Leaders Learning

Bob Staton, who is the president of Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. He is a member of the class of 1968 of Presbyterian College, and has his law degree from the University of South Carolina. Previously, Bob served as the chairman and CEO of Colonial Life Insurance.

Bob has a clear sense of what leadership means—helping people move forward to a place they would not go on their own. Leadership means moving forward. I was particularly interested to hear Bob talk about not getting hung up on every little detail, but to focus on continuing to move forward. Bob sees listening, listening to truly understand as a key element of real life leadership.

Today’s guest is the Rev. Dr. Alice Ridgill. She currently serves as the Associate General Presbytery in Charlotte Presbytery and a chaplain in the U.S. Airforce Reserve. She was the founding pastor of New Faith, the only African American congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Greenwood County, SC.

Alice is also an amazing preacher and speaker, a great writer.  She is going to share with us examples of the resiliency and creativity of the church, and demonstrate how to find ways care for others as an act of leaders ship. Please check out a full biography on leaderslearning.net

I am so glad to welcome the Reverend, Doctor, Captain Alice Ridgill to Leaders Learning.

If this conversation evoked some thoughts you would like to share with me, or perhaps you know a leader we can learn from, contact me at [email protected]

Recorded July 21, 2020

Her full bio:

Rev. Dr. Alice Ridgill

The Rev. Dr. Alice Ridgill is widely known across the country for her exceptional leadership ability and engaging preaching style. Dr. Ridgill currently serves as Associate General Presbyter of Charlotte Presbytery and as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve where she holds the rank of Captain. Prior to her current work, she served as the organizing and installed pastor of New Faith Presbyterian Church, a congregation that began as a new worshiping community in 2010. New Faith made history by becoming the first and only African American Presbyterian Church in the entire county of Greenwood, South Carolina. Dr. Ridgill has served also as pastor of Washington Street Presbyterian Church, adjunct professor of pastoral care for Erskine Theological Seminary, and campus pastor of Thornwell, a home and ministry for children in covenant relationship with the churches in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida of the PC(USA) Synod of South Atlantic.

In 2016, Dr. Ridgill preached before the 222nd General Assembly in Portland, Oregon, where her thought-provoking sermon "Difference Makers" was met with critical acclaim. She preached also during the 2016 Youth Triennium where her message "God is FUN." was enthusiastically received and broadly shared on social media. Dr. Ridgill’s past service to the larger church includes: Chair of the Committee on Representation for the Synod of South Atlantic, Presbyterians Caring for Chaplains and Military Personnel Board of Directors, and the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board of Directors. 

Devoted to life-long learning, Dr. Ridgill holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Presbyterian College, a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree from Erskine Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Executive Leadership from McCormick Theological Seminary, and an MBA from Louisiana State University (Shreveport). She is the author of "Maximizing the Meantime: Feasting on God in Times of Famine", an inspirational book written to assist readers with navigating the unpredictable and uncomfortable interim between now and next.

Committed to making a positive impact on the world, Dr. Ridgill has wholeheartedly dedicated her life to sharing the good news of God’s grace and love with all people. Her personal motto is:

“If I can help somebody as I travel along my way,

then my living will not be in vain.”

Copyright 2020

Clear headed and plain spoken, Elizabeth directly calls the church to take action to address racism in the name of Christ. She also has a powerful word of encouragement for us from Jesus’ own words.

Elizabeth Brookens-Sturman is the founding pastor of Brambleton Presbyterian Church in Brambleton, Virginia—suburb of Washington DC. Elizabeth is a remarkably focused leader. When I met Elizabeth 15 years ago, she was intent on sharing the Good News of Jesus and on helping people mature in faith; she continues with that same focus today. She has served congregations in Berkely, CA and Bethlehem, PA.

Recorded July 22, 2020. Copyright 2020

. Chief Green began his work in law enforcement as a reserve police officer while studying at the University of South Carolina. He joined the Lexington police department in 1993, where he became chief in 2006. I caught up with Chief Green because one of his children and one of my sons are good friends. He and his family are active members of Brookland Baptist Church, where he serves on the Senior Usher Board.

Nikki Collins has wonderful insight into how the challenges of the year reveal new gifts and highlight the broken places in our homes, our congregations, and the wider society.

Nikki began serving as the Coordinator for 1001 New Worshiping Communities  of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in June 2018.  Previously she served Cherokee Presbytery as Stated Clerk and Mission Coordinator. Before that she was the founder of Bare Bulb Coffee, a rich brew of full-service coffee shop, music and arts venue, and home to a diverse group of disciples committed to shedding light in the world.

If this conversation evoked some thoughts you would like to share with me, or perhaps you know a leader we can learn from, contact me at [email protected]

Copyright 2020

Ben Sloan is the Senior Pastor of Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, in Chapin, SC, where he has served since 2004. Ben is committed to the church around the world-having visited congregations in Mexico, South Korea, Cuba and South Sudan. Having pastored in tiny, small and medium sized congregations, he currently serves the one of the largest rural congregation in the state.

Ben is going to emphasize the need for flexibility, even as we hold fast to the person of Jesus Christ. This conversation was interesting to me, because Ben is also my boss, so I have watched Ben lead for several years. It was fun to hear him talk about leading.

The Reverend Audrey Hartness Reese is the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westminster, SC. Audrey and her husband Ash have hearts for local and international missions. They have been to India twice to work with women and children, preventing, intervening, and caring for those caught in the trafficking work force. Audrey loves serving in the small church and in a small town. Both are where her leadership gifts have a big impact.

If this conversation evoked some thoughts you would like to share with me, or perhaps you know a leader we can learn from, contact me at [email protected]

Recorded July 1, 2020. Copyright 2020

Perhaps you know a leader we can learn from. Contact me at [email protected]

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