In the season finale of the Igniting Imagination podcast, co-hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler look back on a season devoted to reimagining ministry as a force for healing and transformation in the world. They reflect on the diverse voices and bold approaches shared throughout the season. 

One story that stands out is that of Tiffany Terrell, Co-Founder of A Better Way Grocers, whose work exemplifies a ministry grounded not in overt religious language, but in deep love, compassion, and a call to serve. Tiffany’s approach challenges traditional assumptions about what ministry looks like. 

Lisa, Amy, and Tiffany explore how leaders are reshaping what it means to do God’s work in the world, and they invite us to consider how faith can be embodied in subtle, yet profoundly impactful ways.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

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.). Pastor 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’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Tiffany Terrell is a visionary, community advocate, and social innovator committed to addressing health disparities and creating opportunities in underserved areas. As the co-founder of A Better Way Grocers, she leads initiatives that bring nutritious, locally sourced food and holistic wellness education directly to neighborhoods in need. Tiffany’s work is rooted in love, belonging, and shared dignity, sparking conversations and actions that inspire lasting transformation. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to compassion, courage, and the flourishing of every person.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

06:27 - Exploring the Shift in Church and Nonprofit Relationships

30:09 - Addressing Food Deserts and Community Health

41:18 - The Importance of Compassion in Feeding Ministries

44:24 - The Power of Grace in Community

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

In this moving episode of the Igniting Imagination podcast, hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler sit down with Rev. Candice Wynn, founder and executive director of BOON (Born Out of Necessity), a national network reshaping discipleship for Black children and youth.

Candice shares the deeply personal and spiritual journey that led to BOON’s creation, a movement born from a gap she witnessed firsthand while serving in youth ministry. With BOON, she has created something bold and transformative: a village of "faith influencers" who are rooted in theology, culturally attuned, and devoted to nurturing Black youth in ways that traditional models have often overlooked.

This episode is a passionate call to pay attention, invest in the next generation, and recognize that it truly takes a village.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

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.). Pastor 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’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Rev. Candice Wynn is the Founder and Executive Director of BOON. She is not just leading a movement, she’s building the table where Black youth (18 and under) and their stories are considered sacred. As the Founder and Executive Director of BOON - The Black Next Gen Network, Candice leads a national effort to reframe Christian discipleship for Black youth by equipping faith influencers with tools that are self-reflective, theologically rooted, culturally relevant, and developmentally aligned. With over two decades of experience in ministry leadership, Candice has coached hundreds of youth leaders and is developing a research-driven discipleship framework for Black teenagers, expected to launch in March 2026 (framework for children to follow). Her work sits at the intersection of theological praxis, Black culture, and youth development. Through BOON, she is expanding how people view the lived faith of Black youth. Above all, Candice empowers faith influencers to recognize their influence and responsibility in the lives of youth.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

06:30 - What is BOON?

09:27 - The Birth of a Network: Addressing Gaps in Faith Support

26:00 - Understanding the Role of Influencers in Youth Development

35:23 - Legacy and the Next Generation

39:33 - Exploring the Essence of Faith Beyond Rituals

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

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.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

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.). Pastor 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’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

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.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

06:06 - Introducing Leslie Matthews: A Voice for Justice

13:32 - Rooted in Faith: Justice and Compassion

26:27 - Finding Support in Difficult Times

34:21 - Embracing Love and Healing

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

Asset generation is more than a logistical task, it’s a sacred act of intention and imagination. It invites us to prayerfully consider: How can we steward our time, resources, and energy in alignment with what God has entrusted to us?

Our guest, Pastor Beverly Jenkins, President and CEO of Refuge and Restoration (R&R), shares the power of vision, the necessity of structure, and the quiet discipline required to bring meaningful things into being.

Listen as Rev. Lisa Greenwood, Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, and Pastor Beverly Jenkins explore the sacred work behind strategy and execution, offering a vision for asset creation that is rooted in purpose, prayerful discernment, and trust in God’s timing.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

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.). Pastor 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’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Pastor Beverly Jenkins is a founder, ordained pastor, and innovator. She is the president and CEO of Refuge and Restoration (R&R) and the co-founder and pastor of R&R Church in Dellwood, Missouri, serving the North St. Louis community by creating resources that lead to sustainable growth. Originally launched as a transitional home for those experiencing homelessness, unemployment, or past incarceration, R&R has since added a career development center, the R&R Church, and R&R Marketplace, a $20 million, 90,000-square-foot economic hub. The R&R Marketplace houses an addiction treatment facility, pharmacy, early childhood education center, bank, and restaurant, exemplifying the answer to Jenkins’ question: “How do we serve people better?”

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

08:11 - Innovative Ministry in St. Louis

15:37 - The Role of the Church as a Deployment Center

27:41 - Building Community Through Equity and Reconciliation

39:25 - Community Resilience and Future Visions

42:10 - Embracing New Beginnings in the Church

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

What if a wedding could be more than a celebration of love between two people—what if it could also be a catalyst for healing, dignity, and new beginnings?

In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Mathews, the visionary CEO and Founder of The Andrée Collective, who is reimagining the wedding industry as a space for social transformation. Rooted in compassion and creativity, Samantha’s work empowers women who have survived trauma, especially domestic violence, by offering them meaningful pathways to employment, confidence, and connection.

Through her deeply human approach, beauty becomes more than aesthetics—it becomes a force for resilience. We talk about the values that fuel her mission, the sacred stories of recovery and hope woven into each event, and how something as personal as a wedding can ripple outward to change lives and communities.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

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.). Pastor 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’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Samantha Mathews MA, LPC, NCC, is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and founder of Andrée Collective. Sam discovered her passion for serving female trauma survivors at the start of her career in nonprofit fundraising with a domestic violence/sexual assault dual agency in North Carolina and has spent the last ten years gaining invaluable experience in the field while laying the groundwork for Andrée Collective. Since completing her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Sam has worked tirelessly for the survivor population and towards her greater purpose: seeing women thrive. Sam is actively committed to serving the greater Philadelphia region through Andrée Collective as well as her involvement in church and education.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

08:01 - The Founding of Andrée Collective

16:02 - Dreaming of a Safe Future: The Role of Resources in Recovery

23:07 - New Models of Ministry

40:21 - Challenges and Solutions in Nonprofit Work

46:50 - Embracing New Possibilities

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

In this episode of the Igniting Imagination podcast, hosts Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler sit down with Rev. Joshua Hayashi, CEO and Co-Founder of Mission Management Company, for a powerful conversation on what he calls Holy Disruption. Together, they explore how churches can reimagine their physical spaces—not as burdens, but as opportunities for transformation.

As congregations shrink and neighborhoods shift, Josh challenges faith communities to take a bold, data-informed look at their properties. What stories do these buildings still have to tell? What new life could they make possible?

This episode is a call to action: to see church buildings not as relics of the past, but as tools for justice, hospitality, and community renewal.

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

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.). Pastor 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’s book is Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other.

Guest

Ordained reverend, cultural champion, and connection maker Rev. Joshua Hayashi is the CEO and Co-Founder of Mission Management Company (MMCo) in Honolulu, Hawaii, a business that promotes repurposing church assets and the power of cross-denominational collaboration. MMCo helps local religious communities thrive in novel ways by assessing their financial health, transformation readiness, and property potential, which then guides discussions on mission and property-development viability, as well as how to align church missions with neighborhood needs. Josh is also a school chaplain at Punahou School, helping students develop spiritual and ethical values inspired by their Hawaiian and Christian heritage.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

07:58 - Introducing Josh Hayashi and Mission Management

10:29 - The Intersection of Church and Community Needs

25:23 - Resurrection and Hope in Challenging Times

39:42 - Navigating Church Challenges and Discontent

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

We’re kicking off Season 14 of The Igniting Imagination podcast with a powerful conversation at the intersection of faith and community transformation. Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Amy Butler sit down with Rev. Katie Kenyon, the heart behind Village Green RVA, to talk about what it looks like when churches step beyond their traditional walls and into the lives of the people they serve.

Katie’s story is one of bold vision and quiet resilience—a journey of rethinking what church can be, and how it can truly become a space for healing, connection, and justice. Together, we explore the growing movement of leaders reimagining ministry—not as a Sunday ritual, but as a way of life rooted in love, generosity, and belonging.

Through the challenges and small victories, we reflect on how faith communities can become hubs of human flourishing. Our hope is that these stories stir your imagination and invite you to dream bigger about what’s possible when we center compassion at the heart of service!

Host

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Co-Host

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!

Guest

Rev. Katie Kenyon is the executive director of Village Green RVA, where she leads efforts to expand healthy food accessibility and provide wrap-around support for individuals and families in need. With a Master’s in Divinity and a passion for holistic community development, Katie builds strategic partnerships across sectors to address the social and economic factors impacting well-being. A former foster parent through Richmond City DSS, Katie and her husband Danny are raising four children and are deeply engaged in service throughout the Greater Richmond area.

Reverend Doctor Amy Butler shares how courage is essential when seeking new solutions in faith-based work.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

03:03 - Launching a Season of Transformation

08:51 - Introduction to Holy: A Manifesto for the Future of Faith Communities

15:19 - Transitioning from Ministry to Community Support

37:34 - Exploring New Models of Community Engagement

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week on the Igniting Imagination podcast, Shannon Hopkins, Rev. Mark Elsdon, Rev. Lisa Greenwood, and Rev. Dr. Blair Thompson reflect on a powerful season filled with wisdom and transformation. They revisit the profound insights shared by their esteemed guests who challenged them to see church properties not merely as real estate to be managed, but as sacred spaces with a deeper purpose and divine calling. At the heart of this season is a paradigm shift—one that moves beyond financial sustainability to a vision where churches flourish through meaningful relationships, active listening, and a commitment to serving their communities. Shannon, Mark, Lisa, and Blair explore the courage and creativity required to overcome resistance and embrace transformation.

This season of Igniting Imagination is both an invitation and a call to action, inspiring us to reimagine what is possible when faith communities boldly step into their role as beacons of hope, healing, and the common good.

Co-Hosts

Rev. Lisa Greenwood is the President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners and Texas Methodist Foundation. She joined the staff of TMF in 2012 serving as Vice President for Leadership Ministry before taking her current role in 2022. Rev. Greenwood is an ordained elder in the North Texas (now Horizon Texas) Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she served congregations for twenty years. During the last five years of her local church ministry, Lisa served as a ministry strategist with Horizons Stewardship Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. 

Shannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. 

Rev. Mark Elsdon is Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.

Rev. Dr. Blair Thompson is the Chief Learning and Innovation Officer for Wesleyan Impact Partners. Blair is a facilitator, speaker, writer, and preacher. She facilitates conversations with leaders from across the Wesleyan ecosystem, especially in the areas of expanding imagination, discerning purpose, and exercising the Five Muscles. Blair is an ordained Elder in the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church and joined Wesleyan Impact Partners in 2020 after a decade in pastoral ministry. She completed her dissertation on pilgrimage in the development of clergy leadership for her Doctor of Ministry degree at Perkins School of Theology in 2018.

Episode Highlights 

• Church properties are not just assets, but sacred spaces that require stewardship and a commitment to relational engagement.
• Throughout the discussions, it has become evident that the leaders in our churches exhibit remarkable faithfulness, tenacity, and creativity, particularly in the face of contemporary challenges.
• It is crucial for congregations to prioritize listening to their communities, as meaningful transformation arises from understanding the needs and aspirations of those they serve.
• Engaging in a spirit-led movement fosters human flourishing, emphasizing love, generosity, and belonging within our communities.

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro

(01:50) Lisa, Shannon, Mark, and Blair discuss highlights from this season

(37:05) Rapid-fire questions

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast, diving into the transformative power of church property as a catalyst for community renewal. They’re joined by Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr., who shares the inspiring story of Emory Fellowship in Washington, D.C., and its groundbreaking Beacon Center project.

Together, we discuss how churches can rethink their assets to better serve their communities—exploring the concept of legacy, the influence of the past on the present, and the lasting impact of today’s decisions on future generations. Through innovative partnerships and a commitment to human flourishing, Emory Fellowship offers a powerful example of what’s possible when faith communities step into their full potential.

Listen this week as we explore how churches can think beyond their walls and embrace their role as agents of lasting change.

Co-Hosts

Shannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. 

Rev. Mark Elsdon is Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.

Guest

Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr. is a husband, father, pastor, author, prophetic imaginer, and leader dedicated to growing God's kingdom. For 31 years, he has led Emory United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., where he also served as District Superintendent for three years, achieving growth in key metrics. Under his leadership, Emory's congregation has increased from 55 to 400 attendees. In 2019, the church completed a $60 million development project, providing 99 units of affordable housing. Emory, known as a "REAL Church for Real People," focuses on leading people to whole lives and has received awards for its impactful urban ministry. The church is also recognized as a key resource center for the United Methodist Church's "Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century" initiative.

Episode Highlights 

• Church property plays a vital role in fostering community well-being, urging congregations to reimagine their spaces for greater impact.
• The importance of understanding historical context in church property usage, highlighting how legacy informs current and future endeavors.
• Collaboration is necessary between churches and local communities to effectively address issues such as affordable housing and food insecurity.

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro

(01:51) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode

(06:30) Interview with Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr.

(44:02) Dr. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr. answers rapid-fire questions

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.

This week, Shannon Hopkins and Rev. Mark Elsdon continue their takeover of the Igniting Imagination podcast with guest Rev. Dr. Patrick G. Duggan. Shannon, Mark, and Patrick delve into the transformative potential inherent in church property, emphasizing a missional approach to its use. Patrick articulates the necessity of aligning financial strategies with the overarching mission of the church and shares various case studies that exemplify how churches across the nation are creatively leveraging their assets to foster community engagement and human flourishing. 

Listen as we shed light on the pathways that help churches navigate the complexities of real estate, while staying true to their core mission of service and love within their neighborhoods. 

Co-Hosts

Shannon Hopkins is Co-Founder of Rooted Good and a Locke Innovative Leader. She is an extreme networker and social entrepreneur living in East London. Her passion for community and individual transformation has launched or influenced the formation of fifteen campaigns, projects, and organizations — and trained over 200 social entrepreneurs. In 2008, Shannon was awarded the Women of the UN and UK’s Annual Woman of Peace Award for The Truth isn’t Sexy, a campaign that addressed the demand side of human trafficking. 

Rev. Mark Elsdon is Co-Founder and Lead Builder of Rooted Good. He lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as an entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, author, and speaker. He is the author of We Aren't Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry (2021) and editor of Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition (2024). In addition to his role as a Director with RootedGood, Mark is also Executive Director at Pres House, where he led the transformation of a dormant non-profit into a growing, vibrant, multi-million dollar organization.

Guest

Rev. Dr. Patrick Garnet Duggan is an authorized minister in the United Church of Christ, and has served as Executive Director of the UCC Church Building and Loan Fund (CB&LF) since 2012. Founded in 1853, CB&LF is the first national church building society in the United States. The Fund offers loans, capital campaigns, and consulting services for the financing and redevelopment of real estate owned by UCC and other Christian churches in the United States.

A native New Yorker (now living in North Carolina), Dr. Duggan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University, and both Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from New York Theological Seminary. Dr. Duggan and his wife Patricia, a retired school administrator, have three adult sons and four grandchildren.

Episode Highlights 

• Mission over mere profitability: navigating the complexities of property development and tax considerations.
• Reconsidering the purpose of church properties in light of community needs, advocating for creative reimagining of these spaces.
• Encouraging churches to maintain a focus on mission, underscoring the importance of community connection and social impact.
• Seeking external expertise in finance and property development; collaboration is key to maximizing impact.

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro

(01:51) Shannon and Mark’s intro to the episode

(06:06) Interview with Rev. Dr. Patrick G. Duggan

(42:27) Rev. Dr. Patrick G. Duggan answers rapid-fire questions

Links

Visit our show’s website at www.ignitingimagination.org.

To view videos of podcast episodes, please go to the Igniting Imagination YouTube.

To receive emails about the podcast, subscribe to our Learning and Innovation emails here. We know your inbox is inundated these days; we aim to send you content that is inspiring, innovative, and impactful for your life and ministry.