Just as we learn from the stories recorded in scripture, we can learn from the stories of how God is moving in our lives today.

On International Women’s Day, New Church Hacks will hear from two fascinating female ministers, change-makers, and leaders in our denomination. Throughout their journey, they have been faced with adversity and defeat, but have led with empowerment and liberation. Come listen to these two amazing stories of how God ordained both of these women into hard and holy calls.

PANELLISTS

Rev. Christy Jo Harber sits on a metal bench. She is wearing a dark blue shirt.

Rev. Christy Jo Harber was born and raised in West Tennessee and received a Bachelors in Nonprofit Leadership from Murray State University. She graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN, in 2017 with a Master of Divinity. She served as Associate Pastor at Eastwood Christian Church (2017-2020) in Nashville TN.

Christy Jo began a wild and holy adventure serving as Woodland Christian Church’s Lead Pastor in Lexington, KY at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. She is excited to share what God has been up to since her church learned it couldn’t return from virtual worship to the sanctuary and would need over a million dollars for building repair.

Christy Jo is always looking and listening for the new thing God is doing. She is passionate about sharing the message of the liberating love of God and the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality. For fun she enjoys learning about the enneagram, going hiking, and exploring waterfalls!

Rev. Erin Edwards is the lead pastor and founder of LOP (Live on Purpose) Community Church, in Davis/Vacaville, CA. Married in 2017 to her wife Chelsea, they welcomed twin daughters, Erilee and Evagrae, in January 2019. Erin also became ordained in the Disciples of Christ during the pandemic and is co-pastor at the Christian Church of Woodland, CA (Disciples of Christ).

Erin graduated with a Master’s degree in Ministry and Theology and is currently attending the Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley for her Doctorate in Ministry.

As a gay, African-American woman in ministry, Erin is no stranger to opposition. Because of this, Erin has been equipped with an understanding of the marginalized and has used it as a platform to combat injustice. With a passion for what God has for His people in the here and now, Pastor Erin promotes a life lived not only with purpose but on purpose. Her voice and story speak directly to the soul, waking people up to encounter and live out their God-given dreams.

Pastor Erin and Chelsea strive to build a community in which all people are free to experience the love of God, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race, etc.

Posted on March 24, 2023

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