Everyday Gospel - Season 2

My work in campus ministry is somewhat unique. In the United Methodist Church (the Christian denomination I am a part of), many campus ministers are ordained clergy with a graduate degree. I am not ordained and I do not have a graduate degree. Nonetheless, my gifts and abilities have been affirmed by this denomination in many ways and I am grateful for all the opportunities that I have come my way. 

Those in the church who are not ordained are called the laity or lay people. In many Christian traditions, the primary role of the laity is to follow the guidance and leadership of the clergy. This understanding is widespread; explaining why so many are often surprised to learn that even though I am leading ministries and working for the church, I am not a 'man of the cloth'. In many congregations and Christian circles, the voices of everyday, ordinary followers of Jesus are diminished in comparison the voices of the clergy. The result is that the Church often misses out on incredible opportunities for witness and service, and the world only gets 5% of the Church's story. We can't forget that probably 95% percent of the Church is made up of laypeople. 

These realities have led me to create a special podcast called Everyday Gospel, through our online campus ministry Studio Wesley. EG Podcast centers the conversations of everyday individuals who are living their callings outside the walls of the Church. My hope is to highlight the stories of those who's occupations intersect with their faith in profound ways. We have started Season 2 and my friend Sara Taylor will be joining me for the next few episodes. I hope you enjoy these interviews and will be inspired by these stories of everyday, ordinary and courageous followers of Jesus. Check out our Season 2 Intro episode here.