In this episode of the Small Churches Big Impact Collective, host the Rev. Stacy Williams-Duncan sits down with the Rev. Dr. Paula Miller, Rector of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lincoln Park, Michigan and the Rev. Nandra Perry, Vicar of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Hearne, Texas.

Paula shares how St. Michael's in Lincoln Park, Michigan, is working to improve the social and economic well-being of their community. Through partnerships with local organizations, they are advocating for systemic change by addressing issues such as poverty, food insecurity, and access to resources.

Nandra describes how St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Hearne, Texas, has revitalized their community through asset-based community development. By focusing on the strengths and resources within their community, they have empowered local residents to address community needs, leading to the creation of new initiatives such as a community festival and a local resource center.

This episode highlights how small churches can go beyond traditional ministry models to become catalysts for positive change in their communities. By emphasizing shared ministry, where the entire congregation participates in the work of the church, and focusing on empowering local residents and fostering community leadership, rather than simply providing services, these churches are demonstrating a commitment to long-term, sustainable change that builds on existing community strengths and creates lasting impact.

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Credits:

Music Credit: I Love to Tell the Story, Benjamin Grove, keyboard

Podcast produced by Polymnia

The Rev. Leyla King, Canon for Mission in Small Congregations for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, sits down with guests the Rev. Halim Shukair, Priest-in-Charge at Christ Episcopal Church and Priest-in-Charge at Mother of the Savior Church, the first Arabic worshiping community in the Episcopal Church, both in Dearborn, Michigan, and the Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas, church-planting priest of a year-old Episcopal community called Holy Companion, located south of Denver, Colorado. In this episode, they discuss racial justice work in small churches, specifically as it is manifested around Arabs, Arab Americans, and Palestinians in our churches and our society.

Halim describes the innovative partnership between Christ Church, a predominantly white congregation, and Mother of the Savior, an Arabic-speaking congregation. Through shared meals, cultural exchange, and joint advocacy efforts, these two congregations are building deeper relationships and working together for social justice.

Lauren shares how Holy Companion, a young church plant, has integrated social justice into its core identity from the very beginning. By prioritizing community engagement and building relationships with neighbors, they have become active in local advocacy efforts.

The conversation highlights the importance of:

This episode offers valuable insights for small churches seeking to deepen their commitment to social justice and become more effective agents of change in their communities.

Episode Links:

Credits:

Music Credit: I Love to Tell the Story, Benjamin Grove, keyboard

Podcast produced by Polymnia

The members of the Small Churches Big Impact Collective are joined by The Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin, President and Dean of Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) in conversation about this upcoming season. Each episode centers around communities of faith and their understanding of social justice. Listeners will hear about the variety of ways justice can be lived out and witnessed to, even in smaller congregations.

Episode Links:

Credits:

Music Credit: I Love to Tell the Story, Benjamin Grove, keyboard

Podcast produced by Polymnia

In this episode, the Very Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin interviews the Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd, Bishop of the Diocese of New York and Vice Chair of the EDS Board of Trustees. Bishop Heyd reflects on the Episcopal Church's pivotal moment where the message of announcing a new age, rooted in love and grace, is more vital than ever. He also discusses the need for transformation in leadership and how we must rethink the way we form leaders to build the beloved community.

In this episode, the Very Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin interviews Rev. Nancy Frausto, Director of Latinx Studies and Lecturer in Multicultural Ministry at the Seminary of the Southwest. They discuss the essential role of Latinx ministry in the Episcopal Church, focusing on Nancy's work with students called to this ministry and the required January-term course on immigration issues. Rev. Frausto emphasizes the need for creativity and adaptability in ministry, urging future leaders to think beyond traditional church boundaries to engage meaningfully with the evolving needs of their communities.

In this third episode of our podcast series, the Very Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin sits down with The Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers, staff officer for church planting within The Episcopal Church. Together, they explore the evolving culture of church planting and how new Christian communities are being formed in ways that break from traditional models. From innovative worship gatherings to grassroots community initiatives, Katie shares how these fresh expressions of faith are meeting the spiritual needs of today’s world, inviting listeners to reimagine what it means to “plant a church” in the 21st century.

In this second episode of our podcast series, the Very Rev. Lydia Kelsey Bucklin speaks with Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook, historiographer of The Episcopal Church and former Episcopal Divinity School professor, about the legacy of EDS and its predecessors, Episcopal Theological School (ETS) and Philadelphia Divinity School (PDS). They explore the history, social justice focus, and ecumenical vision of these institutions, highlighting their lasting impact on theological education.

In this episode, EDS' new President and Dean Lydia Kelsey Bucklin speaks with Dr. Kwok Pui Lan, recently retired professor of Systematic Theology at Emory Candler School of Divinity and a distinguished scholar who taught for 25 years at the Episcopal Divinity School. Dr. Kwok is widely recognized for her work in feminist theology, postcolonial theology, and Asian theology. President Bucklin and Dr. Kwok discuss the future of theological education.

Join us for a compelling episode of Just Conversations as we welcome Lydia Kelsey Bucklin, the incoming president and dean of Episcopal Divinity School (EDS). In this special conversation, former president Kelly Brown Douglas sits down with Lydia to discuss the significance of women's leadership at this time in the Church, the importance of passing the baton to the next generation, and Lydia's inspiring vision for the future of theological education in the Episcopal Church.