First thing I should say is that my story is just a small part of the larger story. I see it through my pain. Others will see it differently, will name whatever it is they see. My part is only a small part of the whole story… So the first conversation began over Zoom with Rev. Dr. Daryl Ward , pastor-emeritus of Omega Baptist Church, once-Director of Admissions and Dean of African-American Ministries, eventually president and then Trustee of United Seminary (Dayton, OH). We had corresponded about having a conversation 19 months prior, but then COVID-19 arrived. Today was finally the day to rest on-screen together, connect a bit in the intention I had named with him: to learn some of the earliest stories of the origins of the Doctor of Ministry program at United Seminary. I’m not sure what the seed of this desire is in me, this need to know the stories as those who served in its earliest years would share them. I’m a 50-something white woman, serving as Professor of Practical Theology ...
...in a listening project into stories (others' and/or my own) not held deeply or heard thoroughly in the institutions and culture(s) we've created. A place to explore hope, healing, love without reciprocity...transforming culture by surrendering into Hope and Belonging here, now, this moment...
