This week, we’re joined by Inés Velásquez-McBryde, a pastor, preacher, reconciler, and mujerista theologian from Nicaragua and now residing in Southern California. She is the lead pastor and founder of The Church We Hope For. 

As a third-generation pastor, Inés shares her powerful journey of becoming the first female pastor in her family's lineage, drawing deeply from her Nicaraguan roots and the spiritual heritage of her ancestors. She highlights how her father, a "prophetic disruptor," played a crucial role in challenging traditional gender roles and encouraging her to lead.

Inés reflects on the profound impact of her cultural and familial background, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who came before her as she leads with the power of her ancestors. She also introduces the concept of mujerista theology, which centers on the experiences of Latina women and seeks to dismantle patriarchal and colonial structures within the church.

Throughout today’s conversation, Inés invites us to consider how we can “lead like a woman,” reclaiming our bodies, voices, and identities in spaces where women have often been marginalized.

We think you’ll want to listen more than once to fully absorb the wisdom shared in this episode!

Listener Resources:

• If you’re a woman in ministry, we’re here to support you! Explore our curated collection of resources and specialized offerings designed to empower you in your calling. Discover more at transformingengagement.org/womeninministry

• If you are a Christian leader or pastor seeking a space for support, growth, and transformation for yourself or for your team, we invite you to participate in one of our cohort programs, called a Circle. To learn more and to get on the waitlist to be notified when our next Circle is offered, visit transformingengagemeng.org/circles

• Each episode spotlights an organization making a positive impact. Inés calls our attention to The Center for Restorative Justice, which educates and equips individuals and communities to address the history of racial injustice and disrupt its ongoing impact by making the past present. We do this through experiential learning opportunities, educational cohorts, and embodied storytelling all grounded in spiritual practices. Learn more at: https://www.cfrjustice.org/