Jo Ann W. Goodson's Page

Birthday

November 18, 1934

How do you describe being an emergent baptist?

Love Baptists core values, core beliefs, plus; separation of church and state, priesthood of all believers, freedom vs law, Holy Spirit of God as companion, comfortor, guide, teacher, equipper, forgiver, challenger, etc. Emergent would add to all of these the emphasis on loving, teaching and leading as Jesus did. People come first over the law. Love is the most important thing. Transformation and conversion by conversation not by being judgemental and critical. Being a model, though imperfect, of what we believe. Daily focus of soul and self care. Making decisions daily based on the teaching of Jesus on love and what is best for the "other." Love self as you would others. Faith in action would put us out into the community and not just in church. Working with God where God is already working. Allowing non-Christians to "belong" as if family in all our gatherings, etc. Praising and worshiping God in new and old ways that are appropriate but that glorify God and not us. Being willing to be transformed daily by God as God works with the Holy Spirit in and through us and through others. Being willing to continue to learn and to "change." Letting our lives and voices reflect the image of God in God's Kingdom here and now, on Earth. Loving and healing all of creation. Being a person and place where diversity is valued. Encourage others into our space. Encourage dialogue. Listening and speaking "in love always mindful of the "other." Being Hospitable to everyone. Hospitality to others was an example set by Jesus. Welcome dialogue that includes criticisim. Responding and keeping the conversation open with those we disagree with or those that disagree with us. Offer community/friendship to those who desire it and help the lonely, isolated children of God to want to "come close" by being a loving and kind person. Even those who most desire to be alone might be encouraged to welcome a much better way. No man is or should be an island. Moments or maybe a few hours are most needed but community is what we were created for.

What do you love to do?

Help others; Meals-on-Wheels, work through the newly established organization "CHANGE" in Winston-Salem. Teach by example and conversation, sing, dance, work in outreach ministries such as coffee houses, counseling small groups, had my own clogging ministry, work with youth in every way, challenge and support youth, work with older adults (especailly conversing about the new "emergent" conversation movement). Worship in many ways. Read books on theology, spiriatuality, couseling, self care and soul care, prayer, mysticisim, biographies, poems, essays from great Christian leaders, etc. Pray without ceasing. Help in the healing of others. Support, comfort and teach others by word and example. Love and care for my family and friends. Dance, sing, laugh and be a hopeful and joyful resurrected follower of Jesus. Evangelizing, especially in the market place. Practice centering prayer. Being open at all times to hear God, through The Holy Spirit, speak to me. Being present to others. Movies/films, live drama presentations, teach me and move me.

What books have meant the most to you?

Bible, E. Frank Tupper "Scandalous Providence"; anything by Henri Nouwen; Thomas Keating; Glenn Hinson; Parker Palmer; Richard Rohr; the new emergent writers; Beatrice Bruteau; John Cobb; Bruce Epperly; Eddie Hammitt; Brennan Manning; Kathleen Norris; Molly Marshall; Roberta Bondi; Evelyn Underhill; Hannah Whithall Smith; Quaker writers; Dietrich Bonhoffer; The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard; Tony Campolo; When Jesus Came to Harvard, Harvey Cox; Marva Dawn; Kindred Souls, Stephanie Ford; Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster; The Soul of Tomorrows Church, Kent Ira Groff; A Guide to Spiritual Discernment, Rueben Job; Traveling Mercies, Anne Lamott; The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence,;Anger; Andrew Lester; A Grief Obeserved, C.S. Lewis; Thomas Merton;The Passionate People, Keith Miller & Bruce Larson; Care of the Soul, Thomas Moore; Jack Ricks Noffsinger books; Elizabeth O'Connor; M Basil Penniington; Where the Heart Longs to Go, Thad Rutter, Jr.;The Silent Cry, Mysticism and Resistance, Dorothee Soelle; The Centering Moment, Howard Thurman; Disapppoint With God, Philip Yancey; The Seat of the Soul, Gary Zukav; Cloud of Unknowing, author unkown. The New Christians by Tony Jones; Marjorie Suchocki "In God's Presence (just completed 7-5-2008)

What music best articulates your soul?

Hymns, but all music with the exception of Hard Rock, Opera, and Rap that uses foul language and emphasis on violence.

Who are the historical baptist personalities you identify with most?

Most of the baptist personalities I identify with are not historical. I appreciate all that they have done in the past to bring us to where we are today but cannot really relate to them.

Who are the theologians, philosophers, teachers, etc. that you live in dialog with?

By dialog I am including email; E. Frank Tupper, John Cobb, Bruce Epperly, Edward Hammitt, Chris Chapman, Ken Meyers, Jack Noffsinger, Dr. James Dunn (formerly of Washington, DC), Beatrice Bruteau and James Somerville, and local pastors, Dr. Susan Borwick, Dr. Tom Elmore, Rev. Tripp Fuller, Rev. Chad Crawford, Rev. Alecia Fuller, Rev. Laura Gundel.