In this final post of our 3-part series with Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown, learn more about her educational philosophy and theology. Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown has authored two Facilitator Guides to accompany the poetry of Joe Davis.
Sparkhouse: Who and what have influenced your own pedagogical philosophies and practices throughout your decades as an educator and activist?
Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown: First, I would say that my own lived experience has most influenced my personal and pedagogical philosophies and practices. There is no better teacher of our lives than us! Slowing down for intentional reflection, we can each unearth what life has taught us about what we value most. Also first—close and consistent study of Jesus’ life and ministry provide a great amount of guidance to me as both an educator and activist, and in all other branches of my life.
Secondly, I lean into the voices that have been softened, silenced, or muzzled in society. Their unspoken words and judged actions teach me a great deal about my work and responsibility as both an educator and activist.
Thirdly, I stand on the hopeful shoulders and dreams of my ancestors and those who have journeyed before me and have knelt on my behalf in society and/or at the throne of Grace. These people include not only renowned scholars such as Alice Walker, Paolo Freire, Tricia Hersey, and Cole Arthur Riley, but also community members, church pew siblings, and friends.
Lastly but equally vital, I am also greatly influenced by those who taught me who and what I do not want to become: the hate modelers, the door lockers, and the inaccessible leaders. Notwithstanding these forerunners who have participated in the attempt to break or control my spirit, they have taught me the value of true love and integrity, and they have fueled my passion for authenticity in my work.
Sparkhouse: Deconstructing how someone teaches Sunday school or leads confirmation or facilitates a high school youth group can sound overwhelming to a ministry leader or a volunteer. They may have a way they’re accustomed to doing things. They may have a packed schedule that doesn’t give them much time to prepare for leading. And especially for volunteer lay leaders, they may think they don’t have enough theological background to lead beyond what the script tells them to say.
Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown: Zora Neale Hurston is credited with the quote at the bottom of my email signature: “You got to go there to know there.”
I believe that every teacher must first begin as a student of their own experience. Because each believer is a member of the priesthood, we each have all we need to share the gospel inside of us. The journey is not what to teach, but how. This Facilitator Guide provides the “what” content. Together, with leaders’ experiences, we provide the vehicle and tools to share it. Without a script or bullet points, this framework relies on the wisdom from leaders’ lived experiences in its scaffolding. Thus, there is no room for shortcuts. If we get out what we put in, rushing leads to an undesired outcome. Leaders owe it to themselves as well as their students to travel the journey they are called to lead. This requires time and commitment—not only to the process of self-work before leading others, but also to yourself.
Sparkhouse: As ministry leaders look ahead to the upcoming program year, what are some ways they can add some fresh perspectives and ideas to the ways they lead?
Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown: First, connect with your voice and your values. Connect with others. Build community. Cultivate authentic relationships with people who see and experience the world—and its fruits—differently than you do. Listen to their perspectives. Become a student of their wisdom and allow their lens to impact and inspire yours. Stay immersed in current events—even the daunting ones. Integrate those big and hard moments into your lesson plans; your students are witnessing those events as well. What better way to prepare students for the world than to bring the world into their purview?