MLDI Purpose and Mission
FALL 2026 - Spring 2027
SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATIONAL FORUM
Theme: “Pairing Moral Clarity, Educational Purpose, and Theological Grounding”
PURPOSE
The Ministers and Lay Leaders Social Justice Educational Forum provides a curriculum of liberation and exists to equip lay leaders, ministers, and community members to engage courageously, faithfully, and intelligently with the rapidly shifting social and political realities of our time. Rooted in the inclusive power of the Cross, we cultivate theological understanding, historical awareness, and practical skills that empower God’s people to advocate for justice, stand with those at the margins, and lead with compassion, clarity, and conviction.
MISSION
Our mission is to form a community of learners committed to building a more equitable world—one grounded in the Gospel, strengthened by education, and animated by the hope of Christ in building a sustained educational ecosystem that helps the least, the lost, and the left behind to interpret current political
moments through the lens of Christ’s justice — not through fear, confusion, or exclusion.
2026 Fall Semester
October 17, 2026
10 am - 12 pm, PST Virtual/Zoom
Instructor: Deacon Reginald Lyles (Allen Temple Baptist Church, Oakland, CA)
"Justice and Discipleship: Framing Justice as a Discipleship Practice” Luke 4:18-19
Reference materials:
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The Holy Bible
FEES
Registration per session: $25
For information, contact Program Dean Rev. Dr. Barbara Jim-George, at doctorbjg@gmail.com
TO CHOOSE CLASSES
1. Use the form below to select your classes
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Please provide your name, phone number, and email address.
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Select the class or classes you want
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Click "Register Now"
2. Then go to the "Please Pay here" button and click on it to make your payment after you submit the registration form.
3. In Givelify, select "other" under "select your gift". Enter the amount, and in the notes section, please indicate "MLDI + Date of Class".
Dean of Education,
Rev. Dr. Barbara Jim-George
Rev. Dr. Barbara Jim-George is a graduate of the Berkeley School of Theology, classes of 2010 (M.Div.) and 2014 (D.Min.).
Dr. Jim-George serves as Executive Pastor for the True Faith Community Baptist Church in Antioch, California, and is Dean of the Ministers and Lay Leaders Development Institute.
Previously, Dr. Jim-George lead Transforming Ministries Group, a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization that taught girls aged 11-16 on methods to avoid human trafficking entrapments; and consulted congregations and faith-based organization leaders on forming faith responses to human trafficking of children in their congregations and communities.
She has served at all three board levels for the American Baptist Churches, USA Ministers Council, and graduated with honors and awards for both of her degrees from BST.