“Cultivating Gratitude in an age of Cynicism“
How do we actively practice thankfulness when it seems our world is on fire? How do we inspire and cultivate gratitude in our circles?
Bio: Bec’s passions revolve around writing, teaching, and speaking.
Her commitment to be a life-long learner and servant leader started early in her career with Americorps, where she led a family literacy project and helped coordinate a rural transportation program for the poor in Eastern Texas.
Bec has taught, guest lectured, and tutored over the years in various academic settings, including colleges and universities, as well as church, parachurch organizations and community outreaches.
She planted Church of the Misfits, the first dually affiliated Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ LGBTQ-affirming church in West Georgia in 2011. She served as the lead pastor and founder from 2011-2015.
She served at Gateway Center, Atlanta’s largest homeless service agency, as a coordinator and then director of community engagement from 2011-2022. She was a coordinator and then director of community for Wildgoose Festival from 2017-2020.
Bec received her B.A. in Biblical Theology and Practical Theology in Missions at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. She received her M.Div. from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in May 2013.
She cares deeply about those that society has rejected, and those that religiosity and systems of power continue to alienate. Bec focuses on ecumenical unity, interfaith justice work, and humanitarian endeavors in her spare time, writing and speaking at many events and conferences. Bec has served with Candler School of Theology since 2015, with a break in 2022.
She currently serves as a community responder at Policing Alternatives and Diversion and in her spare time enjoys getting messy with acrylic with her six year old.
- Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
- Musician: Craig Rafuse