It is hard to make sense of the continuous onslaught of bad news filling our media feeds. Escalating violence, political assassinations, genocidal conflicts, and religious and political extremism are inescapable parts of our daily news. Within this chaos, it isn't easy to gain perspective and make sense of what is happening around us. In this conversation, Future of Faith’s Greg Arthur speaks with Dr. Ray Kim, from the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, about the rise of political and religious violence, the ways we construct and shape truth, the power of dialogue, and what it looks like to foster communities of inclusion that counter extremism.

Ray Kim Bio - As the Director of US Programs & Partnerships at the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD), Ray Kim leads efforts to counteract toxic polarization and rebuild social cohesion by working with faith leaders and communities across the United States. Ray brings extensive expertise in conflict transformation, mediation, and depolarization, designing and facilitating workshops, trainings, and resources that empower communities to prevent violent extremism and promote inclusive dialogue. Ray earned his Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies from Georgetown University, specializing in the sociology of religion. His academic and professional pursuits have included research on Islamophobia in Korea, religious soft-power influences in global contexts, and the experiences of religious minorities in the Levant.

Links: www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God

In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi to explore the evolving landscape of congregational life and pastoral leadership. They discuss the impact of COVID-19, the importance of listening in ministry, and the challenges of navigating political polarization and diversity within the church. Dr. Lizardy-Hajbi shares insights from her research and personal experiences, emphasizing the need for churches to adapt to change while remaining rooted in community and trust. The conversation also touches on the unique context of Puerto Rico and the potential for churches to embrace a more inclusive and imaginative future.

Kristina’s Bio: Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi is the Associate Professor of Leadership and Formation and Director of the Vocational Formation Office at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. In addition, she coordinates the Certificate in Latinx Studies for the Iliff/University of Denver Joint PhD in Religion. Kristina’s teaching and research interests include organizational leadership, liberative and decolonial approaches to ministry, intersectional and contextual pedagogical practices, and applied research methods.

Kristina is the author of Unraveling Religious Leadership: Power, Authority, and Decoloniality and co-editor of Explore: Vocational Discovery in Ministry. In addition, she is the author of numerous articles and reports, including Latino Congregations: Trends from the Faith Communities Today (FACT) and Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations (EPIC) Studies.

An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, her ministry has included denominational leadership and research, intercultural and interreligious student affairs in undergraduate higher education, hospital chaplaincy, and Christian education and faith formation.

Kristina’s most recent book is a reprint of a Special Issue of the Religions journal, an open-access international journal, for which she served as the guest editor. The book is entitled Emerging Trends in Congregational Engagement and Leadership and is available free online for download through MDPI Books. The reprint contains eleven articles from a variety of scholars on the latest trends related to congregational life.

Links: www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God