Meet the Virtual Gathering Bible Study Leaders ~ DR. VITUS BLOG

Meet Our Bible Study Speakers

What does Beyonce, congregational ministry and the Bible have in common?

Our Bible Study leaders for Disciples Virtual Gathering! Meet Rev. Yolanda Norton and Rev. Dr. Eric Smith:

Rev. Yolanda M. Norton is the founder and executive director of the Global Arts and Theology Experience. She has a long commitment to justice, especially as it relates to women and children, and she is excited about the possibilities for what God is doing in and through Black women in this season. GATE is borne out of her creation of the Beyonce Mass, which has been featured in Essence, the New York Times, and HBO’s VICE.

In addition to her work at GATE, Rev. Norton currently serves as the Crump Visiting Professor of Black Theology at the Seminary of the Southwest; and is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible and H. Eugene Farlough Chair of Black Church Studies at San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Rev. Dr. Eric C. Smith is Assistant Professor of Early Christianity and Contemporary Christian Practices at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado and Teaching Minister at First Plymouth Congregational Church (UCC) in suburban Denver. At Iliff, he teaches in the fields of early Christianity and biblical studies, serves as a mentor to Disciples of Christ students in collaboration with the Disciples Seminary Foundation, and co-directs Iliff's Doctor of Ministry in Prophetic Leadership program. At First Plymouth, he conducts a variety of classes, preaches frequently, and coordinates the youth group.

Smith grew up in First Christian Church of Walnut Cove, North Carolina, attended Vanderbilt Divinity School where he lived in the Disciples Divinity House, and was ordained in the North Carolina Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2007.

Plus a Preaching Word from Our GMP

Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens currently serves as the General Minister & President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. She is the second woman and the first person of color to serve in this position. Terri believes that we must be the church we say are: a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world, welcoming all to the Lord’s table as God has welcomed us; an anti-racist, pro-reconciling church; and ultimately, bear witness to the limitless love of God.

Learn more about the one day Virtual Gathering event and register to be a part of this learning experience.

Have a question?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page to have your questions answered.

FAQ Page

Imagine With Me: Virtual Gathering June 4, 2021

Watch the conversation between General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens and First Vice Moderator Rev. Stephanie Kendell now to hear why they are excited for the Disciples Virtual Gathering and what you can look forward to. Just click on the video or the button below.