(Intersectionality) The Narratives that Shaped Us with New Co-Host Rev. Liz Testa

Rev. Angela Ravin-Anderson welcomes new co-host, Rev. Liz Testa, and together they reflect on intersectionality and why it’s an important aspect of what shapes them as women, believers, and leaders. Angela and Liz reflect on their faith journeys and some of the narratives within their home or early development that shaped them, as well as how they have experienced being at the intersection of race, gender, and religion and navigated through the challenges and opportunities. Their lively conversation concludes with honest sharing about how God has called them to show up in the midst of the complexities of today’s world, and how they believe God is desiring women in general, and them in particular, to show up and make a positive, lasting impact.

Bios
Rev. Dr. Angela Ravin-Anderson, a native Texan, is an ordained minister with a true passion for seeing the people of God become an authentic expression of God’s love in the world.  Dr. Ravin-Anderson created the Streams in the Wasteland Leadership Institute, a training program to equip and prepare transformational Christian leaders, especially women, based on their unique personalities, passions, and spiritual gifts to minister to the marginalized. She is also a facilitator for Project C.U.R.A.T.E., a faith-based initiative to bring about racial reconciliation and social justice reform within the Christian community. Dr. Ravin-Anderson is an adjunct professor at Abilene Christian University within the Bible Department teaching courses in Old and New Testament Studies, Christian Leadership, and Spiritual Formation. At Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church where she serves as part of the clergy team, she gives leadership to the Social Justice ministry and develops curriculum for adult Christian education and discipleship training programs. She holds a BA in Behavioral Science from Rice University, an MBA and MHA from the University of Houston-Clearlake, received her Master of Divinity degree, Summa Cum Laude from Houston Graduate School of Theology, and her Doctor of Ministry in the area of Pastoral and Missional Church Leadership from the same seminary.
Rev. Elizabeth (Liz) Testa, raised bi-culturally in New York and Spain, is a pastor, speaker, creative visionary, and community builder who is passionate about encouraging people to embrace their gifts and usher in a vision of God’s reign as women and men of all backgrounds serve together, freely and fully. She currently serves the Reformed Church in America as the ministry executive for Women’s Transformation and Leadership and Equity-Based Hospitality.  In this capacity, she helps the RCA pursue a vision for the full inclusion of women’s gifts, influence, and leadership in all areas of the church and equips faith communities to develop equitable, hospitable practices that build and strengthen the body of Christ for mission in the world. Liz is the founder and host of the Lavish Hope: Stories of Resilience and Overcoming, a podcast that engages fresh perspectives from women and people of color. Rev. Testa holds a BFA (magna cum laude) from Syracuse University, and an MDiv from the Drew Theological School, where she was the John Heston Willey awardee for excellence in Pulpit Oratory and Manner. Her first career was as a professional actress and spokesperson, and she delights at how God uses those experiences to enhance her calling in ministry. Rev. Testa is currently a doctoral student in transformational preaching at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, NJ.
Learn more about Dr. Ravin-Anderson and Rev. Testa’s passions and projects:
Streams in the Wasteland
Project C.U.R.A.T.E.
RCA Women’s Transformation and Leadership and Equity-Based Hospitality
Lavish Hope Podcast

Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.