In this episode, host Erin has a conversation with Sandra Van Opstal that challenges some of the narratives about diversity, inclusion, and unity.
Sandra is a second-generation Latina and a pastor at Grace and Peace Community on the west-side of Chicago. She is a preacher, liturgist and activist who is re-imagining the intersection of worship and justice.
In her fifteen years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Sandra mobilized thousands of college students for God’s mission of reconciliation and justice in the world. Sandra served as Director of Worship for the Urbana Missions Conference, Chicago Urban Program Director, Latino National Leadership Team (LaFe), and Northwestern University Team leader (Multiethnic fellowship).
Sandra’s influence has also reached many others through her leadership and preaching on topics such of worship and formation, justice, racial identity and reconciliation, and global mission. She has been featured at Wheaton College, North Park University, The Justice Conference, Evangelical Covenant conferences, Willow Creek Association conferences, and various churches. Sandra serves as a board member for Evangelicals for Justice and the Christian Community Development Association. Sandra was also the Worship Director for the IFES World Assemblyin Mexico 2015, Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering in Jarkarta 2016 and Global Gathering in South Africa 2018. She is also the Executive director and Co-founder of Chasing Justice
In addition to her ministry experience, Sandra holds a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois and has been published in multiple journals. She has authored God’s Graffiti Devotional, Still Evangelical, The Mission of Worship and The Next Worship.
In this episode, Erin quotes from the book Prophetic Lament, which is also highly recommended.
(Intersectionality) Theology in Practice: The Image of God and Domestic Violence
(New Voices) The Hidden Truth about Abuse with Created to Thrive authors Rebecca Kotz and Annette Oltmans
(Global Impact) Learning to Define Belonging as a Refugee with Pauline Hassan Burkey
(Women and Men Leading Together) Beauty, Wonder, and Mixed-Gender Partnerships with Bette Dickinson
Introducing a Great Theologian: My Grandmother with Dr. Yolanda Pierce
(New Voices) Porn and Patriarchy with Mallory Ellington
(Global Impact) Joining the Fight for Freedom with guest Dr. Médine Moussounga Keener
(Women & Men Leading Together) “Can I Just Explain How this Feels?” with Sarah Cowan Johnson
(Intersectionality) Words Matter! Freedom through Lectionary and Bible Translation with Rev. Dr. Wilda C. Gafney
(New Voices) Professor Moms: Dr. Deshonna Collier-Goubil on Women in Christian Higher Education
(Global Impact) Bearing Good Fruit with Scott Arbeiter
(Women & Men Leading Together) Living as the Beloved Community with Drs. Quentin and Cindy Kinnison
(Intersectionality) Who’s Missing? Privilege and Responsibility with Rev. Dr. Christy S. Woodbury-Moore
(New Voices) How Complementarianism Just Makes No Sense with Terran Williams
Global Impact: Jesus as a Transformational Model for Upending Gender-Based Stereotypes and Violence
(Women and Men Leading Together) Going Beyond Gender Roles in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Matt and Bekah Meyer
(Intersectionality) Diversity as God’s Design: A Conversation with Rev. Michelle D. Williams – Part Two
(New Voices) Exploring the Fullness of Galatians 3:28 in Mutuality Magazine’s Latest Issue
(Global Impact) Diverse Religious Beliefs and the Humanitarian Impact on Women
(Women & Men) Drawing the Circle Wide: A Conversation with Rev. Liz Testa
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Life After Ministry
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)