Making Our Faith Tangible
Jesus called us to be followers, not just believers. That means we need to care for people’s needs while also interrupting the systems that make them needy. If we are called to love the world in tangible ways, how do we do that affectively?
By incorporating biblical lessons, historical examples and personal stories, David LaMotte makes the case that movements, rather than heroes, drive large-scale change. The church has largely been considered one of the most powerful movements throughout history. David reminds his audience that all of us can bring our gifts to movement work within and beyond our churches, caring for others and correcting systems of inequality.
As a son and brother of ministers, David LaMotte’s faith has always been an important aspect of his life. With his feet in two traditions, David considers himself a Quaker-tyrian of sorts. He is also one of the three members of the interfaith group, Abraham Jam. The group consists of David LaMotte, Billy Jonas, and Dawud Wharnsby, each of a different Abrahamic faith. One of Abraham Jam’s songs, Braided Prayer, was recently used in the opening scene of Our Town on Broadway, sending its message of peace to a whole new audience. It is through the lens of harmony that David is able to appreciate the traditions and practices across many denominations. He has spoken in hundreds (approaching the thousands, now) of churches around the US and internationally. A lot of David’s work these days is traveling for a weekend to speak, lead workshops, and play music.
An Immersive Weekend of Worship
If you appreciate David’s message and would like to book him to visit your church, there are many options available to fit your needs.
Possible Weekend Schedule
Saturday Morning: David leads a 1-2 hr interactive workshop, followed by lunch
Saturday Evening: David performs a concert
Sunday Morning: David leads a sermon, or music during the service
This schedule is entirely flexible, and is intended to provide a starting place for planning. To speak with someone about booking David, or to inquire about how a visit from David might work for your church, click here.
Study Guides and Supplemental Resources
Some churches choose to read David’s book, You Are Changing the World Whether You Like It Or Not, prior to or after his visit. To help in that study, there is a 6 part study guide available here.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) is also creating a family study guide to go along with David’s most recent TEDx Talk, Why Heroes Don’t Change the World. Check back for more info.
One of David’s projects, Let’s Be Neighbors, encourages us to live peacefully with one another. Churches across the country have resonated with the Let’s Be Neighbors movement, displaying the sign on their lawns, outside their sanctuary walls, and on the front of their buildings. There’s even a 20 ft tall one above the door of Abraham Lincoln’s church in Springfield Illinois!
David’s hymn, God of the Movements and Martyrs has also been used by many faith communities. If you’d like to incorporate that into your church’s worship, you can learn more here.