Waynesburg University celebrated the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a convocation in Roberts Chapel Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Dr. Kathy Kinzer-Downs, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO) and the Lead Pastor with Freedom Covenant Church in Prince Frederick, Maryland, served as the guest speaker.
In her message, Dr. Kinzer-Downs shared excerpts from some of Dr. King’s most commonly referenced messages, noting that these soundbites get overplayed and under contextualized in today’s time.
“We’ve reduced Dr. King to a few iconic soundbites and diminished the scope of his stance, his work, and the depth of the controversial position that he served,” said Dr. Kinzer-Downs.
She explored the connection between Daniel Chapter 3 and Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail, sharing that they both illustrate faith that is tested, uncompromised and respected, that stands on business.
“I want to suggest to you today that the call, the model and the admonishment is to stand on business,” Dr. Kinzer-Downs said. “What do [I] mean by that? Stand on the gospel of Jesus Christ... Stand on what is right, even when you stand alone...”
“Dr. King models for us a courage and a boldness to stand on business, to voice an opinion, to go against the grain...” she said. “I ask you today: what is it that you’re standing on?”
About Dr. Kathy Kinzer-Downs
Dr. Kinzer-Downs holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in Communications from Regent University, a Master of Divinity from Ashland Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary.
After more than a decade of working in campus ministry with college students, Dr. Kinzer-Downs and her family relocated to Calvert County, Maryland, in January 2019 to plant Freedom Ministries. The ministry of Freedom focuses on reaching young adults with the message of Jesus. It is their vision that people may Be Free.
In May 2020, Dr. Kinzer-Downs completed her doctoral studies that focused on the engagement of Black Millennials in the Black Church. In April 2021, she released her first book that is based on her doctoral research, “Engaging a Now Generation: 4 Strategies to Help Reach Black Millennials.” With the release of her book, she launched “Transforming with Dr. Kathy,” a coaching and consulting resource geared to help the Black Church better engage young adults helping them to connect to God and the church through training and consulting services.
Dr. Kinzer-Downs is happily married to Lamont Downs and is the proud Mom of Marcus Lamont Edward (10) and Xavier Carlise (8).
About Waynesburg U.
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.
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