In this episode of The Collective Table Podcast, we sit down with Rev. Terri Hord Owens, the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada—the first Black woman to lead a mainline Christian denomination in North America. A passionate advocate for justice, inclusion, and faith-driven transformation, Rev. Hord Owens brings a powerful voice to our ongoing series, The 50.5%, which explores the experiences and leadership of women in faith communities.

Together, we discuss:

• The challenges and joys of her historic leadership role

• How race and gender intersect in the expectations placed on women in ministry

• The ways faith communities can move beyond tokenism toward true justice and inclusion

• Her perspective on leadership that embraces authenticity rather than conforming to traditional molds

We also reflect on the broader implications of her leadership and how it invites us all to reimagine the church as a space of radical welcome and wholeness.

Pre-Order Her Book: Staying at the Table: Being the Church We Say We Are - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/staying-at-the-table-terri-hord-owens/1146959617

Discussion Questions:

1. How have your perceptions of leadership in the church been shaped by race and gender?

2. Have you ever felt pressured to fit into a particular “costume” or mold to be accepted in a faith space?

3. How can you commit to listening and learning from a more diverse set of voices in your faith journey?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with us!

️ The Collective Table Podcast is a production of Oceanside Sanctuary, a progressive and affirming church community committed to inclusive, inspiring, and impactful Christian spirituality. Learn more about us at https://oceansidesanctuary.org.

Get in Touch: Email us at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 760-722-8522.