At the Table
Leadership Scholars

At the Table

By Maggie Kennedy In 2021 I moved to a new city to begin my divinity school education. As I was shopping to furnish my first apartment, I wanted to get my kitchen table just right. Something big enough that I could have people over but small enough not to crowd the shoe box I am … Continue reading

Try to Have a Point and Make it Clear
Leadership Scholars

Try to Have a Point and Make it Clear

By William Scruggs This title comes from a song—“Relatively Easy,” which is the last song on Jason Isbell’s album Southeastern. And these words come at the end of a verse about a brother on a “church kick.” Whoever tells us about it regards such seeking after salvation as akin to being “dope sick,” judging it … Continue reading

The Human Mission?
Leadership Scholars

The Human Mission?

By Renee Edington I’ve been thinking a lot about chaos and disorder. It started around the time I was writing a prayer for my seminary’s Fall convocation—a prayer for the new academic year. I struggled to write the prayer.  So much was happening in the world. In Kentucky, as in many other states in the … Continue reading

Pots and Pans
Leadership Scholars

Pots and Pans

By Jessica McDougald On my first day of class during the fall semester, like we usually do on our first day, we went around and introduced ourselves. Everyone said their name, where they lived, what church they go to, and something they did this summer. When it was time for my professor’s introduction, he mentioned … Continue reading

The Meeting Points of Mercy and Reconciliation
Leadership Scholars / women in ministry

The Meeting Points of Mercy and Reconciliation

By Pilar Castrillo  Migration as a situation that affects those who migrate, but also where they migrate has become a challenge for communities of faith. How to reconcile the biblical mandate to help others, and especially others who come to live in your community and whose language is unknown. Communities of faith, society in general, … Continue reading

It’s All In The Eyes: Rethinking our Affect in our Churches
Leadership Scholars

It’s All In The Eyes: Rethinking our Affect in our Churches

By Chris West Recently, the world’s most popular therapist, Brené Brown, interviewed Sarah Niles, who plays the sports therapist in the popular Apple TV show Ted Lasso. On her podcast, in true Brené Brown fashion, helped listeners better understand their own vulnerability and the connection they have to actors, especially those with talent. In discussing … Continue reading

A Journey of Self-Discovery
Leadership Scholars

A Journey of Self-Discovery

By Milligan Burroughs I have been so excited to start my first semester at McAfee School of Theology. Throughout my life, I have witnessed multiple people I love and look up to attend McAfee, and when I was in high school it was my dream to finally attend. So far, the first semester I spent … Continue reading

“As long as you’re breathing, there is hope.” 
Leadership Scholars / young Baptists

“As long as you’re breathing, there is hope.” 

By Crystal Ham Full disclosure, this time of the year has not been the easiest for me over the last few years. The fall and winter seasons bring many emotions with them, including grief, happiness, love, and sadness. Around this time, I always think about people in my life that I’ve lost, particularly my grandfather, … Continue reading

Emmanuel – God With Us!
Advent / Leadership Scholars / young Baptists

Emmanuel – God With Us!

By Jiquan Davis O come, o come, EmmanuelAnd ransom captive IsraelThat mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the son of God appearsRejoice! rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, o Israel. When the Hebrew people where in captivity they were hoping and waiting for someone, like a king, to come and save them and for God to be … Continue reading

Waiting Patiently
Advent / Leadership Scholars / young Baptists

Waiting Patiently

By Hunter Greene 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is … Continue reading