Elder Calvin B. Rock, DMin, PhD, is a retired pastor, educational leader, and church administrator. He is a prolific writer who has authored several articles and books, the most recent being Protest and Progress: Black Seventh-day Adventist Leadership and the Push for Parity (Andrews University Press, 2018), a consequential commentary on and history of race relations and leadership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America.

Elder Rock has been a voice for change and an advocate for Adventist education for decades. He is the founder and chair of Operation Reach Back, Inc, the association for Black Seventh-day Adventist Professionals, and on March 20, 2022, he was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Washington, D.C., the nation’s highest civil award for volunteer service.

Today's special guest is one of the most creative, courageous, and community-driven leaders I know. Dr. Rashad Burden is a dynamic leader, pastor, consultant, and educator dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to flourish. He serves as the Lead Pastor of the historic 31st Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he is passionate about fostering spiritual growth and community engagement. With a deep commitment to leadership development, Rashad works as an organizational culture and leadership consultant, helping teams and institutions cultivate healthy, people-sensitive, and mission-driven environments that inspire success.As an organizational culture and leadership consultant, Dr. Burden equips churches, nonprofits, and institutions to become people-centered, mission-driven, and highly effective. His work spans the classroom, boardroom, and public forum, where he empowers leaders with practical strategies for lasting impact. Guided by faith, integrity, and service, he continues to inspire the next generation of transformational leaders.Listen up, take notes, and enjoy "Leading with Creativity" with Dr. Rashad Burden.

My people! You're in for a treat. I had the privilege of sitting down with Elder Russell Bates, Sr. On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Elder Bates celebrated his 100th birthday! The three-digit club is exclusive, and in this episode Elder Bates shares why he believes God spared his life and has allowed him to be a vessel down through the years.Enjoy this 100th Birthday Edition of the Living Room Podcast.Happy Birthday Elder!