Church is Changing: Episode 67 – Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol

In a time of deep division, the unraveling of our national institutions, and the undeniable uncertainty within our congregations, how do we, as Christian leaders, stay rooted in the way of Jesus – and hold fast to our prophetic witness?

Today, we’re honored to be joined by Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol – a wise, courageous, and deeply spiritual pastoral leader serving at Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in the heart of Washington, D.C. From the shadow of the Capitol, she brings us stories of hope, challenge, and what it means to lead with both conviction and grace in a city where faith and public life constantly collide.

To learn more about Donna and her ministry, visit mvpumc.org.

Click here for the candle of peace, hope, and justice from MFSA.

Four Imperatives to Hold a Prophet Faithful

Developed by Reverend Peter Storey for the South African Context in 1966

• Witness to the Truth – Tell the truth, expose the lie, without fear or favour. Offer a vision of God’s intention. Declare that God’s way will ultimately prevail
• Bind up the Broken – Go to those for whom you preach and pray—those who are wounded by the systems and institutions you prophesy against—and let your presence be a sign of God’s presence with them.
• Live the Alternative – Be a “Sign of the Kingdom,” – a visual aid offering inspiration to those who do not believe things can be different.
• Seek Strategies Consistent with the Mind of Christ to Undermine Evil – Enter the costly struggle to find ways of pressuring power, to either transform or topple systems of injustice.

We bring you stories of hope and resilience from leaders around the world who are engaging the gospel message in new ways. We interview thought leaders who bring wisdom about the changing cultural landscape and its implications for faith formation. If you are a church leader looking for practical ideas and new ways of approaching church in the 21st century, this podcast is for you.

Subscribe to 'Church is Changing' on iTunes!

About the Hosts:

Beth Estock

After serving as a United Methodist pastor in a variety of settings in Georgia and Oregon, and then as Director of New Faith Community Development in the Oregon and Idaho conferences of The United Methodist Church, Beth Estock wanted to help big-hearted leaders have impact without exhaustion. She is a Master Certified Integral Coach™ as well as a meditative yoga instructor. Her contemplative sensibilities and integral approach inform her coaching work with leaders all over North America and the United Kingdom.

She has written two books, Weird Church: Welcome to the 21st Century and Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Building a Life of Faith. You can find out more about her at bethestock.com.

Paul Nixon

Paul Nixon is Director of Church Multiplication for Discipleship Ministries, an agency of The United Methodist Church. He has served as a Director of Church Development for an annual conference, served as a church planter, and coached scores of innovative leaders across the last quarter century. Paul is the president of Epicenter Group, a coaching organization currently focused on ministry in North America and the United Kingdom. Paul has written eleven books – including a joyful collaboration with Beth Estock in 2016 as they released Weird Church: Welcome to the 21st Century. His most recent book is Launching a New Worship Community: A Field Guide for the 2020s, co-authored with Craig Gilbert and twelve ministry innovators. You can find out more about him at epicentergroup.org.