Ridgewood Louisville

You’ll recognize a familiar voice this week! Though Pastor Molly is on sabbatical, she shares her story of calling through the podcast this week. Pastor Molly is a native Louisvillian, and shares the city she calls home with her husband, Rob, and their human son and canine son. She talks about her sense of calling – of feeling like, “this is something I can’t not do.” Have you ever sensed a calling?

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25-33 (NRSVUE)
 
Proclaimed by Braden Duncan 

In this bonus episode, we continue our conversation with Rev. Dr. Bill Shoulta about the fundamentalist takeover of the SBC and dive a little more into the history and Rev. Dr. Shoulta's experience living through it. 

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:1,7-14 (NRSVUE)'
 
Sermon proclaimed by Rev. Hollis Dudgeon & Chris Sanders

Depending on what side of the battle you were on, the “conservative resurgence” or the “fundamentalist takeover” grieved the hearts of generations of ministers and lay leaders who were trained within SBC circles, and at Southern Baptist schools. Here in Louisville, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary drew attendees from all over the world – until its leadership orchestrated a “takeover” that would turn a blind eye to racism, uproot and shun women from leadership, and shut its doors on the Carver School of Social Work (now home at Baylor University). How do you deal with losing something so dear and formational? Today, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Bill Shoulta to hear his story about this very thing. 
Links:
Battle For The Minds Documentary
All The Buried Women Podcast

Avery came to Ridgewood as a last resort, believing that church wasn’t all it was cracked up to be — that is, if it wasn’t truly welcome for everyone. She found a home here, and in spring 2025, Avery and her husband, Drew, did what they didn’t think they’d ever do – joined. Avery is creative and kind; her resilience of faith kept her searching until she found home.

Colossians 3:1-11
 
Proclaimed by Rev. Derek Chilton 

We are excited to welcome Rev. Kevin Adams to the table. Rev. Adams is Pastor to Young Adults at St. Stephens Church in Louisville, KY, as well as a BSK Seminary graduate, a husband, and a dad. Rev. Adams talks to us about becoming, and what it means to have mentors, training, and set up support systems to be all who God has called us to be.

Scripture Reading: John 6:1-14 (NRSVUE)
 
Proclaimed by Dr. David Cassady 

We learned about Rosalind’s passion for reproductive justice when she shared, fiercely, in worship as part of our Call to Justice in spring 2024. As a Middle Schooler, Rosalind has participated in marches, protests, and conversations in Frankfort as she advocates with Period, Y’all. Rosalind’s story of heart drives her forward.