Jarell is a graduate of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, a Twitter addict, a blogger, and a self-proclaimed Methodork. He attended Baylor University and graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Sociology. He’s an Austinite but not quite a true Texan; an activist in Chacos; a proud Slytherin; a Matt Smith Whovian; a scented candle aficionado; and obsessed parent of the most wonderful dog in all of God’s creation. While he isn’t working or studying, he can be found slacking off, prowling whatever city he is in for the best places to eat, reading, watching Netflix, and singing…rather loudly. He is currently a licensed-local pastor and Church Start Resident at Urban Village Church in Chicago seeking ordination in the UMC like an over-qualified Secretary of State seeking the Presidency.
I believe that now, more than ever, the world needs church leaders that are willing to be open and vulnerable in public spaces about difficult topics. In the midst of unceasing media coverage of police brutality, racism, a political environment that seems unable to make room for conversation for people with differing opinion – it is necessary that leaders in the Church be the examples of how to be open an honest about controversial issues in a way that is equally pastoral and prophetic.
The LEAD Conference creates a space where leaders can come together to share their failures, successes, ideas, and dreams. We’ll supply the space, the food, and the hotel, but we need you. We need your participation, your ideas, your challenges, your perspectives, and your stories. So register now before it’s too late! Registration will close once we reach 85 people.
