Justin is a Washington, DC-based pastor, worship leader, and liturgist, whose passion is for discipleship and spiritual formation that is evidenced by justice and peace, particularly in multicultural, multiethnic, and multiclass contexts.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, he lived in London for 8 years and Pasadena, CA for 3 years before relocating to the District in 2009. A recipient of degrees from University College London, London School of Theology, and Fuller Theological Seminary, his work has included faith mobilizing at Sojourners and ONE. He was part of the planting team and, for seven years, one of the pastors of The District Church, where he was ordained in November 2011.
Currently, Justin serves as the Pastor of Leadership & Spiritual Formation at Christ City Church. He also serves as the chair of the board of trustees for the V3 Church Planting Movement. He is the author of Learning to Live (2020), a curriculum for cultivating spiritual transformation in multiethnic contexts.
Justin lives in Washington, DC, with his wife Carolyn, their two kids, and their goldendoodle Asher Russell Rodgers.
For more, see: “Longing for Home” (2013) and “Northeast of Capitol Hill” (2020).
Justin, I recently discovered your blog via Twitter, and I’ve begun reading through it as I have time. It’s fascinating. I must admit I’m still surprised when I come across Progressive Christians. I was raised fundamentalist, and after years of tension I finally had to leave that religion in my early 30’s. I no longer consider myself a Christian, but I do believe in God and speak to him often, usually thanking him for such everyday things as a safe ride on the Metro. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on liberation theology, and on liberationist movements in other religions. Also, what do you think the place of Progressive Christianity is in a multicultural, multireligious society?
I encourage you to keep up the good work, and especially the refreshing joy. Peace.
Wow, Justin, I just discovered this blog from your Twitter, and am really encouraged to read the stuff you’re saying. Keep up the good work, man… sounds like you’re currently living what my dream is. Been in urban studies at Moody Seminary in Chicago for a while, but looking at ways to put my convictions into action. I’m originally from AZ, so I’m hoping to get back there and become involved in immigration reform and immigrant outreach in the next couple of months. Always encouraging to hear about someone who’s doing it, you know?