Conversing with Mark Labberton

Hunter Farrell examines the impact of capitalism and colonization on congregational mission efforts and invites us to practice radical mutuality as we redefine the meaning of mission. Hunter Farrell serves as the director of the World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and is the author of Freeing Congregational Mission: A Practical Vision for Companionship, Cultural Humility, and Co-Development.

Charlie Dates reflects on how the Black preaching tradition has shaped him into the preacher he is today, as well as how to practice faithful discernment about one's pastoral calling. Charlie Dates is senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago.

Caleb Maskell shares about his personal faith journey and traces the history of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements in the 20th century. Caleb Maskell is the associate national director of theology and education for Vineyard USA.

Bethany McKinney Fox talks about how our understanding of disability shapes our understanding of healing, of community, and of how we do church. Bethany McKinney Fox is founding pastor of Beloved Everybody Church and the author of Disability and the Way of Jesus.

Otis Moss III speaks about how his family legacy and other legacies of faith have shaped his theology and ministry, and about the critical questions facing the church today. Otis Moss III is the senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois.

Francis Collins discusses his experience at the intersections of faith, science, politics, government, and public health—talking also about the COVID-19 pandemic and other areas of research. Francis Collins is a geneticist, author, and former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Shane Claiborne reflects on what it looks like to follow Jesus in the United States today—discussing policies and issues of gun violence, racial justice, and the death penalty. Shane Claiborne is a cofounder of Red Letter Christians and the author of multiple best-selling books, including The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical.

Jim Wallis shares about his journey of following Jesus and discusses the sin of voter suppression, racism as idolatry, and the ways our theology should recalibrate our sociology. Jim Wallis is the inaugural chair and founding director of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy. He is an author, teacher, and speaker, and is the founder of Sojourners.

Kathy Khang reflects on Asian American experiences of silencing, on what it means to be heard and belong, and on anti-Asian racism during the pandemic. Kathy Khang is a writer and speaker and is the author of Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent and How to Speak Up.

Todd Shy discusses the encounter between teachers and students, cultivating a classroom community and culture, and the power of passion in teaching. Todd Shy is the Head of Upper Division at Avenues: the World School and is author of Teaching Life: Life Lessons for Aspiring (and Inspiring) Teachers.