Ekemini’s Journey to Faith and Ministry
Ekemini shared her journey of coming to faith in college and her involvement in her church, Hope’s House Christian Ministries. She emphasized the significance of having a mentor who has guided her for almost 20 years. Her path to becoming a public theologian was not one she chose, but one she believes was chosen for her by God. After a sudden job loss, she transitioned from a corporate job to pursue ministry, leading her to attend seminary to deepen her understanding of the Word of God.
As she continued her studies, Ekemini started receiving opportunities to speak and write about God in public settings. These experiences allowed her to engage with secular audiences and share her faith in a broader context. We all expressed our excitement for this discussion and hope that it will challenge listeners to reconsider their views on women in ministry.
The Importance of Public Theology
Ekemini shared the importance of public theology and how it helps people understand and navigate the complexities of our world, including politics, race, and pop culture. She emphasized the need to make theology accessible and demystify God for people. She incorporates her cultural identity as a Nigerian American woman into her theological conversations, believing that as embodied souls, it is crucial to take seriously the fundamentals of faith, such as the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
Embracing Identity, Decolonizing Minds and The Push for Reparations
Ekemini’s social location, being at the intersection of being black, Nigerian, and American, informs her work on issues like Pan-Africanism, reparations, and colonialism. She recognizes the historical context of her people being colonized and trafficked in the transatlantic slave trade. She expresses gratitude for her upbringing, despite its challenges, as it shaped her racial consciousness and collective mindset.
The Diversity Within Black Culture
We discussed the diversity within black culture and the importance of unity. We highlighted the different regional influences on black culture in the US, including vernacular, style of dress, and music. We emphasized the need to remember that as black people, we belong to one another and should live into a collectivist cultural mentality.
The Intersection of Theology and Practice
We agreed on the importance of unity and discussed the misconception that theology and practice should be separate. We realized the need for collaboration and understanding between the two. While theory is important, there also needs to be praxis, or practical application, in our work. We expressed the need for policy changes and activism to accompany our intellectual pursuits.
Addressing Issues Within the Black Community
We discussed the importance of addressing issues within the black community, such as singleness and the decline of identification with faith. We stressed the need for critical mass and hands-on involvement to bring about healing and restoration within the community. We believe that black institutions, including the church, need to be intentional in counteracting these issues.
I hope this conversation has challenged you to reconsider your views on women in ministry and the role of the church in addressing issues within the black community.
You can connect with Ekemini on her website sistamatictheology.com. Do you want to support the work that Holy Culture Radio is doing? Make a one-time donation or shop the online store. Thank you for tuning in and God bless.
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