Transforming Church and Community: Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross on Revitalization, Diversity, and Everyday Faith

To Be and Do PodcastGuest: Dr. Javon Caldwell GrossDr. Gross’s book "Not Just Sunday: Reimagine the Reach and Rhythms of Your Church"The Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross has been a transformational ministry thought leader for 2 decades. Serving in diverse contexts, from urban neighborhoods to multicultural suburban communities. Dr. J is known for his unique ability to connect with a wide range of audiences and make the gospel both accessible and practical for everyday life.His journey has included serving at one of the largest United Methodist churches in the country, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN, where he led as Teaching and Online Community Pastor, helping to redefine and expand the church’s digital footprint to reach people around the world.Dr. J now serves as the Director of Church Revitalization and New Developments for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he resources and supports more than 640 congregations across the state. In this role, he partners with pastors, leaders, and communities to help churches navigate a rapidly changing ministry landscape with clarity, courage, and innovation. His work includes developing strategies for revitalization, fostering new church developments, and equipping churches for effective ministry in both physical and digital spaces.An ordained pastor, author, and professor, he is driven by a clear mission: to equip churches and congregational leaders for relevant, sustainable, and transformative ministry. He holds an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Wesley Theological Seminary, where he focused on transformational leadership. When he’s not filming a mobile message or developing the next online sermon series, Dr. J is often designing new training materials for clergy and laity, coaching pastors through revitalization challenges, or sitting across from a leader at a local coffee shop with something hot in hand, dreaming, discerning, and imagining what God might be calling the church to do next.Host: Phil AmersonShow NotesWelcome back to the To Be and Do podcast, where host Phil Amerson explores how authentic connections, interdependence, and transformational leadership shape communities and faith. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Javon Caldwell Gross joins Phil to share his personal journey from pastoral work to academic leadership, and unpack his insights on creating more inclusive, engaged, and evolving communities.Dr. Gross, currently the Director of Revitalization and Church Development for the Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, reflects on his experiences—from his formative years at Kalamazoo College, to innovative ministry roles, and his approach to storytelling through video and writing. Whether you lead in a faith setting or simply care about belonging, growth, and genuine community, this episode is packed with wisdom.Three Major Takeaways:1. Transformational Leadership Fosters True DiversityDr. Gross shares a powerful story from his time at Kalamazoo College, describing how visionary leadership fundamentally changed the institution. Through the efforts of President Dr. Wilson Oyelaran, the college reinvented itself—transforming recruitment, faculty tenure, and campus culture—not only to look diverse, but to live diversity as an essential part of academic and personal growth. The process didn’t diminish excellence, it elevated it. This model demonstrates that organizations (including churches) thrive by embracing evolution, not fearing change.2. The Most Meaningful Faith Experiences Happen Beyond Sunday MorningDrawing from ministry research and personal observation, Dr. Gross explains how transformative and formative spiritual moments often occur outside the traditional Sunday worship setting. Whether connecting at a soccer field or in everyday life, churches—and any caring community—should focus resources on meeting people in the places where life truly unfolds. His new book, It’s Not Just Sunday, encourages leaders and congregations to see discipleship as a daily, relational journey, rather than a single weekly event.3. Storytelling Bridges Gaps and Sparks ChangeDr. Gross highlights his passion for storytelling—through preaching, video, and writing—as a key method for communicating faith and building bridges. Sharing authentic stories, including difficult ones like his reflection on being a Black leader after the murder of George Floyd, invites broader connection and healing. These stories offer pathways for church and society to become more present, relevant, and responsive to real human experiences.Join Phil and Dr. Gross in this episode for an authentic conversation on leadership, change, and belonging. Don’t forget to check out Dr. Gross’s book "Not Just Sunday: Reimagine the Reach and Rhythms of Your Church"and his video reels for more stories and insights!