Meet an innoFaither is our series to introduce the inspiring optimists in the innoFaith world and what they’re working on and thinking about. We hope it helps you find and engage with each other across the network to advance faith-rooted social innovation and interfaith collaboration for social impact. Or just meet some cool people.
Meet Evan Taylor, incoming divinity student at Wesley Theological Seminary, lay leader in youth and young adult ministry, designer, and perpetual creator and change-maker. Evan is always up to something, usually many things, to actively live out her faith in the community. We were lucky to collaborate with her as co-creator, facilitator, and design thinking teacher for our Interfaith Youth Innovators Summit earlier this year.
What faith(s), if any, do you practice? Is your faith or practice bringing special inspiration or insight for you in this current moment of pandemic and racial justice reckoning?
I am a Christian who is a part of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I believe in following Jesus Christ’s example, and the Bible is one of my holy texts. I have identified as a believer and follower of Christ since childhood, and my faith has expanded and been contextualized as I grew up, moved and changed denominations from the United Methodist Church to the AME Church. I also participate in interfaith community organizing, read other religious texts, and practice methods that are inspired by other beliefs and religions. I have always connected to where God or the divine is present, and I believe it is inside and outside of the church building and institution.
I believe that my faith is foundational for my response to our current moment. As I transition into Divinity school and continue to lead ministry, there is a need for traditioned innovation and a new sense of creativity in responding to the needs of the community. We are in a time of collective and congregational pain, and we have to promote healing through spiritual practices, spiritual formation, and community. For me, this is a time of equipping: myself for the work in the present and future, and the church for radical hospitality, reconciliation, loving relationship, and nurturing and life-giving community.
Where do you live?
I live in Washington, DC.
What's your favorite pastime?
I love anything to do with music and creativity. I listen to music all the time, sing, dance, and enjoy music and dance events and programs. I also like to create handmade cards, paint, draw, and create pictures, designs and videos with digital programs like Adobe Creative Suite.
What are you working on currently?
As I prepare for school at Wesley Theological Seminary, I have been working on faith-based curriculum that responds to the time, planning for youth and young adults spiritual formation and connection at Metropolitan AME Church, while dreaming and designing a middle school.
What question are you thinking about these days?
During this time, I am exploring more self care practices, celebrating a personal sabbath day, and thinking about how my talents and gifts can be used for the work of God. I’m wondering… How can I be a force for good? How can I fight injustice while acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God? How can I co-create and collaborate in space for community, love, reconciliation and hospitality?
How can people find you?
evanblairetaylor.wordpress.com
Photo by Zakira Shanai of Shanai Sharice Photography