Ray Williams [Mission Baltimore and Urban Discipleship Center, Baltimore USA] on social justice.
[07.05]

Hi, welcome to our virtual coffee shop. Pull up a chair, take the load of your feet. Let's chat.

So who are you, where you from, what do you do in life?
Ray Williams, I am Director of Mission Baltimore, and Urban Discipleship Center in Baltimoe, MD (USA). I am originally from Mobile, AL and I have wonderful kids who are in Middle School and College.

Can I get you a drink? Cappucino, earl grey, dandelion and burdock, pale ale?
Bold and Black regular coffee, neat, no cream or sugar.

Would you like a doughnut or pastry to go with that?
Not today.

So, if you had to describe the church/project/experiment/thingy you are currently involved with in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
Building up disciples through social action.

Are you an instigator? / new recruit? / have absolutely no recollection of how you got involved?
Just another wanderer on my faith journey.

What do you value most about being part of it?
I get to pour myself into the lives of young disciples and watch them "get it".

What excites you most about it?
Seeing young Christians become people of social justice and social action as they follow in the steps of Christ.

Has anyone ever turned up out of the blue not knowing what to expect?
What did they say?
Not really yet. We are partnered with a fairly traditional church. Most of our ministry takes place outside the church and on the street.

Three words that describe your attitude to 'being church' in the big wide world: Love, mercy and justice

Three words that DON'T:
Legalism, dogma and neckties

You have this weird dream - you meet Jesus face to face.
Where does it happen, what does he say to you?
It is in my truck while driving. Jesus asks me, "Ray, who did you love today that you did not love yesterday?"

What's the big secret you're itching to share with everyone?
I love Rock and Roll

What would your 'emerging church survival kit' contain?
Bible, two books of prayers (Hauerwas and Brueggeman) and Henri Nouwen's (et.al) "Compassion"

Anything else you'd like to share with us before you have to rush off?
The coffee was great.

Thanks. Good to see you, have a good day!