian Church (D.C.). Amy holds degrees from Baylor University, the International Baptist Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary. She's a mother of three children and currently lives in Hawaii.

Amy is the author of Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other. Her new book, Holy Disruption: A Manifesto for the Future of Faith Communities, with Dawn Darwin Weaks, will be out September 16!

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