Embracing Change, Storytelling, and Faith Beyond Sunday — “To Be and Do” with Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross

Episode Blog: Embracing Change, Storytelling, and Faith Beyond Sunday — “To Be and Do” with Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross

This week on the To Be and Do podcast, Phil Amerson sat down with the remarkable Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross, a preacher, author, professor, and director of revitalization for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Their conversation explored the power of transformational leadership, the critical role of storytelling in ministry, and actionable insights on how faith communities can reach people beyond Sunday morning. Here’s a closer look at the episode’s heart, plus three takeaway points that deserve our attention.

1. Transformational Leadership Fuels Diversity and Growth

Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross shared his journey from student to board member at Kalamazoo College and the awe-inspiring experience of watching the college’s leadership ignite true transformation. What started as a predominantly white, academically rigorous liberal arts college evolved into a dynamic, diverse environment—purposefully designed to mirror the world students would one day impact. Through the vision of President Dr. Wilson-Oyelaran, the school extended recruiting efforts into communities formerly overlooked, reframed notions of who could thrive academically, reshaped faculty expectations, and even reimagined cafeteria offerings. Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross emphasized this vital truth: “Sometimes people's fear of any kind of diversity is that things won’t be the same. But that’s not always a bad thing, because if anything is to grow and evolve... we grow and evolve.” Leadership, when rooted in vision and inclusivity, doesn’t diminish excellence—it amplifies it.

2. Storytelling: A Modern Tool for Meaningful Ministry

Another gem in the episode was Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross’s passion for storytelling, both in traditional preaching and through new media forms like video. From deeply moving responses to national crises—such as his reflections after the murder of George Floyd—to finding innovative ways to connect outside Sunday services, he underlines storytelling’s power to bridge gaps and foster empathy. Whether teaching, writing, or consulting, for him the mission is clear: “It’s all just about storytelling for me.” His advice for churches: harness every possible creative platform to make the Gospel relevant and present in daily life, not just on Sunday mornings.

3. Faith Beyond the Pew: Meeting People Where They Are

A core theme was that new connections and transformative church experiences often don’t happen in a sanctuary—they happen “on the soccer field, in cars, in neighborhoods, and online.” Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross challenges churches to shift their mindset from “How do we get them here?” to “How do we show up where they already are?” He underscores that authentic discipleship happens through equipping people for lives of faith beyond Sunday: “Help them to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in the places where they already are. Start there first.” His book “It’s Not Just Sunday” lays out practical steps for churches to build community during the other 164 hours of the week.

In Closing:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration on transformative leadership, the evolving nature of faith communities, and building new bridges through authentic engagement. As Phil Amerson noted in his closing: find where Christ is already at work in the world, and let that shape how we belong together at God’s ever-welcoming table.