This is the second of a series of podcast episodes that are introducing to the world a new doctorate of ministry (DMin) study cohort to be hosted at Western Theological Seminary. The title of this series shares the name of the study cohort, "A New Reality in Belonging: Contemplation and Justice for All God's People." More information about the program of study can be found at https://contemplationandjustice.westernsem.edu.
In this episode Cami Beecroft Mann offers a reading from the late Dr. Barbara A. Holmes’ Crisis Contemplation: Healing the Wounded Village, describing lament as risky speech that challenges power, stitches neighbors together, and becomes prayer when words fail. Cami defines lament as honest sorrow that breaks facades, decenters heroic control, and makes space for hope and praise. Cami is joined by Keith Reynolds, Michelle Loyd-Paige, and Josh Banner who each offer their own understanding of the Holmes reading. They discuss gospel music, justice work, and resisting shallow reconciliation that skips naming disunity. Cami mentions launching a nonprofit, The Center of Sorrow. You can learn more about Cami at https://www.physiodivina.com
Michelle and her upcoming Fresh Anointing Conference at https://www.preachsista.org Keith can be followed on Instagram to learn more about this pending church plant Josh Banner: www.theinvitationcenter.org
Please consider a one time or monthly donation to support this podcast: https://theinvitationcenter.org/donations Josh can be reached directly at this link and is available for one on one or group spiritual direction, to create and facilitate retreats, to teach or consult for your church or organization on topics ranging from spiritual formation, contemplative spirituality, and racial justice.
00:00 Holy Tears of Lament
00:50 Podcast Welcome and Vision
03:06 Lectio Divina as Practice
06:10 Introducing Michelle and Cammie
11:50 Gathering in Gratitude
13:50 Why Lament Matters Now
17:00 Barbara Holmes Reading
20:16 Defining Lament Together
23:00 Gospel Music and Shared Grief
26:15 Hero Stories and Personal Lament
31:13 Creating Space for Sorrow
35:29 Lament Praise and Hope
42:46 Reconciliation Without Lament
44:23 Risky Speech and Prophetic Church
47:47 Trust the Lament
49:05 Grief Is Not Linear
49:55 Remain With Me
51:11 Presence Over Fixing
52:32 Conversation ends
53:42 Josh’s invites listeners to mediation in response to the episode
55:13 Closing thoughts about the DMin