On this Intersection, Dr. Carson Reed, welcomes two church planters to talk about their experiences launching a new congregation. These two congregations have a different look and feel in many ways; however, both demonstrate what happens when Christians pursue God's mission in new ways. Come and join in the conversation as Smith Hopkins of Oikos and Jess Lowry of Sunset Ridge relate their experiences of partnering with God in new church models!

Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet is a series of focused, online conversations hosted by Carson Reed. Drawing wisdom from special guests and inspiration from timely topics, we create space for collegial learning, reflection, and ministerial action.

JESS LOWRY

Jess Lowry is a pastor, leader, and strategist whose work sits at the intersection of spiritual formation, organizational leadership, and community transformation. As Executive Director of Sunset Ridge, she has spent more than a decade guiding a vibrant faith community in reimagining what the church can be — a creative, hospitable, Spirit-led presence for the sake of the world.

With a Master’s in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary and over twenty years of leadership experience across ministry and business, Jess is passionate about helping individuals and communities awaken to their belovedness and live from it. Her leadership centers on the conviction that spiritual life and social transformation are deeply intertwined, and that the church’s future depends on cultivating spaces where people are formed for both interior depth and outward engagement.

Jess lives in San Antonio with her husband, Nathan, and their three children, Luca, Julian, and Shiloh. Outside of her work, she finds joy in exploring new places, gathering people around the table, attending Pearl Jam concerts, and getting lost in a good book.

SMITH HOPKINS

Smith Hopkins is the Lead Planter of Oikos Church in Memphis, Tennessee, a church plant launched in January 2022 with a vision for cultivating discipleship in community. Originally from Rio Vista, Texas, Smith and his wife, Kelsey, have lived and ministered in Memphis since 2008, where they are raising their three children—Annie, Fletcher, and Evie Bell. He holds a Master of Divinity from Harding School of Theology and a B.A. in Bible and Philosophy from Freed-Hardeman University. With more than twenty years of ministry experience, Smith is passionate about renewing the faith of the next generation and reimagining the church for a new era. When he’s not pastoring or dreaming about the future of the church, you can often find him on the basketball court.