Juneteenth

Juneteenth and the Church: A Praxis Panel Discussion

Juneteenth matters to the church because it reminds us that the gospel of Jesus Christ speaks not only to personal salvation, but also to human dignity, freedom, justice, and reconciliation.

On Juneteenth, Praxis at Nazarene Theological Seminary will release a special recorded panel discussion exploring what Juneteenth means for the church today and why these conversations matter for faithful ministry, leadership, and discipleship.

Moderated by Dr. Charles Thurman, Director of Black Church Studies at NTS, the conversation will feature:

• Dr. Kelly Varner, Ordained Minister @ Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

• Dr. Whitney Weathers, Founder & Principal Consultant @  Whitney Weathers Consulting

• Rev. Irene Lewis-Wimbley,  Director @ Southside Community Center

• Rev. Ryan Gage, Minister of Worship & Creative Arts @ Nampa College Church of the Nazarene

Together, they will reflect on:

• The significance of Juneteenth

• The witness and wisdom of the Black Church

• Leadership and belonging in the church today

• Justice, reconciliation, and faithful ministry

• How the church can engage history truthfully and hopefully

This conversation will be released on Juneteenth at 10 AM (Central) through Praxis.

At its best, the church does not avoid difficult history or uncomfortable conversations. Instead, it becomes a people shaped by truth, grace, repentance, hope, and love.

We hope you will join us in this important conversation.