Why I Do This Work

Over the past fourteen years much of the work I’ve been involved in, I’ve been able to consider it a ministry. Community outreach and social justice in its intent and practice is, indeed, ministry. However, what I’ve come to notice is a need to minimize the politics and polarization of these things and increase the focus on the human aspects of the work. So often, jaded activists and political strategists are crafting the messages and mechanisms for positive change that most directly impact who the Bible describes in Matthew 25:40 as the least of these. Unfortunately, these efforts are frequently lacking the necessary spiritual and personal components of social change. The disconnect between the urgency for change and the love, affirmation and wellness needed to reach, mobilize and transform aggrieved communities and individuals is great. In essence, we are sending wounded soldiers back into battle with no care or restoration. I've been fortunate enough to use my time of study to help create a vision and a practice for bold, faith-rooted, transformational social justice that helps to empower and make whole those who are broken, even while we challenge structural and societal oppression. I believe the opportunity to engage in deep, analytical and critical study of the scriptures, devoid of a hegemonic, patriarchal lens allows us to develop an approach to God’s social mission that speaks to the underserved while creating spaces for the personal and societal healing needed to help break down the spiritual walls that block our communal advancement.