CEDA Presents
Imago Dei
God has given us a beautiful reflection of His glory through the diversity He has created in each of us. What the world often uses to divide us, God designed to unite us. Through our differences in race, age, ability, culture, gender and economic status, God simultaneously illustrates His love for diversity and His desire to bring us together as one body, set apart for His glory. Through our time together, we hope to better understand God’s intention for creating us each in the imago Dei and learn how to better prepare our students to fight for God’s design for diversity in a world determined to hijack it.
Baylor University BRIC
We’re excited to announce that Baylor University is hosting the CEDA Symposium 2022 this year. We will be meeting at the BRIC (Baylor Research and Innovation Center).
Address
100 Research Pkwy
Waco, TX 76704.
What is the Christian Educators Diversity Symposium?
The CEDA Symposium is a forum of learning and discussion for educators who strive to push Christian education to reflect the diversity of the Body of Christ.
Plenary Speakers
Bryan Loritts (D.Min., Liberty University) is the Teaching Pastor at The Summit Church. An award-winning author of seven books, Dr. Loritts has spent the bulk of his ministry serving and resourcing the multiethnic church. He co-founded Fellowship Memphis in 2003 and serves as the President of The Kainos Movement, an organization committed to seeing the multiethnic church become the new normal.
His ministry takes him across the globe annually, as he speaks at conferences, churches, and retreats. Bryan has been a featured speaker for Catalyst and the Global Leadership Summit.
Currently, he serves on the boards of Biola University, Pine Cove Christian Camps, and The First Tee.
He is the husband of Korie, and the father of Quentin, Myles, and Jade.
Trillia Newbell is the author of the kids’ books Creative God, Colorful Us and God’s Very Good Idea, a Bible study on Hebrews 11, A Great Cloud of Witnesses, and a Bible study on Romans 8, If God Is For Us, as well as the books Sacred Endurance: Finding Grace and Strength for a Lasting Faith, Enjoy: Finding the Freedom to Delight Daily in God’s Good Gifts (2016), Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves (2015) and United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity (2014). Her writings on issues of faith, family, and diversity have been published in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Desiring God, True Woman, Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and more. She was also a commentator for World Radio (a sister platform for World Magazine). She has spoken at numerous conferences, churches, women’s retreats, colleges and seminaries, including True Woman, The Gospel Coalition Women’s conference, Southeastern Theological Seminary, and more. She spent seven years serving as the Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention. She is currently an acquisitions editor for Moody Publishers.
Her greatest love besides God is her family. She is married to her best friend and love, Thern. They reside with their two children near Nashville, TN.
Jay Ferguson is the Head of School of Grace Community School in Tyler. Grace Community School is the largest private school in East Texas, serving nearly 1000 students in grades kindergarten through 12 th. He has served in that position since June 2003. Grace’s mission is to assist Christian parents in educating, equipping, and encouraging their children to influence the world for Christ.
Jay has written extensively on Christian education and related issues. He has contributed to Building a Better School, published by Paideia Press, Mindshift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education, published by Purposeful Design, and Religious Liberty and Education, published by Rowman and Littlefield. He is currently co-editing Building a Better School II, focusing on board governance. He is a regular contributor to Christian School Education and the ACSI and CESA blogs. He also writes a weekly blog on spiritual, education, cultural, and parenting issues. He is an adjunct professor in school law and governance at Covenant College in Georgia, at Gordon College in
Massachusetts, and at Baylor University. He is a frequent speaker at national seminars and served on the adjunct faculties of the Van Lunen Center at Calvin College and at Peabody College at Vanderbilt University.
He was the Past Chair of the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability, and is the current Chair of the Association of Christian Schools International. He has a heart for training heads of schools, leadership teams, and school boards.
Jay holds a Bachelors’ Degree from Baylor University, a Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law, and a Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership from Covenant College. He earned his Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Dallas Baptist University.
He and his wife, Ashley, are members of Grace Community Church and have served over 20 years in small group and children’s ministries. He currently serves as an elder of Grace Community. He and Ashley have three teenage daughters, Emma, Annie, and Ellen. He has taught them to love Jesus and football, in that order, which he considers gifts to his future sons-in-law, Lord willing.
Workshop Speakers
Dr. Pinkett Smith has been an educator for over 18 years and has served as a middle school English teacher, Dean of Students, and is now an administrator. Her passion for cultivating the whole child, and seeing students grow into strong leaders and advocates for unity, speaks to the work she currently does in diversity, equity, and belonging. Jennifer serves as the Director of Diversity at Wesleyan School, where she leads teachers in professional development, supports students, and families with the intent of creating and sustaining a community where all feel welcomed and valued. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morris Brown College; a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University; a Specialist in Ed. Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University.
Jennifer desires to create spaces where conversations around our unique differences help us all embrace the beauty of God’s creation and learn how to treat and love one another well. Philippians 1:27 says: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Dr. George Yancey is a Professor of Institute for Studies of Religion and Sociology at Baylor University. He has published several research articles on the topics of institutional racial diversity, racial identity, atheists, cultural progressives, academic bias and anti-Christian hostility.
Mariah Humphries (M.T.S.) is a Mvskoke Nation citizen, writer, and educator for Be the Bridge and works at Baylor University. Through her experience navigating the tension between Native and White American culture, she brings Native awareness to non-Native spaces. With over 20 years of vocational ministry service, she is focused on theology, racial literacy, and reconciliation within the American Church.
Hope Harris has over 25 years of experience as a community educator working with at-risk youth and marginalized populations. In her current role, she commits her time and energy to empower others to establish healthy relationships through dignity, respect, accountability, and boundaries.
Twelve years ago, Hope surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. As a result, she went on a journey to resolve her faith and sexuality. Since that time, she has embraced the biblical worldview of gender, sexuality, and marriage. She now speaks at churches, conferences, and Christian schools sharing her story and addressing issues surrounding faith, gender, sexuality, and marriage. She also spends time walking beside families and individuals who are impacted by sexual and relational brokenness.
Ronnie Brock is the World Vision Senior Schools Advisor for the central region of the United States. He is passionate about empowering students with a greater understanding of a Biblical worldview when it comes to addressing the needs in developing communities. Before coming to World Vision Ronnie and his family lived and served on an orphanage in Ecuador for a number of years. He has seen the transformation that can happen for children, families, and communities as they get a foothold of opportunity as broken relationships are restored in their spiritual lives and societal context.
Ronnie lives on a ranch in Oklahoma with his wife Joan. When he is not reading or writing you will find him working cattle or flying planes. Ronnie is also the Lead Pastor at Impact580 Church where he leads a staff intent on helping those around them become fully devoted followers of Christ.
Reward Sibanda is the World Vision Senior Advisor for Church and Community Relations and works directly with churches, schools, and community leaders around the United States. Prior to joining the team at World Vision, Reward served in Pastoral roles at both Pearl Street Church in San Antonio and Crossroads Church in Dallas TX.
Born to a family of 12 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, a country with the highest inflation rate in the world, Reward witnessed firsthand the devastating effects abject poverty can have on people and developing communities in countries all over the world. Having witnessed the communally transformative work of World Vision from an early age, Reward loves and lives to tell engaging stories about the redemptive power of love, kindness, and how God’s Kingdom has the power to free people from the grips of poverty and redeem the God-image inherent in them.
When he is not traveling the US and the World capturing and retelling incredible stories of human flourishing and transformation through World Vision’s work, Reward can be found huddled over a good book in Dallas Texas, where he currently resides with his wife Pam. Reward also serves as the Associate Pastor at The Upperroom Church in Dallas and loves to teach, train and empower the body of Christ and the next generation to live lives of purpose and contribution.
Schedule
All times are Central Standard Time
Monday, June 6th, 2022
Time
Session
Speaker(s)
12:00—1:15PM
Lunch
- Introductions
- Family Groups
Hosted by Joshua Expeditions
1:30—2:30PM
Plenary 1: The Importance of Imago Dei as a Foundation Framework
While God uses diversity to show us His glory and unite us as one Body, the world has a way of seizing it as a tool to divide and incite conflict. As schools engage in diversity work, it is important to maintain a Biblical foundation at the focus of all efforts to ensure we are moving towards unity in Christ rather than following the secular world’s patterns of division. From activism to reconciliation, representation to inclusion, Dr. Loritts will teach us how to maintain this foundation through all diversity efforts. He will also offer a unique perspective to our discussion, as he himself was a parent of students in Christian schools.
Dr. Bryan Loritts
4:15PM
Family Group debrief meeting and dinner together
- Adaptive Challenge Framework Process
- Family Group decides the location
- The planning committee provides lists of local restaurants and activities
Tuesday, June 7th, 2022
Time
Session
Speaker(s)
8:00—8:30AM
Devotional
Matt Thomas
8:30—9:30AM
Plenary 2: The Importance of Imago Dei in our Cultural Climate
A prolific author and speaker, Trillia helps communities better understand how to navigate the current cultural climate surrounding identity. As we train students to ground their identity in Christ, it is also important to understand how other pieces of identity play a role in shaping our efforts. During this session, we will dive deeper into an understanding of Biblical identity and identities shaped by society and culture.
Trillia Newbell
10:45AM
Family Group Time
11:30—12:15PM
Lunch
3:30—4:45PM
Family Group Time
5:00PM
Dinner
Wednesday, June 8th, 2022
Time
Session
Speaker(s)
8:00—8:30AM
Devotional
Joel Hazard
8:30—9:30AM
Plenary 3: The Implications of Imago Dei in our Christian Schools
As a school leader who has implemented a strong diversity program, Dr. Ferguson will share the impact on his community as well as other Christian school communities.
Jay Ferguson
11:15—1:00PM
Working Lunch
11:30—12:15PM
Student Symposium debrief to adults
12:30—1:00PM
Wrap-up
Schedule
Workshops
Workshop 1
Assessing Your School Climate
A vital part of a successful school environment is the climate and culture. Climate and culture are often intertwined, but they have very different meanings. Understanding the climate of your school will begin to positively change the culture of your community, make a lasting impact on student learning, and build relationships between colleagues, students/teachers, and families.
How do you begin the work? Where do you start? These may be some of the questions that you ponder when you are working to create a community of unity and belonging.
In this workshop, we will look at the difference between climate and culture and how one impacts the other, look at various ways to evaluate your school’s climate, and discuss resources that can help to improve your school climate.
Dr. Jennifer Pinkett Smith
Workshop 2
Moving Towards Mutual Responsibility
So much occurring today is made worse because we can not talk to each other. The result is often inflamed school board meetings, student protests, and parents threatening to remove their children from the schools. In a Christian organization, we have to do better. However, we live In a society where we are talking past each other. To counter such powerful forces, we should ask questions about furthering our racial dialog in a healthy, productive manner.
In this presentation, we will explore why a focus on creating an atmosphere for collaborative conversations is vital for dealing with diversity in our educational settings. We will look at the Christian justification for such a focus as well as academic research supporting the value of such communications. We will also discuss practical suggestions for engaging in collaborative communication with those in other social groups and briefly discuss a collaborative conversations lifestyle. In the end, educators will be encouraged to consider how to incorporate this approach into their educational program and how to teach better communication skills to their students.
Dr. George Yancey
Workshop 3
The Impact of Untold Stories in Our History
As educators, so much of what we teach comes through the lens of what we were taught and what we have learned. But what about the stories we haven’t heard? As a Native citizen, Mariah will help us think through the impact of the stories we tell and the stories we don’t tell as we develop Christian students to better understand our history as a nation and people, and the impact of that history on our collective tomorrow.
Mariah Humphries
Workshop 4
Did God really say that?
Join Hope Harris former gay rights activist, as we explore the key questions students are asking about sexuality, gender, and faith. Discover key influences that make these subjects create conflict with our young people. Receive tools to address the issues of sexuality with empathy, grace, and truth from a Biblical worldview.
Hope Harris
Workshop 5
Recognizing the Imago Dei in Service
Throughout the Bible, we see God seeking justice and mercy for the marginalized, especially the poor, and instructing Believers to do the same. As Christian schools strive to follow His commands to take the gospel into all the world, relieve the oppressed, and comfort the hurting, it is important we consider the full impact of our intentions and actions. During this workshop, Reward Sibanda will share valuable insight gained through years of watching Christian teams from the United States visit his community in Zimbabwe. He will help us develop a well-rounded understanding of short-term mission work and its positive and negative effects. Joining him, Robbie Brock will teach us how to lean into the positive aspects of service and minimize the negative. He will show us how we can help students find growth through the incredible opportunities they are given by helping them best serve the people they interact with.
Ronnie Brock and Reward Sibanda
Frequently Asked Questions
What are family groups?
Participants will be placed in family groups based on registration demographics. They will remain in these family groups for the duration of the symposium with the goal of building community to learn together from each other. Upon arrival, at the symposium participants will receive their family group information and schedule. Their family group will determine the schedule and rotation of the workshops.
Will participants be able to choose their own schedule?
Participants will be paired in family groups and will follow the schedule of their family group, rotating through the workshops and plenaries together.
What is the deadline for registration?
In-person registration is limited to 80 participants due to Covid restrictions. Once we reach 100 participants, in-person registration will close. Hybrid registration will remain open through May 28th.
Will the sessions be recorded?
Sessions will not be recorded. Since one of the overarching goals of this symposium is to create a place for learning and vulnerability along with relationship building, we will require attendance during the planned schedule for participation.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
We couldn’t do this without the generous support of our wonderful sponsors and partners.
Team
Dr. Sonia Avilucea is an Academic and College Counselor and the DEI coordinator at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, California. An educator for over 20 years, she has held various positions, including English teacher and principal. She earned her doctoral degree from Lipscomb University where her dissertation explored the impact of change in underperforming schools.
Jenny Brady has served in Christian schools for over 20 years, both as a teacher and administrator. Jenny’s unique perspective to the diversity discussion combines both her personal experience of growing up in Honduras and her professional experience of working within school systems to create more diverse and unified communities. Jenny currently serves as the Senior Director of Community Engagement at Legacy Christian Academy. She is also the co-founder of the Christian Educators Diversity Alliance, co-creator of the podcast GRAACE360, and is a speaker, teacher, author and trainer on diversity, equity and inclusion from a Biblical Worldview for schools across the country.
Angela Crosby is in her sixth year of Christian Education after concluding 25 years of collegiate basketball recruiting coordinator in women’s basketball. She is currently in her second year as the Director of Multicultural Affairs after serving two years in the Assistant Athletic Director’s role at Mt. Pisgah Christian School located right outside Atlanta, GA. Angela is managing and leading the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for all divisions within the school and developing programs, policies, and procedures that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the school community.
Allison Duncanson is the director of Christian life and diversity at Whitefield Academy. As an administrator in her seventh year of Christian education, Allison is responsible for Christian life programming for the student and parent community. She is invested in the opportunities for students to serve others ahead of their selves and develop an early foundation and then ownership of their faith. She leads as the director of diversity with a vision for unity that reflects the body of Christ creating opportunities for student learning, engagement, and support as well as faculty coaching and education. Under her leadership, Allison has introduced quarterly diversity dialogues equipping faculty and staff in Christ-centered training and awareness as well as formed a team of faculty diversity advisors in each school division.
Duncanson graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Communication Studies and Spanish and is married to her husband, Pastor Philip Duncanson of 20 years and is the mom and track coach to her three teenagers.
Joel Hazard is in his seventeenth year as a Christian school educator. He currently serves as the Head of Academic Collaboration and Culture at Fellowship Christian School in Roswell, Ga. Joel has a master’s degree in educational leadership, as well as a specialist degree in educational leadership for learning from Kennesaw State University. Joel has a passion for school leadership, curriculum development, and is a champion of diversity within the private school sector. His efforts focus on professional development, curricular enhancements, and the creation of a learning environment that is biblically inclusive, and culturally proficient in preparing students to thrive in a globally connected world. Joel is married to his bride of seventeen years and has four children.
Ivan Johnson is in his 20th year of Christ-Centered Education. Ivan joined Brook Hill in 2014 as a Math teacher and coach. Since then he has also served as Director of Diversity, Equality, and Intercultural Engagement and began serving as the Middle School Assistant Principal in 2019. Mr. Johnson graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.S. in Mathematics. He went on to earn a Master of Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. In the spirit of uniting his school's diverse community, he formed a focus group of student leaders, faculty, parents, and administrators to continue conversations about ethnicity, equality, and relationships here at Brook Hill. This focus group meets regularly to discuss a variety of topics related to our Brook Hill, East Texas, national, and international communities. Ivan and his wife of 27 years, Marcia have six children.
David Mawhinney is Dean of Faculty and Director of the Trinity Institute for Leadership and Social Justice at Boston Trinity Academy. Boston Trinity has been ranked as the most diverse independent school in Massachusetts for the last several years, reflecting the mission of the school which is to provide an academically demanding education to students from all backgrounds in a Christ-centered community. Although born and raised in London, England, David holds a BA in History from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an MA in East Asian Studies from Harvard University. His particular academic interest is Chinese history and he lived and worked in China for four years. In his capacity as the Director of the Trinity Institute, David oversees the school's social justice programs, both curricular and extra-curricular. The Trinity Institute promotes student leadership in its programs and David works with student leaders as they grow into their callings to love their neighbors in the Greater Boston community and beyond.
Dr. Steven J. McGriff is Valley Christian Schools (VCS) inaugural Director of Biblical Unity. As a senior leader, Dr. McGriff is primarily responsible for providing biblically sound leadership, direction, and spiritual care to develop a richly diverse, thriving community that loves God and all His children of every race and nationality. He joins the VCS community after a thirty-year career as a leader in educational technology consulting with K-12 school districts, colleges, universities, nonprofits, and businesses in California, the United States, El Salvador, and the Philippines. Previously, he was an assistant professor in the graduate program in instructional technology at San Jose State University (2002-2009).
He earned a doctorate in instructional systems from The Pennsylvania State University, a master's degree in instructional technology from San Jose State University, and an undergraduate degree in art design from Stanford University.
David Robinson serves as the Director of Equity and Inclusion for Grace Community School in Tyler, Texas. David has a BS in Bible from Clarks Summit University and has spent his entire professional career working in Christian education. This has helped shape his passion for cultivating an environment in which all students have access to a Christ-centered education, while feeling appreciated and celebrated. David is a co-founder of the Christian Educators Diversity Alliance. The organization’s work centers around helping Christian schools develop a more diverse and inclusive environment. David is also a member of Profound Gentleman, a community that provides support to male educators of color around the country. Along with David’s speaking and consulting work in the world of equity and inclusion, he continues to invest in young people through the world of athletics as a basketball coach.
Shaun is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, where she obtained her degree in English Literature. She entered the field of education as an instructional assistant and earned her teaching certification to become a lead elementary school teacher. She taught in the public school system for ten years before accepting a job at Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill as a fourth-grade teacher. During her time at Trinity, she earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and is currently serving as the Director of Institutional Equity at Trinity. Shaun's vision for this work is to remain Christ-centered, with a heart for service to the greater Durham community.
Dr. Pinkett Smith has been an educator for over 18 years and has served as a middle school English teacher, Dean of Students, and is now an administrator. Her passion for cultivating the whole child, and seeing students grow into strong leaders and advocates for unity, speaks to the work she currently does in diversity, equity, and belonging. Jennifer serves as the Director of Diversity at Wesleyan School, where she leads teachers in professional development, supports students, and families with the intent of creating and sustaining a community where all feel welcomed and valued. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morris Brown College; a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University; a Specialist in Ed. Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University.
Jennifer desires to create spaces where conversations around our unique differences help us all embrace the beauty of God’s creation and learn how to treat and love one another well. Philippians 1:27 says: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Jennifer desires to create spaces where conversations around our unique differences help us all embrace the beauty of God’s creation and learn how to treat and love one another well. Philippians 1:27 says: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Mrs. Jozi Walker serves as the Director of Diversity and Belonging at Charlotte Christian School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mrs. Walker is responsible for ensuring that students are receiving a multicultural experience that equips them to effectively communicate with others and pursue courageous conversations. In addition, she regularly meets and coaches faculty in culturally sensitive best practices, fosters positive relationships with families, and partners with human resources to increase diverse representation among staff. With almost 15 years in Christian education, Jozi has served as a lead classroom teacher for grades K-8, an instructional coach with the Center for Urban Teaching of Milwaukee, and an adjunct professor of Intercultural Communications. She earned her bachelor's degree from Concordia University-Wisconsin in Elementary Education and received a Master's in Education Leadership from Wisconsin Lutheran School. Jozi has been blessed to be married to her husband, Alexander, for almost 10 years and they have three beautiful daughters.
Bri serves at One Community Church as a student minister, specifically as their high school girls’ coordinator. Her primary responsibility is ensuring that all the high school girls are engaged and connected with God, each other, and the ministry via serving, small groups, etc. She attended Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, TX from 1st grade through 12th grade, and therefore has a firsthand experience with and heart for the Christian education system. Bri obtained her bachelors from LSU in athletic training with a minor in dance and a concentration in physician assistant studies. She then proceeded to receive a master’s degree in sports management from UT Austin.
Tymarcus serves as the Young Adult Minister at Citizens Church in Plano Texas. He has a bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute in Youth Ministry and Biblical Studies and graduate studies in Humanities from the University of Dallas. Tymarcus has been in Christian Education, ministry, and diversity training for almost 5 years. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Chrissy, for 7 years and together they have two children, Taj and Matea.
Sheronda Holmes has been at Harding for eleven years and currently serves as the Dean of Students, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Head Cheer Coach, and African American History co-teacher. She is looking forward to the ways God will continue to use this committee to bring awareness of diversity to the Harding family. Through celebrating our differences, we will be stronger together.