At first I was sheepish to take on the title “Public Theologian in Residence”. It sounds so formal, so grand, a title for a wise elder of the faith that definitely isn’t sitting on the floor coloring or running around pretending to be a velociraptor. But it’s never been more important for Christians of all kinds to practice our faith in public. The feminist, maternal, playful, evangelical, liberative theology that my body knows is exactly what the world needs to push back on high-control, nationalistic, and shame based theologies being platformed on mainstream media as the “Christian” perspective. I study and teach evangelism because I believe the compassionate way of Jesus is worth following and worth telling the world about. And if the world can’t or won’t come hear that proclaimed by pastors in pulpits, then we all need to be looking for ways to carry that message into the world.

I’m grateful to be able to share my faith and theological reflections with you all at Westwood and through The Progressive Christians Podcast. Only 18 months after rebranding the Loft Conversations as The Progressive Christians Podcast we average nearly 6000 audio downloads and 360 watch hours on YouTube per month. That’s more people than I ever could have imagine reaching in a month of Sunday mornings. And they’re listening BECAUSE none of the people on the podcast (me, Dr. Carter, Everest, Julia and Westley) look like what the world expects of a “Public Theologian”. Connecting with our voices is healing folks hurt by the church, helping people connect with faith for the first time, and giving courage to justice-seeking faith communities across the country. As I’ve come to own my part in that work, “Public Theologian in Residence” might be one of the most important titles I’ll have the honor of holding in my ministry, and I’m even more honored it’s been bestowed by all of you.

Rev. Blair will be preaching in our 9:30 Sanctuary worship this Sunday.