Meet an innoFaither: Reginald Blount
Meet Dr. Reggie Blount, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Oikos Institute for Social Impact, educator at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, former pastor, and champion of faithful imagination. In his roles at Oikos, Garrett, and beyond, Reggie supports faith leaders to see abundance and possibility in the resources of their communities and uplifts the role of congregations as anchor institutions driving social impact. Reggie resides in the Chicago area, a place he credits with greatly supporting his ministry, teaching, and innovation efforts.
What faith(s), if any, do you practice? How does your tradition and/or spiritual practice inspire or influence you as an innovator?
I am a lifelong Christian, shaped and grounded in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The AME Church has given me not only a spiritual home but also a theological imagination rooted in liberation, justice, and community. From its very beginnings, the AME Church has been about dignity, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom for all people, and that continues to inspire me as I think about innovation today. My faith compels me to see beyond the challenges of the present moment and to imagine what God’s justice and flourishing might look like in the lives of communities that are often overlooked or under-resourced. It’s really that fusion of faith and imagination that keeps me going — knowing that innovation is not just about tools and strategies, but about re-envisioning what is possible when we take seriously the sacred worth of every human being.
What are you currently working on?
I currently serve as the Murray H. Leiffer Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership, and Culture at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. I lead courses that weave together imagination, adaptive leadership, and social impact. I am also the Executive Director of the Oikos Institute for Social Impact, which is dedicated to partnering with congregations—especially those in under-resourced communities—and helping them leverage their assets to achieve greater social impact. We are in an exciting period, supported by generous philanthropic partners. During this season, we are focusing on building capacity, creating useful toolkits, and nurturing strong networks that enable congregations to see themselves as vital anchors for community transformation.
What can we find you doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I love spending my time reading, enjoying music, or putting together playlists that really lift the spirit. I tend to enjoy gospel, jazz, and calming sounds that help me feel grounded and energized. I also spend quite a bit of time thinking about wellness and longevity — I’m dedicated to living a healthy, vibrant life for many years to come. That’s why I’m always trying out new fitness routines, eating nutritiously, and exploring spiritual practices that bring my body, mind, and spirit into harmony. And of course, I’m passionate about traveling — not just for work, but as a wonderful way to dream, imagine, and see the world from fresh new perspectives.
What is piquing your curiosity these days?
I’ve always been curious about the connection between imagination and power. I’m excited to learn how communities can embrace adaptive leadership that breaks down oppressive systems and views power as something we can share, rather than keep to ourselves. I’m currently exploring and sharing ideas from works like Ruha Benjamin’s “Imagination: A Manifesto” and Julie Battilana’s “Power, for All”, which inspire us to think differently about the worlds we're creating. I’m also very interested in how technology—especially AI—can be ethically used to support theological education, help nonprofits grow, and promote positive narratives.
What is something you’d like help on?
I'm eager to find ways to grow Oikos Institute’s mission and make meaningful connections. This involves reaching out to new philanthropic partners, social impact leaders, and faith communities who share a passion for blending tradition with innovation. I also look forward to learning from others who are carefully exploring how faith can inspire positive systemic change in our world.
What is something you can offer others in the innoFaith network?
I bring over thirty years of experience in theological education, leadership within congregations and nonprofits, and social impact strategy. I find joy in mentoring leaders as they face the current challenges of ministry. I also provide insights and tools on adaptive leadership, capacity building, and guiding congregations and mission-driven initiatives to think more broadly about leveraging their assets for the community's benefit. Sometimes, my role is simply to be a listening conversation partner — someone who listens intently and helps others envision new paths forward.
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. Find the full series at innofaith.org/meet-an-innofaither.