She teaches courses in sociology of religion, immigration, and multicultural and intergenerational ministry. Her research and publications explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on US congregations, the rise of megachurches in West Africa, the transnational dimension of African Pentecostalism, the role of migration on the worldwide expansion of the Christian faith, and the religious identities of the “new” second generation.

He holds research interests the history of theological education, religion and race, and spatial theory. Andrew also serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance of Baptists and the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty.  

Caleb Leman is in his second year of the Master of Divinity program at McCormick Theological Seminary in Hyde Park. He is vocationally interested in neighborhood-led homesteading and is currently doing his field study with Growing Home, an urban farm in Englewood. He has been working as a freelance digital marketer for nonprofits since 2017. He lives in an intentional living community in Humboldt Park with his fiance, three other "chosen family" members, and two bunnies.

Delaney is Bricks and Mortals' Sustainable Solutions for Sacred Sites Program Assistant. She graduated from Barnard College in 2023 with a degree in Environment & Sustainability. In addition to B&M, she works with the Wildlife Conservation Society to evaluate education programs at the Bronx Zoo. She loves to bird watch, bake, and perform sketch comedy in her free time.

Since that time she has delivered feasibility and readiness studies, furthered grant-funded initiatives as a project manger for the Nordic Churches Project, and fostered connections with the preservation community in Chicago through participation in Landmarks Illinois’ Skyline Council. She previously worked with Rethos, the State Historical Society of North Dakota, and Calvin Theological Seminary. Emily holds a Master’s degree in Public History: Historic Preservation from Southeast Missouri State University, as well as a Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Theology in Old Testament from Calvin Theological Seminary.

Educated at the Vatican Seminary, Gianfranco has worked with more than 1,000 community-serving urban congregations and built strategic relationships with local faith leaders, lay leaders, community leaders, universities, seminaries, public officials, foundations, and philanthropists since joining Partners in 2008. In 2012, he was awarded the Richard Nickel Award from the Institute of Architects (AIA) Illinois, recognizing his dedication to the principles of livable communities through grassroots initiatives, and over the last 20 years, he has successfully helped to raise over $80 million. In 2014, Gianfranco was inducted into the Board of Sponsors of Martin Luther King, Jr. College of Ministers and Laity of Morehouse College. He has served as Board Chairman of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute, IN, as well as member of the Board of Trustees of Preservation Action and a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions.

Jessica Hassanzadeh is Senior Advisor for S4 and Principal at MirrorLight Consulting. As a social impact consultant, Jessica enjoys working with purpose-driven organizations and positions her clients for transformational growth and success. Jessica’s areas of expertise include complex project management, strategic communications, community listening, event production, and plain language writing.

Jessica has a background in higher education. She has worked at Georgetown University's School of Public Policy and the Women's Center at the University of Virginia. Outside of work Jessica volunteers regularly with organizations including Girls on the Run, City Kitties, and the Junior League. She loves traveling, hiking, and U.Va. basketball—in times of heartbreak and happiness. Jessica lives with her husband in Washington, D.C.

With a background in advocacy, program development and fundraising, Kate has more than 15 years supporting and empowering vulnerable communities. Kate has worked as an LGBT Liaison, run field campaigns across the Northeast, and in supportive housing. She holds an BA from New York University and an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Kate was a Fellow in the NYU Wagner FELPS program and is a New York Community Trust Leadership Fellow. She's proud to be a born and bred New Yorker.

She holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania and previously worked as a postdoctoral research associate at Montclair State University’s Institute for Research on Youth Thriving and Evaluation. Broadly trained, Patricia uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore religious socialization, social class inequality, and family formation among young adults.

A relationship driven leader with a passion for strategic community building and creative transformation, Mia is an ordained minister, workshop facilitator, and public speaker known for ministry initiatives credited with broadening and deepening her local church’s impact in the community. Mia is the Principal and Founder of Douglas Consulting, LLC., a coaching practice specializing in personal and professional well-being. Mia works with individuals and organizations to explore limiting mindsets while discovering lessons and opportunities found amidst life’s joys and challenges.

A classically trained recitalist, Mia’s passion for music infuses her ministry, including her pulpit duties as a preacher, teacher, and worship leader. An artist advocate committed to creating an equitable and just society, Mia uses the power of music to mediate healing, build community, and inspire social change.

Rev. Hughes served as an Associate Conference Minister in both the Connecticut Conference and the Illinois Conference. Rev.Hughes brings years of experience in community organization, pastoral care, program management, and non-profit endeavors to this new chapter of her life. This seasoned trainer, and trained Interim Minister is founder of  Hughes Church Consulting www.hugheschurchconsulting.org which specializes in lay leadership training for church leaders; revitalization workshops, clergy coaching and mentoring.

Retirement from Conference work has allowed Rev.Hughes to explore other avenues of spirituality, and she offers meditation drum circles to churches and organizations. Free from the constraints of weekly sermon prep  she enjoys blogging: check our her work at www.agingrevolutionary.wordpress.com

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Her secular ventures have included providing consultant services to the Chicago Board of Education, the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. University of Illinois Hospital, the Children’s Place Association, and the Chicago Housing Authority.  A champion for justice; she  served as project director for the statewide advocacy organization, PROTESTANTS FOR THE COMMON GOOD, as well as worked for the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office and the National Rainbow Coalition.  

Her work as an educator includes teaching at The Chicago Semester,  SCUPE (Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education), and Associate Chaplain for Elmhurst College.

This Chicago native is a proud mother of  Nia Randall and Joshua Wade, two wonderful human beings!

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He has published numerous research reports, articles and chapters on US religious life in addition to co-authoring three books, The Other 80 Percent, Beyond Megachurch Myths, and Gay Religion. He has researched and written on megachurches, evangelicalism, gay religious life, congregational studies, nondenominationalism, and the changing religious landscape. Scott directs a Thriving in Ministry grant and a Lilly Endowment planning grant to study churches and the pandemic. He co-leads the Faith Communities Today national research project which in 2020 surveyed over 15,000 congregations. Scott also regularly consults with churches and religious organizations on congregational vitality and member engagement.