In Season 3, Episode 6 of Seekin' Deacon, Cuyler O'Connor sits down with Bishop Michael Curry for a thoughtful conversation on love as a conscious and disciplined way of life. Together, they explore how intentional love shapes discipleship, the challenges of navigating moral responsibility within society, and the importance of justice, compassion, and humility in a complex world. Bishop Curry reflects on peacemaking, global responsibility, and how small acts of love can create meaningful change. The episode concludes with a blessing and encouragement to continue seeking where the Spirit leads.

In this episode of Seekin' Deacon, Cuyler O'Connor sits down with Bishop Michael Curry to reflect on the experiences that shaped his calling and commitment to love and justice. From transformative college influences to discerning his vocation, Bishop Curry shares wisdom on living out faith in a way that helps move the world closer to God's dream. A thoughtful conversation about calling, courage, and choosing love in challenging times

In this episode of Seekin' Deacon, Rev. Cuyler O'Connor sits down with Bishop Michael Curry for a reflective conversation on faith, vocation, and the spiritual journey.

Bishop Curry shares stories from his upbringing in a deeply rooted yet open-minded Christian family, shaped by the Civil Rights Movement and a commitment to justice. He reflects on how those early experiences—alongside influential voices encountered during his college years—helped him connect faith with action in the world.

Together, they explore the intersection of personal spirituality and social responsibility, the challenges of modern life, and the enduring human longing for meaning, connection, and divine love.

Bishop Dion Johnson discusses how churches must change to survive by focusing on hospitality, listening to their communities, and adapting worship and spaces to meet real needs—especially of younger generations and families. He shares practical examples of asking honest questions, welcoming feedback, and reimagining church life to be more accessible and relational. Johnson emphasizes empowering lay leadership, doing fewer ministries well, and shifting toward a "lay-led, clergy-supported" model. He also reflects on his personal spiritual practices—daily prayer, walking, and listening—and concludes with a central message: remember that each person's first and lasting identity is being God's beloved, and live accordingly.

In Season 3, Episode 2 of Seekin' Deacon, Rev. Cuyler O'Connor continues his conversation with Bishop Deon Johnson of the Diocese of Missouri. Bishop Johnson reflects on the power of mystery in faith, the formative influence of his grandmother, and the importance of embracing God's messiness rather than sanitizing it. Addressing today's social and spiritual challenges, he speaks about planting seeds for long-term justice, sustaining hope amid division, and reimagining the church's future by returning to Jesus' practice of listening, asking questions, and meeting people where they are.

In the season three premiere of Seekin' Deacon, vocational deacon Rev. Cuyler O'Connor is joined by Bishop Deon Johnson of the Diocese of Missouri for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, vocation, and spiritual depth in times of crisis. Bishop Johnson shares his journey from Barbados to New York, seminary formation during 9/11, parish ministry in Michigan, and his consecration as bishop on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on ministry shaped by crisis, he speaks to the church's call to compassion and presence. The conversation concludes with a thoughtful exploration of the deep spiritual hunger of younger generations and the church's opportunity to reclaim mystery, contemplative practices, and experiential faith as pathways to authentic connection.

We spend more time exploring the song sung by Tori Ellington and collaborated with Pastor Curtis Mulder at the Ekklesia Church at Raleigh. Digging deeper into the song's lyrics, influences from both spiritual and human forces. The rough edges of taking a hard look at our world but knowing that the church is a family that can grow in many ways, not just by attendance.

I want to thank Curtis and Tori for their time and for sharing the song journey. Please take a listen' at Ekklesia Raleigh-Another Leaf where all your tasty tunes can be found.

Keep seekin' my friends. Cuyler

I recently had the opportunity to listen to "Another Leaf" by Curtis Mulder and Tori Ellington, live at the "Loaves and Fishes" building at the New Hope Collaborative. The inspirations were drawn from the space we sat in and how it is shared with other non-profits—the idea of an expanding table and pulling out "another leaf" to make more room.

Also, a piece of artwork that sits in the main campus building by Scott Erickson is a modern icon. This is an image of God's hand and palm, lifted, with birds perched on it. This speaks to the Holy expansion of God's welcome to all. It is noted that we currently lack songs that express and expand God's presence to the ever-growing, broader community. Please take a listen to the song at the end of the podcast and it's ever freeing power to free people up to express themselves with art.

I am confident you will get chill bumps. Gratitude to Tori and Curtis for taking time out of your busy schedules to share this gift. Peace friends!