Coffeepot Fellowship Podcast

Sterling Severns is the "Senior Pastor" at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. That really is his title and role but big titles aren't really in the ethos of Tabernacle BC, as I've experienced them. What is in the ethos of TBC is community, inclusion, education, love and empowerment. Almost everywhere I turn there are fruits, usually with names and faces, from its congregation.

Does courage come easily to some? I don't know. But from start to finish of this interview Cathy Knight lives her courage. Before we ever get to our question of the biggest blunder or trial in her life she has been entirely revealing and vulnerable. Which begs me to name how much of our stories we all must naturally keep private. It takes courage to be the real leaders who bring their real, full stories out into the light so that we can all begin to know that we're each okay. Our struggles and our diversity are beautiful and often completely God-given (i.e. normal and natural).

I'm grateful that I was still recording when the official interview ended because we've captured a very entertaining, off-the-cuff Will Willimon responding with very colorful stories. This recording was made in my early days, all the way back to January 2015. Bishop Willimon has kindly given us permission to share the pre and post-interview conversation. So please enjoy the atypical Coffeepot Fellowship interview.

Bishop Will Willimon has been described many ways. Really, he's a family man and a United Methodist minister. And, oh yeah, a storyteller. Here come the stories.

The Very Reverend Phoebe Roaf is known most affectionately as Mother Roaf or Mother Phoebe. Her story takes stops in Arkansas, New Orleans, and lands her in Richmond, Virginia. I'm confident that your experience of her will reveal an especially kind and comfortable spirit. Maybe it's the tea.

Chris Wondree is a feather in the cap of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia, the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, and the faith groups he serves. Chris is an uplifting, disarming friend with a deeply stabilizing presence. Trying to shock or surprise Chris could be a very successful game show or at least Youtube channel. Enjoy the disarming humor which allows important lessons to land without our evening knowing it. This episode is cohosted by Ben Brown and Jay McNeal

Ben Brown once came up to me and recalled how the ministry ideas we had brainstormed in theory I had actually implemented. Ben was no onlooker though. Ben is a shining example of how students and leaders can use United Faith Leaders to serve real people and expand their actual experiences while creating additional income. Ben has since graduated with two masters degrees and is pastoring in western Virginia. Our ministries and talents have expanded each other's ability to care for and support real people. Thanks for being so courageous and open minded, Ben Brown. Today's episode is cohosted with Chris Wondree.

Women Roofers, that's what you're looking for. That is if you're trying to figure out what Jesus looks like or what the hands and feet of God look like, it's Women Roofers. And Nell Perry Bovender is the best way to find out more about them. Nell is the Executive Director of Rutherfordton Housing Partnership and they have been covered by the major national news teams and featured in People Magazine.

"Soy chai," saith Emily Holladay when asked how she likes her coffee. Emily is a pastor primarily for children and families in Louisville, KY. Even though Emily and I both graduated from seminary in 2013 we don't really know each other. We're both Baptist. We're both Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Baptists. But our seminaries were 500 miles apart. Nuke your coffee and join me as we get to know Emily better together.

Cheryl Douglas-Walker has an infectious laugh. The laughter and the correlated faith are both gifts from God that bless people anywhere near her path. She is a source of many good things and is always good for a great hug.