Episode 186: Brenda Salter McNeil

In this episode, Brenda Salter McNeil discusses the long-term work required for Christians to repair broken systems and heal communities. Brenda shares about her journey into racial reconciliation work and how she came to see reconciliation and reparations as two sides of the same coin. We talk about the importance of listening to understand issues of those most affected, getting proximate to communities through relationships, and organizing diverse coalitions to identify shared concerns rather than coming with outside solutions. Brenda emphasizes staying committed to this work through practices like lament as well as self-care to prevent burnout. Our hope is for the church to reimagine what it means to follow Jesus by embodying his call to justice, flourishing for all people, and representing the kingdom vision of every tribe and nation together as God's people on earth. Join us as we discover how to repair broken systems and mend communities.

Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil is a dynamic speaker, teacher, author and reconciliation leader! She is a trailblazer, who is thoroughly loving and rigorously prophetic. Her mission is to inspire and empower emerging Christian leaders to be practitioners of reconciliation in their various spheres of influence. As an Associate Professor of Reconciliation Studies in the School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University, Dr. Salter McNeil directs the Reconciliation Studies program that prepares students to engage the culture around them as Christian reconcilers. Brenda’s latest book is Empowered to Repair.

Brenda's Book:
Empowered to Repair

Brenda's Recommendation:
Prophetic Lament by Soong Chan Rah