Congratulations to Our Pastor,
Reverend Dr. Irene Taylor, for receiving the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary's 2023 Distinguished Alum Honor
Master of Divinity, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 1987
(Credit to Garrett for this recent writeup and image)
“My heart is filled with joy, and my faith is renewed in the reality that God sees us and rewards faithfulness,” says Rev. Dr. Irene Taylor, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary’s 2023 Distinguished Alum, as she reflects on the legacy of her seminary education after more than thirty years in ministry.
The life and work of Rev. Dr. Taylor are indeed characterized by faithfulness. Through her multiple appointments as an Elder of The United Methodist Church and her involvement with diverse types of ministries, Rev. Dr. Taylor has cultivated a holistic ministry of spiritual formation for the empowerment and transformation of God’s people. After completing her Master of Divinity at Garrett in 1987, in 2005, Taylor received her Doctorate in Ministry in Spiritual Formation from United Theological Seminary with a project titled, Christian Spirituality: A Resource for Equipping, Enabling, and Empowering African American Youth.
Her commitment to the church began at an early age, when, through many life transitions, Taylor found a home in the church. She says, “My earliest or most impactful memory of the church was it was the one place where I felt affirmed and most alive. . .. Despite my age, my gifts were affirmed, and I could let them shine. I felt safe and affirmed.” Because of this, one of the central aspects of Taylor’s ministry has been equipping youth, particularly young women.
In 2018, in honor of Rev. Dr. Taylor’s thirty years since graduating from seminary, the Irene Taylor Scholarship Fund was established at Garret-Evangelical. Taylor regards her seminary education as foundational for her commitment to justice and love, particularly in the face of challenges. She adds, “I am grateful for the gifts, sound theological preparation, and spiritual formation I received from this great institution and the local church’s ministry.”
Although she is now retired [serving part time at Joyful Spirit], Rev. Dr. Taylor affirms she still feels the call to serve God through the ministry of the church. She is hopeful about the future of the church and encourages the next generation of leaders to hold on to the calling to be a beacon of light amid much darkness.
Regular Guest Speakers/Preachers
Grab a cup and take a peek;
Reverend Rich Havard
Msg starts at 25:00 min mark
Msg starts at 25:00 min mark
Nationally known author and speaker, Jane Rubietta
Msg starts at 26:00 min mark
Reverend Rich Rubietta
Msg. starts at 35:00 min mark
Msg. starts at 35:00 min mark
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