Transforming Church and Community: Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross on Revitalization, Diversity, and Everyday Faith
To Be and Do Podcast
Guest: Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross
Host: Phil Amerson
Show Notes
Welcome back to the To Be and Do podcast, where host Phil Amerson explores how authentic connections, interdependence, and transformational leadership shape communities and faith. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross joins Phil to share his personal journey from pastoral work to academic leadership, and unpack his insights on creating more inclusive, engaged, and evolving communities.
Dr. Gross, currently the Director of Revitalization and Church Development for the Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, reflects on his experiences—from his formative years at Kalamazoo College, to innovative ministry roles, and his approach to storytelling through video and writing. Whether you lead in a faith setting or simply care about belonging, growth, and genuine community, this episode is packed with wisdom.
Three Major Takeaways:
1. Transformational Leadership Fosters True Diversity
Dr. Gross shares a powerful story from his time at Kalamazoo College, describing how visionary leadership fundamentally changed the institution. Through the efforts of President Dr. Wilson Oyelaran, the college reinvented itself—transforming recruitment, faculty tenure, and campus culture—not only to look diverse, but to live diversity as an essential part of academic and personal growth. The process didn’t diminish excellence, it elevated it. This model demonstrates that organizations (including churches) thrive by embracing evolution, not fearing change.
2. The Most Meaningful Faith Experiences Happen Beyond Sunday Morning
Drawing from ministry research and personal observation, Dr. Gross explains how transformative and formative spiritual moments often occur outside the traditional Sunday worship setting. Whether connecting at a soccer field or in everyday life, churches—and any caring community—should focus resources on meeting people in the places where life truly unfolds. His new book, It’s Not Just Sunday, encourages leaders and congregations to see discipleship as a daily, relational journey, rather than a single weekly event.
3. Storytelling Bridges Gaps and Sparks Change
Dr. Gross highlights his passion for storytelling—through preaching, video, and writing—as a key method for communicating faith and building bridges. Sharing authentic stories, including difficult ones like his reflection on being a Black leader after the murder of George Floyd, invites broader connection and healing. These stories offer pathways for church and society to become more present, relevant, and responsive to real human experiences.
Join Phil and Dr. Gross in this episode for an authentic conversation on leadership, change, and belonging. Don’t forget to check out Dr. Gross’s book and his video reels for more stories and insights!
Want more? Tune in to the next episode, where Dr. Gross dives deeper into revitalization, theology, and the evolving role of the church in communities today.
