Join us for Who Is My Neighbor?—an afternoon of listening, reflection, and community. Together we’ll explore how to care for our neighbors, strengthen our community, and reaffirm our commitment to nonviolent action.
THE PROGRAM
The program features three speakers from middle Tennessee, including Chaplain Dahron Johnson, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Kevin Riggs, and critic, musician and podcaster Monte Mader. The event will take place on Saturday, September 20 at 2:30 pm at Advent Lutheran Church, 2505 Manchester Pike/1700 Irby Lane in Murfreesboro.
The community is encouraged to attend and participate in a Q&A following the program.
As neighbors, we welcome people of every faith tradition—and those with no religious affiliation—to be part of this conversation
Children are welcome but, unfortunately, we cannot provide childcare.
DONATIONS TO THE COMMUNITY
In the spirit of giving, attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the Nourish Food Bank to assist local families in need, as well as contributions to the locally owned Smyrna bookstore, The Spine, to support access to banned books, and promote literacy and open dialogue.
SPEAKER BIOS
DAHRON JOHNSON, Chaplain
Dahron Johnson is a licensed Chaplain with the Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ and lives in Nashville with her wife of 27 years and their child. Johnson works with a middle Tennessee hospice. In her professional role, her focus is
advocating persistently for keeping the voices of patients and their communities of care central to their own journeys. Johnson is the chair for a regional community advisory board for LGBTQ+ health; a member of a statewide council focused on resources and
support for those with intellectual & physical disabilities; and serves as a community member on a board overseeing research efforts with veterans. Johnson also works closely with the Tennessee Equality Project, testifying before the Tennessee General Assembly Senate and House committees on multiple occasions.
REV. DR. KEVIN RIGGS, Senior Pastor, Franklin Community Church
Rev. Dr. Kevin Riggs has been the senior Pastor at Franklin Community Church for more than 30 years. His life and work go beyond simply preaching about the teachings of Jesus Christ; he works to live out those teachings in his work with the Williamson
County Homeless Alliance and advocating for men on Tennessee’s death row. Rev. Dr. Riggs’ work on death row led him to co-author Today! – The Best Day of My Life with Pastor Kevin Burns. Rev. Dr. Riggs ordained Pastor Burns during Burns’ incarceration
at Nashville’s Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. Rev. Dr. Riggs is also the founder and Executive Director of Franklin Community Development and the Williamson Homeless Alliance.
MONTE MADER, Critic, Musician, Podcaster and former Christian fundamentalist
Born and raised on a Wyoming cattle ranch, Monte Mader’s early life was steeped in Christian fundamentalism and conservative politics. She pursued theological studies in Israel and became immersed in environments that emphasized obedience and traditional gender roles. In time, however, her personal experiences and critical reflection led her to question and eventually deconstruct those belief systems. Today, she offers commentary on culture, live streams courses and offers free Bible study classes in addition to her work as a musician and podcaster. She is currently working on an album and a book to be released in 2026.
Also check out other Music events in Murfreesboro, Entertainment events in Murfreesboro, Nonprofit events in Murfreesboro.
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