Guest Bio: This week we talk with one of our new favorite human beings, Carol Howard Merritt! Rev. Carol Howard Merritt (@CarolHoward) is a minister whose writing, speaking, and teaching is anchored in theological wisdom and sociological insight. She’s a sought-after keynote speaker, especially on the topic of ministering in a new generation. After being raised as a conservative Baptist and attending a fundamentalist Bible college, Carol studied at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Texas and became a Presbyterian (USA) Minister. She’s known for serving growing Presbyterian (USA) churches, especially those with a deep commitment to serving the poor and disenfranchised. A pastor for almost two decades, Carol has served Presbyterian (USA) churches in the swamps of Cajun Louisiana, a bayside village in Rhode Island, and an urban neighborhood of Washington, DC. Her committee and board work with the church includes serving as Moderator of the Special General Assembly Committee on the Nature of the Church in the 21st Century. This breadth and depth of practical experience informs her consultations with denominational governing bodies, seminaries, and local churches. Carol is an Adjunct Faculty member at Dubuque Theological Seminary and a Senior Consultant at Center for Progressive Renewal. She is a founder and host of UNCO, an open-space “unconference” that attracts church leaders across denominations and generations. Since 2011, a growing community of participants meets to generate ideas and develop plans for ministry. She co-hosts the thought-provoking podcast, God Complex Radio, with Rev. Derrick Weston. (Selected) Published Works: The award-winning author of Tribal Church: Ministering to the Missing Generation, Reframing Hope: Vital Ministry in a New Generation, and Healing Spiritual Wounds: Reconnecting with a Loving God After Experiencing a Hurtful Church. Carol is a frequent contributor to books, websites, magazines, and journals. She is a regular writer at the Christian Century where her blog is hosted. Guest Links: www.carolhowardmerritt.org Twitter: @carolhoward Facebook: @carolhowardmerritt Special guest music provided by: J.R. Richards www.jrrichardsmusic.com Facebook: @jrrichardsmusic Twitter: @jrrichards Enjoy the songs? Songs featured on this episode were: “Walls” & “A Hope for Better Days (Cold War)” from the album, Honore Et Amore. “A Beautiful End” from the album, A Beautiful End. “Collide” & “Mad Life” from the album, “Stripped.” J.R.’s music is available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and anywhere good music is sold! Donation: If you enjoy what we’re doing consider becoming part of our Patreon family. We have some really great ways for you to help be a part of what we’re doing and some really cool reward packages as well! Check us out at our website www.thedeconstructionists.com to join, listen to all of our episodes, subscribe to future shows, connect with us on social media, read our blog, or get your hands on one of our many cool t-shirts or pint glasses. Website design by @ryanbattles. The Deconstructionists Podcast is produced by Nicholas Rowe at National Audio Preservation Society: A full service recording studio and creative habitat, located in Heath, Ohio. Find them on Facebook and Twitter or visit their website for more information. www.nationalaudiopreservationsociety.weebly.com www.facebook.com/nationalaudiopreservationsociety Twitter: @napsrecording