Leading Theologically

In this season 7 premier episode, the Rev. Zoë Garry is joined by Ukirk Executive Director the Rev. Dr. Virginia “Gini” Norris-Lane to talk about what is means to create intentional conversations around discernment. With over 25 years of experience working in faith communities around discernment, Gini shares stories of hope, excitement and ways to explore spaces and careers that “make you feel alive.” Rev. Dr. Virginia “Gini” Norris-Lane became the executive director of UKirk in July, 2019, after having previously served as campus minister at Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX from 2005-2019. She holds degrees from Temple Junior College (AA), Baylor University (BS in Education), Austin Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry). She has been ordained in the PC(USA) since 1999. In addition to coordinating a grant for the PC(USA) from the Lilly Endowment prior to her career in campus ministry, she served congregations in San Antonio, TX, and Conyers, GA. From January 2021 to August 2023, she also served as the part-time stated supply pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Uvalde, Texas.

Join Bill as he recaps this season on reconciliation, reparations, and repairs with his guest the Rev. Dr. Bruce Grady. Bruce reflects on these themes, shares an example of repair work that happened in his community, and why these topics are important for congregations to continue engaging.

Join the Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson and host, Bill Davis, for this wide ranging conversation on reconciliation. They'll dive into the way stories to heal, the creative imagination it takes to dream a future full of hope, and the power of children laughing.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Rodney Caruthers II, New Testament professor from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, as he explores some teachings from the Apostle Paul related to our theme of Reconciliation. What "R" words will Dr. Caruthers add to our alliterative list? Listen to find out!

Join Bill Davis and Justin Reed for a conversation on themes of reconciliation, repair, and reparations as they relate to several key narratives in the book of Genesis, including the stories of Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers. The Rev. Dr. Justin Reed is an associate professor of Old Testament at Louisville Seminary, where he teaches with a focus on African-American hermeneutics. He has degrees from Stanford, Harvard, and Princeton Theological Seminary, and his forthcoming book, "The Injustice of Noah's Curse," combines critical race theory, history, and literary approaches to offer new interpretations of a controversial biblical passages.

Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton from House United joins Bill for a conversation about political and personal reconciliation. They talk about algorithms and echo chambers, early church divisions and Jesus’ call for us all to be one. Join us for another important conversation in our reconciliation series. Show links: Built Together – Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation https://omahapresbyterianseminaryfoundation.org/built-together/ House United Movement https://www.houseunitedmovement.org/

Rev. Jermaine Ross-Allam joins Rev. Bill Davis to continue the conversation on reconciliation. In addition to sharing about Project 180 and the work of the Center for the Repair for Historic Harms of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Jermaine takes time to define some of the key concepts that are important for us to understand when we talk about reconciliation, reparations, and repair.

Today Bill is joined by the Rev. Dr. Laurie Lyter Bright, of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, for this wide ranging conversation at the intersection of peacemaking, reconciliation, the life of Jesus, and the way communities form us for peacemaking and reconciliation.

In this episode Bill is joined by the Soul Food Scholar, Adrian Miller, to talk about the places reconciliation happens in our lives and communities. A James Beard award winning author, Adrian has been actively involved in reconciliation work for over 30 years. Pull a chair up to the table for this tasty conversation as our reconciliation series continues.

Season 6 — with a focus on Reconciliation — kicks off with Rev. Paul Roberts Sr., who doesn't actually use that word. Why? He explains it well in this episode that will have you contemplating the meaning of the term, and how it interacts with the terms Repair and Reparations. Rev. Bill Davis leads the conversation with Roberts, who serves as President of Johnson C. Smith Seminary in Atlanta. Together, they explore the vital topics of repair, and reparations — examining their theological foundations and implications for faith communities today. How can the church actively participate in healing historical injustices? What role does theology play in the call for reparations? Join us for this powerful discussion on justice, faith, and transformative action.

Join Rev. Bill Davis for a conversation with Dr. William Yoo, Associate Professor of American Religious and Cultural History at Columbia Theological Seminary, as they discuss Dr. Yoo's newest book, "Reckoning with History: Settler Colonialism, Slavery, and the Making of American Christianity." "Reckoning with History" is available at https://www.wjkbooks.com/Products/0664265014/reckoning-with-history.aspx

In the season 5 finale, Bill and Zoë discuss highlights of the season and share their thoughts about the landscape of theological education and church leadership.

The Rev. Dr.’s Jose Irizarry and Victor Aloyo join host Bill Davis for a conversation about cultivating leadership in Hispanic Latino/a/e Presbyterian Communities, and the actions of GA226 in supporting these communities.

In this special episode we will be in conversation with two leaders from Montreat Conference Center. Richard DuBose, President, and Carol Steele, VP of Programs, join us from the conference center to share how they are leading faithfully following Hurricane Helene. You can contribute to the relief effort at https://montreat.org/helene

In this episode of Leading Theologically, Bill and Rev. Bethany Peerbolte talk about the use of social media as a medium for creating faith communities. Bethany shares about her experience as the founding pastor of Our Tapestry, a 1001 New Worshiping Community.

In this conversation with the Rev. Brady Radford, we talk about learnings from transitional ministry and BIPOC spaces at national events. Brady shares a metaphor he’s fond of about what’s useful for mission and ministry.

Join us for a conversation with David LaMotte, a songwriter, speaker, author and activist who has performed and spoken at many PC(USA) events. He has performed over 3500 concerts and released 13 full-length CDs of primarily original music, touring in all of the 50 states and on five of the seven continents. His second TEDx talk (2024), Why Heroes Don’t Change the World, was chosen as a TED Editor’s Pick. His earlier (2017) TEDx talk, Music Can Help Us Understand Peace and Conflict, is featured on TED.com.

In this season 5 premier episode of Leading Theologically, the Rev. Bill Davis, new podcast host and Senior Director for Theological Education Funds Development at the Presbyterian Foundation, sits down with the Rev. CeCe Armstrong and the Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderators of the 226th General Assembly of the PC(USA), to talk about their vision for the church and the work ahead of them.

Pastoral transitions come with a mixture of grief and joy. Family and colleagues are involved along with church leaders and members, presbytery, and more. How are they done in healthy ways? Come learn with the Rev. Shannon Kershner who recently moved from head of staff at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, IL to Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA.

Rev. Dr. David Loleng has a huge heart and a long record of commitment to congregational thriving. He currently directs Church Financial Literacy and Leadership efforts at the Presbyterian Foundation. This includes the Stewardship Navigator resource as well as the Church Financial Literacy and Leadership Coaching Program. He deeply believes in God who provides enough, a sufficiency rather than an abundance. He wonders often about what we allocate versus what we accumulate. Join us for this rich and fun conversation during the liminal time between the Reign of Christ Sunday and first Sunday of Advent in a new liturgical year.