Episode 59: The Stories of Justice and Inclusivity: Darren Calhoun

There are many subjects that Kara and Darren discuss in this podcast, they definitely go where the conversation wants to flow, including the bidet. Somehow, the story of the bidet leads us into the topic of lacking. What does it mean to lack in something and what do we lose when we turn away from ourselves? Darren and Kara also talk about: race, HIV, embodiment and affirming spaces in ministry, and his band - The Many.

Darren Calhoun is a justice advocate, worship leader, and photographer based out of Chicago. He works to bridge connections between people of differing perspectives through story and relationship. Intersectionality is his primary lens when facilitating dialogue and education about justice and inclusion for people marginalized based on race, gender, and/or sexuality.

Darren Calhoun is currently the Worship Leader at Urban Village Church – South Loop and previously served as a volunteer worship leader at Willow Chicago for close to a decade.  Darren is an Associate Fellow with Evangelicals for Social Action and sings with a band called The Many. He co-lead the #ImSorry and #MakeLoveLouder campaigns at Chicago’s LGBTQ Pride parades.  He’s been a speaker and performer at notable events like the Gay Christian Network conference, The Wild Goose Festival, and Sojourner’s Summit for Change. He serves on the board of directors for the Center for Inclusivity, The Reformation Project, and Q Christian Fellowship.

He brings with him an intentional focus on the church being inclusive of a diversity of people and expressions as an authentic reflection of the Love of God. Lastly, Darren is an extrovert who loves hugs.

Follow him on social media at @heyDarren or through his blog, DarrenCalhoun.com.