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

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