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

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