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Word and Witness: The Preaching Podcast

Reverand Dr. Tracy Ross leads faith-based podcast, expanding beyond the pulpit to engage in needed conversations.

Howard Newsroom Staff
May 15, 2025 4 minutes
Word and Witness Podcast image
headshot Dr Ross

Rev. Dr. Tracy Ross is the visionary and host of “Word and Witness: The Preaching Podcast,” the first digital-facing theological platform in the Howard University School of Divinity’s history. The inaugural initiative was developed under the $1.25 million Compelling Preaching Initiative grant awarded to the school by the Lilly Endowment.

According to Ross, this podcast “elevates Black preaching, expands theological education beyond traditional models, and engages faith leaders and listeners in culturally relevant, theologically rich conversations. It reflects the spirit of innovation, scholarship, and impact that defines Howard University.” 

Preview a few of the podcast’s inaugural videos and subscribe to the School of Divinity’s channel to not miss an episode!   

Episode 1 Recap: “The Vision Behind the Compelling Preaching Initiative” featuring Dr. Kenyatta R. Gilbert

In the inaugural episode of “Word and Witness: The Preaching Podcast,” visionary and host Rev. Dr. Tracy Ross engages Dean Kenyatta R. Gilbert of the Howard University School of Divinity in a powerful conversation about the heart of the Compelling Preaching Initiative. Dr. Gilbert shares the theological and institutional vision behind the $1.25 million grant, situating the initiative within the larger context of Howard’s legacy, the Black Congregations Resource Center, and the future of Black preaching.

He offers a compelling call to reclaim clarity, depth, and spiritual accountability in today’s preaching landscape, especially in an era saturated with performance over substance. Warning against what he calls “counterfeit preaching,” Dr. Gilbert challenges ministers to cultivate prayerful lives, theological discipline, and a sacred responsibility for the people they serve.

“When you see counterfeit preaching, it’s disturbing, not just intellectually, but spiritually. Because the preacher’s job is to make it plain, to be clear, and to participate with God in the work of transformation. That takes a solid prayer life, a willingness to be accountable, and a deep sense of spiritual responsibility. Otherwise, we end up doing violence to the people of God through our words and witness.” -Dr. Kenyatta R. Gilbert

This opening episode establishes the podcast’s bold mission: to elevate authentic Black preaching and create a digital space where ministry, scholarship, and prophetic witness converge.

Episode 2 Recap: “Faith and Technology in Preaching” featuring Rev. Krishnan Natesan

In this episode of “Word and Witness: The Preaching Podcast,” Rev. Krishnan Natesan, pastor of Hemingway Memorial AME Church in District Heights, Maryland and a proud alumnus of the Howard University School of Divinity, offers a timely and insightful conversation on preaching in a digital-first world.

Drawing from his experience leading churches into online worship even before the pandemic, Rev. Natesan shares how ministry can thrive through resourcefulness and technological adaptability. Whether equipping pastors across four states with basic tools to livestream or reimagining worship formats altogether, he emphasizes starting with what you have and remaining anchored in the call to preach.

“When 2020 hit, everybody realized they didn’t have a place to worship. Some churches never opened back up. But the shift had already started. I was going to conferences across four states showing pastors how to use an iPhone and a stand to go LIVE, this was pre-pandemic. I didn’t have the money for a website, but I had a phone, a stand, and the call to preach. The message was: Don’t wait until you have everything. Start with what you have.” 

-Rev. Krishnan Natesan

This episode captures the urgency and ingenuity required to sustain the ministry in a changing world. Rev. Natesan’s leadership in digital innovation, particularly within the AME tradition, demonstrates how faith, flexibility, and technology intersect to expand the reach of the gospel.

Episode 3 Recap: “Equipping the Saints for Leadership” featuring Rev. Gerald Folsom

In this episode of “Word and Witness: The Preaching Podcast,” Rev. Gerald Folsom, pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie, Maryland and an alumnus of the Howard University School of Divinity, offers a biblically grounded and pastorally rich conversation on spiritual leadership. Drawing from Ephesians 4, he breaks down the divine gifts given to the church and emphasizes the importance of equipping believers for growth, purpose, and ministry impact.

Rev. Folsom reflects on the weight and work of leadership, not just as a position, but as a process that requires transparency, mentorship, and a deep trust in the call to serve. His insights bring clarity to what it truly means to meet people where they are and help them grow through God-given gifts.

“Paul talked about the gifts Jesus gave to the church, the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers. And they were all placed there for a reason. The evangelist brings you in, the pastor cares for you, the teacher teaches, the prophet speaks into your life, and the apostle oversees it all. That’s what equipping the saints means, meeting people where they are and helping them grow through the gifts.” -Rev. Gerald Folsom

This episode affirms that equipping the saints is both a biblical command and a leadership model, rooted in transformation, trust, and the intentional development of others.

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