At the Table with Rev. Terri Hord Owens: Reimagining Power, Justice, and Christian Community

What does it mean to truly be an anti-racist church today? How do we move beyond welcoming people to actually sharing power at God's table? In a recent episode of The Collective Table Podcast, we had the deep honor of continuing our conversation with Rev. Dr. Terri Hord Owens, the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Rev. Hord Owens, the first Black woman to lead a Mainline Christian denomination, brings powerful wisdom and practical insight into the work of racial justice, church leadership, and authentic Christian community. Our dialogue explores the hard but necessary questions facing faith communities today - questions about who owns “the table,” how we reckon with our history, and why simply inviting others in isn’t enough.

Moving Beyond "Welcoming": What True Power Sharing Looks Like

In this conversation, Rev. Hord Owens challenges churches to think differently about inclusion. It's not enough to offer seats at a table built by and for the privileged. True anti-racism work demands reimagining the table itself - who plans the feast, who sets the agenda, and how power is shared.

As Rev. Hord Owens reminds us, "Being at the table and being allowed to share power at the table are two different things." Christian communities must be brave enough to name the old narratives that still shape us - and intentional enough to create new ones rooted in justice and mutual liberation.

Reckoning with History: Learning from the Past to Shape a Better Future

As a church affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we also looked honestly at our own denominational history. Founders like Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell advocated for Christian unity but hesitated to confront the evil of slavery. Meanwhile, Black leaders like Preston Taylor and Sarah Lue Bostick helped build faithful communities in the face of segregation and exclusion.

Facing this history isn't about assigning blame - it's about repentance, healing, and moving forward with clarity and courage. True Christian unity, as Rev. Hord Owens points out, must be rooted in justice, not false harmony that ignores oppression.

Hope in Action: Living Faithfully in Our Time

Despite the heavy topics, this conversation left us feeling deeply hopeful. Rev. Hord Owens shared her ongoing work advocating for economic justice, healthcare access, and the dignity of marginalized communities - work rooted in the legacy of those who came before her.

As she put it, "This is the call of my life...to stand and advocate for the things I've always cared about and to do so for this church that I love so dearly."

Her leadership reminds us that the work of anti-racism, justice, and faithfulness isn't just possible - it’s already happening. It’s happening through courageous leaders, through communities willing to be honest about their history, and through collective tables where power is shared.

Listen to the Full Conversation

You can listen to the full episode, At The Table with Terri Hord Owens (Part 2), on The Collective Table Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

Questions for Reflection:

Where are you finding truly "collective tables" or spaces that share power? How is that helping you grow as a follower of Christ?
How might being honest about your own history help you move toward a better future, for yourself, your family, or your community?
What ideas, institutions, or people might you need to say "go in grace" to in order to remain faithful to your deepest commitments?

Season 10, Episode 6: At the Table with Terri Hord Owens (Part 2)