Leading Theologically

Beloved preacher and writer Anna Carter Florence brings winsome insight to an array of characters and stories in the Bible—some celebrated and some overlooked. From courageous Abigail to Zelophehad’s daughters, and from an alabaster jar of ointment to Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree, Florence takes readers on an enchanting tour of the Old and New Testaments with reflections that reveal ancient wisdom and spark imagination anew.

The Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo was inaugurated as the 11th President of Columbia Seminary in November of 2022 following decades of service at Princeton Seminary. His inauguration theme as Forming Christian Leaders for an Endemic Era.

What can we learn from the ways Columbia is navigating the mire of this endemic era to move closer toward where God is calling us next? How is God’s grace involved? Listen in to this conversation full of laughter and insight.

Mark Ramsay leads theologically in whatever he is doing from being a pastor, a board member, a resource to pastors and boards, a podcast host, a publisher of the Journal for Preachers and so much more. Mark shows up and listens deeply and then shares generously what he is learning and seeing. Join us for a fast-paced conversation about ministry today, which Mark still believes is a joyful calling.

After seven years serving as the Stated Clerk of the PC(USA), Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson is stepping down. Lee Hinson-Hasty and J. Herbert talk both the challenges and opportunities of serving as Stated Clerk and where God is calling the PCUSA – and J. Herbert - next. Our thanks to J. Herbert for his service to the Church – and beyond – in this important role. We are indebted to you!

This week, we have a special Leading Theologically episode! We’re turning the tables on Lee Hinson-Hasty, who has now interviewed 75 people who lead theologically. Teri Ott, Editor of the Presbyterian Outlook, will interview Lee about what he’s learned through these meaningful conversations with theological leaders. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Dr. Chris Burton teaches organizations that the Bible is full of examples that we can use to strengthen our community ties. He believes that division and hatred are grievous things that we must actively work against. His work centers the opportunity to live fully into the Lord’s prayer through prioritizing just community. He works with churches in order to help them do the important work of confession, undoing oppression, abolition, and community building. Join Lee for this lively conversation with Chris Burton, also known for his anti-racism consulting as Di Baddist Chaplain, an innovator you should know by the Presbyterian Outlook, as a CrossStreets podcast co-host, and TedX speaker.

For more than two decades the Rev. Joanne Rodríguez, a PC(USA) minister, has collaborated with scholars, students, and leaders in the church, academic, and non-profit world to cultivate a generation of Latine theological leaders. She knows what it takes to amplify diverse voices, work alongside in partnership, and imagine what God is doing next. Latinx students are one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in theological education today. Come and learn more and how to support them and what God is doing!

Even veterans of campus ministry and university chaplaincy have something to learn from the Rev. Gini Norris-Lane's wealth of nearly two decades in the field-- and even more so from the networks and relationships she has nourished. Why would you want to be involved, support, or grow a collegiate ministry and how might you do so? You won't want to miss this conversation!

The Rev. Dr. Jan Edmiston loves the church enough, she says, to transform it and she has a record of transformation as a pastor, mid-council leader, PC(USA) leader, blogger, and much more. A consummate partner in ministry, Jan served alongside Denise Anderson as the first co-moderators of the General Assembly in 2016, a model that has been adopted ever since. It's not just how Jan thinks, it is how she takes action that makes a mark. Join Lee and Jan for a well-rounded conversation about church leadership that matters.

As President for 14 years, the Rev. Paul Timothy Roberts, Sr. has helped the 156 year old historically black PC(USA) Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary redefine itself as an innovative institution with a robust social justice emphasis. A former pastor and sought after preacher, Paul brings to bear his Princeton University degree in Architecture and African American Studies alongside work in the business sector in New York City alongside his MDiv from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey in Celigny, Switzerland. Join us for a robust conversation that could include tennis, hot yoga, gardening, parenting, and lots of laughter!