LSTC Students Meet with Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow PUSH Coalition Headquarters

A group of LSTC students had the incredible opportunity earlier this fall to meet with esteemed civil rights leader and theologian Rev. Jesse Jackson. The students, as part of Dean Linda Thomas and Dr. Francisco Herrera’s Public Church II class, traveled to the national headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago, expecting to just meet for class and tour the building. Soon after their arrival, Rev. Jackson entered the room. 

During his time with LSTC students, Rev. Jackson answered questions about his ministry and shared his hopes for them as the next generation of faith leaders. He paused several times to look each student in the eye and ask them what was on their mind. Third-year Master of Divinity student Megan Mong said, “It was awe inspiring to even be near him, but to shake his hand and speak with him was something I never thought I would get the chance to do.” 

Public Church II is a capstone course for master’s students at LSTC, intended to help students reflect on their contextual education experiences thus far in their programs and prepare and equip them to be public-facing leaders in their ministry. Meeting accomplished and influential leaders like Rev. Jackson is one way students in this class are exposed to the transformative potential of embarking on careers in faith, ministry, and public service.

Rev. Dr. Linda Thomas, LSTC’s Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs could sense the impact this meeting had on her class. She said, “[Rev. Jackson]’s legacy as a living legend taught us that our faith must extend beyond church walls into the heart of social justice. This experience reminded us that we are called not only to study theology but to actively engage in advocacy and service, inspiring us to become true agents of change in our communities.”

LSTC also provided a Zoom option for students who were unable to attend in-person, which allowed students across the country to join the meeting and have a chance to share some words with Rev. Jackson. Final-year Master of Divinity student Trenton Ormsbee-Hale, located in Texas, reflected on what the experience was like for him in a hybrid format. “Virtually visiting Rainbow PUSH Coalition and meeting the Rev. Jesse Jackson was such a powerful moment…in many ways, being a part of a class that takes trips to organizations like Rainbow PUSH and has one-on-one conversations with a civil rights hero like Rev. Jackson is a kind of life-line of hope for public church leaders like myself: leaders who are serving in places like Texas where it seems the religious and political are overwhelmingly against the Gospel Kin-dom of justice and peace.”

This profound meeting and moment came about after LSTC student Pastor Bobby Lewis met with Dean Thomas to see if LSTC’s Public Church classes and his work at Rainbow PUSH Coalition could collaborate on occasion. This class was the first attempt to do so, and it is no doubt the words of Rev. Jackson will be ringing in these students’ ears for years to come.