Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, the esteemed president of Lott Carey, delivered the sermon at the closing commissioning service of the 2024 Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference at the Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey.
Dr. Stewart’s message was clear and profound: public theology is not only relevant but essential. Drawing from the scriptures of Matthew 5:13-15 and John 1:1-5, she painted a vivid picture of faith’s role in the public square. She used the insights of Rev. Dr. Christophe Ringer, who gave two presentations on public theology at the conference, as a backdrop, declaring that all life is sacred, and every act is an act of worship.
The sacred-secular divide, she argued, is a false dichotomy. Theology, in its truest form, spills out of sanctuaries and into the streets, influencing policy, shaping dialogues, and uplifting communities. Other presenters at the missions conference, Minister Brenda Troy and Rev. Dr. Willie Francois III, were heralded for their practical applications of this concept, demonstrating how public love can be a beacon of hope in a world riddled with despair.
For 127 years, Lott Carey has been a testament to this philosophy, actively engaging in the fight against hunger, championing women’s empowerment, advancing education, and providing disaster relief. These initiatives are not mere acts of charity but a divine mandate, a command to disrupt the status quo and sow seeds of justice and equity.
Dr. Stewart’s sermon culminated in a powerful call to action. She urged the gathering to embrace their unique gifts, to be the light in a world shrouded in darkness. The ministry of Jesus, she reminded them, was never meant to be confined to whispers behind closed doors. It is a dynamic force, capable of transforming societies and realigning them with God’s vision for human flourishing.
As the conference ended, the message was clear: despair is not an option. Instead, we are invited to join a lineage of change-makers who understood the public nature of Jesus’ ministry. Together, we can be divine disruptors, aligning our world with the divine intentions of love, justice, and flourishing for all.
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