Going the M.I.L.E.

Episode 15 - Julie O’Neal on Cultural Identity and Faithful Presence

In this episode of Going the MILE, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth talks with Julie O’Neal about a call shaped by youth ministry, seminary, and long-term service in conference and general church leadership. Julie is a Desert Southwest Conference delegate and staff member. As a PK (pastor’s kid), Julie grew up immersed in the life of the church, yet her discernment led her toward a lay ministry path rather than ordination. Her story highlights a deep commitment to helping the church thrive through thoughtful administration, formation, and support of young people. For more information, feedback, or guest ideas, please reach out to: communications@greaternw.org

Episode 14 - Rev. Ashley Skinner Creek on Diligence, Discernment, and Saying Yes

In this episode of Going the MILE: Stories of Calling and Ministry in the Greater Northwest, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth speaks with Rev. Ashley Skinner Creek, Assistant Dean at Seattle Pacific Seminary. Ashley reflects on a call shaped less by one defining moment and more by a series of faithful “small yeses”, serving in the local church, being affirmed by trusted voices, and gradually stepping into ordained ministry and seminary leadership. For more information, feedback, or guest ideas, please reach out to: communications@greaternw.org

Episode 13 - Dr. Joyce del Rosario on Faith, Family, and Justice

In this episode of Going the MILE: Stories of Calling and Ministry in the Greater Northwest, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth is joined by Dr. Joyce del Rosario, Executive Director of the Faith Action Network in Washington State. Joyce traces her call back to family, faith, and a defining moment as a young adult that shaped decades of ministry with youth, immigrant communities, and families on the margins, eventually leading her into teaching, organizing, and public policy advocacy. Joyce’s journey embodies the heart of MILE. Ministry that Matters is reflected in her lifelong commitment to justice. Itineration & Location show up in how her call has carried her from neighborhood ministry to statewide advocacy. Lay Ministry Enhancement is evident in her work equipping people of many faiths to act together. And Eliminating Racism runs through her insistence on listening to marginalized voices and trusting a God who moves first at the edges. Joyce’s story is a reminder that a single call, faithfully held, can shape a lifetime of transformation. For more information, feedback, or guest ideas, please reach out to: communications@greaternw.org

Episode 12 - Maggie Mann on Kindness, Compassion, and Calling Through Public Health

In this episode of Going the MILE: Stories of Calling and Ministry in the Greater Northwest, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth talks with Maggie Mann, District Director at Southeastern Idaho Public Health, whose call centers on offering love in both everyday interactions and her long career in public health. Maggie sees health as a foundation for human dignity and believes access to wellness should never depend on income or circumstance. Her work meets people where systems often fail them, and she names this as part of the love she feels called to reflect. Maggie’s story threads naturally through the MILE themes: Ministry that Matters in her commitment to health equity, Itineration & Location in her work within local systems of care, Lay Ministry Enhancement in her church’s hands-on approach to service, and Eliminating Racism in her belief that wellness should never depend on income or status. Her call is simple and steady: love people, and help them thrive. For more information, feedback, or guest ideas, please reach out to: communications@greaternw.org

Episode 11 - Ken Johnson on Heart, Perseverance, and Holding His Call Through a Medical Journey

In this episode of Going the MILE: Stories of Calling and Ministry in the Greater Northwest, Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth talks with Certified Lay Minister Kenneth Johnson of McMinnville, Oregon. Ken found his call later in life, encouraged by mentors, energized by preaching, and affirmed by a congregation that heard something true in his voice. His ministry continued even through a long medical journey that included  non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a stroke, and seasons of slow recovery. When he tried to step back, his church insisted he keep sending sermons from the hospital, a sign of the deep trust they shared. Ken’s path reflects the MILE in full. Ministry that Matters shows up in his refusal to give up. Itineration and Location appear as he carries his call from Montana to Oregon. Lay Ministry Enhancement is embodied in his work as a Certified Lay Minister, and Eliminating Racism is present in his belief that clergy and laity stand side by side in grace.  For more information, feedback, or guest ideas, please reach out to: communications@greaternw.org