Transforming Engagement: The Podcast Center for Transforming Engagement

With a profound commitment to social justice, Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil advocates for reconciliation that transcends superficial diversity and inclusion efforts, highlighting the necessity of reparations as a critical step towards genuine reconciliation. 
In this conversation co-hosted by Dr. Rose Madrid Swetman and Jenni Wong Clayville, Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil reflects on her personal journey into ministry, the challenges faced by women of color in predominantly white church spaces, and the importance of trailblazing for future generations.
Be sure to check out Dr. Brenda’s latest book, Empowered to Repair: Becoming People Who Mend Broken Systems and Heal Our Communities.
In each episode, we ask our guests to highlight an organization that is doing good work in the world. Dr. Brenda gives a shout out to Christians for Biblical Equality, an international organization working to educate, advocate, and liberate women and men from Christian patriarchy. You can learn more about their work at:
https://www.cbeinternational.org/ 
Listener Resources:
If you’re a woman in ministry, we’re here to support you! Explore our curated collection of resources and specialized offerings designed to empower you in your calling. Discover more att transformingengagement.org/womeninministry
If you are a Christian leader or pastor seeking a space for support, growth, and transformation for yourself or for your team, we invite you to participate in one of our cohort programs, called a Circle. To learn more and to get on the waitlist to be notified when our next Circle is offered, visit transformingengagemeng.org/circles

Welcome to a new season of Transforming Engagement: the Podcast! For the next few episodes, we’re talking about women in ministry.
Each season, we focus our conversations on a single topic and take a deep dive into learning its complexities by inviting perspectives from diverse backgrounds and expertise.
In this series, we will explore women in ministry with a diverse group of women leaders. We will discuss the path to ministry, discern the way forward, challenges and triumphs, mental health, gender and leadership, and much more. 
We hope you’ll find these conversations inspiring and practical—whether you are a woman in ministry, a leader from any marginalized background, or if you’re passionate about empowering all of God’s people to lead and serve in the ministry they feel called to.
In this first episode, you’ll get to know our co-hosts, Dr. Rose Madrid Swetman and Jenni Wong Clayville, who are both experienced ministry leaders, advisers, and champions for their fellow women in the field of ministry. We can’t wait to get started!
Listener Resources:
If you are a woman in ministry seeking a space for support, growth, and transformation for yourself or for your team, we invite you to participate in one of our cohort programs, called a Circle. To learn more and to get on the waitlist to be notified when our next Circle is offered, click below:
https://transformingengagement.org/womeninministry 
 

Join us for a special bonus episode as Dr. Kate Rae Davis reflects on the theme of the inaugural Christ & Cascadia Gathering held last month. Ministry leaders from diverse contexts across the Pacific Northwest convened to explore what makes ministry unique in the Cascadia region. 
Despite facing distinct challenges, there was a prevailing sense of hope and resilience—a shared belief that collaboration and innovation could spark new life even in the face of adversity.
One of the biggest takeaways was a collective desire for connection. Plans are already underway for the next gathering in 2025, where the focus will shift to meaningful engagement with scripture in community settings.
If you're looking for a place to connect, learn, and be inspired, sign up to receive emails when the date and location are announced at christandcascadia.com/newsletter .

Rev. Ron Werner, Jr. joins Dr. Kate Rae Davis to share his take on ministry in Cascadia and how the musical and cultural influences of the Pacific Northwest have shaped his identity and approach to leadership.
Rooted in Oregon since 2005, Ron is the founding Director of Together Lab, where he weaves together people of faith and fierce love to cultivate leader-full movements and ministries. 
The conversation highlights the shift from traditional church-centered approaches to community engagement to a more decentralized and collaborative model. Ron emphasizes the importance of embracing the margins and engaging with diverse communities beyond institutional boundaries. He shares insights from his experience working in grassroots movements and community organizing, emphasizing the need for authenticity, vulnerability, and relational engagement.
Join us as we consider:
The challenges of navigating cultural shifts, especially in areas where skepticism towards institutions is prevalent.
The evolving role of faith communities in facilitating collective empowerment and social change.
A vision for creating inclusive spaces that honor diverse perspectives and experiences, particularly in the realm of youth ministry.
Wherever you’re listening from, we hope these conversations inspire reflections on how you’re serving in your own context.
 

Join us for an enriching conversation with Tim Soerens, co-founding executive director of The Parish Collective, as we explore the distinctiveness of ministry in the vibrant Cascadia region. From its breathtaking landscapes to its unique cultural fabric, Cascadia offers a fertile ground for holistic neighborhood flourishing.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The essence of holistic neighborhood flourishing and its significance in fostering thriving communities.
How the Parish Collective is catalyzing change and innovation in ministry by imagining the common good together.
The transformative power of place-based ministry and the importance of cultivating a deep ecological sensibility.
Reflections on the challenges and opportunities of ministry in Cascadia compared to other regions.
Insights into the upcoming Inhabit Conference, a gathering that celebrates stories of renewal, reconciliation, and innovation in everyday church life.
Whether you’re a pastor, entrepreneur, artist, nonprofit leader, or simply passionate about community engagement, this conversation offers valuable insights into reimagining church and community in the Cascadia region and beyond. 
If you’d like to continue this conversation, we invite you to join us this April in the Seattle area for the Christ & Cascadia Gathering and the Inhabit Conference!
The Christ & Cascadia Gathering on Thursday, April 25, is an official pre-conference event for the Inhabit Conference on April 26-27. We hope you’ll plan to join us for both events this spring. You can register for both events at a discounted rate at: https://www.parishcollective.org/inhabit-2024

As we continue our conversation about the distinctiveness of ministry in the Cascadia region, we’re joined by Rev. Melissa Skelton. Currently serving as the Bishop Provisional in the Diocese of Olympia, Melissa shares her journey from the East Coast to the Cascadia region, offering a wealth of insights into the distinct cultural and environmental differences she encountered along the way.
In this episode, you’ll:
Embrace Nature's Influence: Delve into how the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Cascadia region, from majestic mountains to fierce oceans, shape our perceptions and enrich our human experience.
Navigate Cultural Nuances: Learn to appreciate and navigate the unique cultural differences between regions, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding in ministry and community engagement.
Discover Innovative Ministry Models: Melissa shares examples of innovative ministries like the St. Hildegard Sanctuary and Salal and Cedar community, where art, trauma sensitivity, and Indigenous perspectives intersect with liturgical practices, redefining traditional notions of church and spirituality.
Reflect on Congregational Fundamentals: Consider the practices that form the backbone of thriving congregations, including well-crafted liturgy, impactful preaching, robust pastoral care, diverse prayer forms, and engaging formation opportunities rooted in a rich Christ-centered identity.
Join us as we discuss new possibilities for ministry and community engagement in the Cascadia region and beyond.