DEI Matters - June 6, 2025

An Exploration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion focused on DEI in Principle, in Pastoral Practice, and in Public Practice

Please join us for an in-person, robust day of learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)!

Led by Dr. A. Brian Leander, author of the newly released Diversity Oriented Churches, this convening will build on the research and best practices of the last twenty years. Myths will be dispelled, understanding broadened, and hope for a truly reconciling church kindled. By the end of the day, participants will have fresh perspectives and new approaches to take into their professional, relational, and spiritual lives.

Schedule of Events (In-person only)

9:00 Check-in and Refreshments

9:30 Opening – Bishop Yvette Flunder

9:45 Keynote Address – A. Brian Leander

10:15-11:30 – Panel #1: DEI in Principle

A discussion of theological and missiological principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.

11:30-12:00 Lunch Break (provided)

12:00-1:00 – Panel #2: DEI in Pastoral Leadership

Pastors talking about what it looks like to lead a diversity-oriented church. How does it work and is it effective for church growth/discipleship?

(Note: this panel only will be featured online as part of BST’s First Friday Lunch & Learn series.)

1:00-1:30 Talkback—Facilitated table discussion with guests

1:30-2:00 Break

2:00-3:30 – Panel #3: DEI in Public

Practitioners in Nonprofit, Business and Public Sector discuss how diversity, equity and inclusion apply to mission and organizational effectiveness.

3:30-3:45 Closing remarks

Panels and Participants

DEI in Principle
- Dr. Hanna Kang, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Berkeley School of Theology
- Dr. Mimi Harvey, Executive Pastor at Emerge Church Berkeley
- Rev. Sam Kim, Executive Associate Minister of Innovation and Design at Evergreen Baptist Association
- Bishop Yvette Flunder, Trustee and Adjunct Professor at Pacific School of Religion

DEI in Pastoral Practice
- Dr. Garfield Harvey, Pastor at Emerge Church Berkeley
- Pastor Gabe Garcia, Senior Pastor at New City Church Oakland
- Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, Senior Research Scholar at Church Divinity School of the Pacific
- Rev. Katie Choy-Wong, Retired Senior Pastor at New Life Christian Fellowship Castro Valley

DEI in Public Practice
- Mr. Chuck Shelton, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Greatheart Consulting in Seattle
- Ms. Kaveena Singh, Co-Executive Director, Director of Immigration Legal Services at East Bay Sanctuary Covenant
- Dr. Jim Brenneman, President at Berkeley School of Theology
Hosts and Panel Facilitators
- Rev. Dr. Angie Barker Jackson, Vice-President of Institutional Advancement at Berkeley School of Theology
- Rev. Sam Fielder, Senior Administrative Officer at Berkeley School of Theology

Convening Sponsors

DEI Matters is a FREE event for interested professionals, but we also welcome sponsors. For a minimum donation of $100, your church/organization can help make this day possible. All sponsors will be featured here and on promo materials generated for the event, and the donation can be made here.