Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Hall.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a minister, podcaster and writer living in Macon, Georgia. My road to Macon started when my husband and I moved to Atlanta fifteen years ago for me to begin a Master of Divinity at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. While at Candler, I served at Atlanta area churches, gaining skills in preaching and faith formation. I learned the kinds of ministry that made my heart sing. My husband and I moved north of Atlanta to Canton, where I learned that there are seasons of vocations; I served as both a classroom Special Education teacher and a congregational minister. After a long season of infertility, we were overjoyed with the birth of our son. Jake accepted a new job as a Pastor in Macon, Georgia. I decided to be a stay-at-home parent for a while, a decision that led to open doors and new opportunities.
At the same time, I was exploring this new role of being at home, I completed my Doctorate of Educational Ministry from Atlanta’s Columbia Theological Seminary. By the time I had completed my doctoral degree, I realized that developing curriculum, podcasting, and designing events for spiritual formation was where I could thrive vocationally. Today, I am a freelance writer who works in content creation, ministry consulting, and event leadership. I work with individuals to sorting through creative projects, prompt imagination, or organizing their plans. I work with organizations to align their practices with their identity and values. I work with churches to evaluate our current curriculum and have some help curating meaningful resources, and I offer event leadership such as preaching or designing retreats.
In my present context, I have found great delight in seeking and nurturing community. Last year, I gathered some friends together who sought a new way for moms from diverse backgrounds to connect. I led the group to create “Moxie Moms” – a group of mothers in Macon committed to being inclusive, supportive and empowering for mothers of many backgrounds.
One of my best reminders, when I feel like I need to recalibrate the things I am doing, is the challenge from the poet Mary Oliver: “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell About It.” When we start with paying attention, asking what good things are happening around us, what needs are present, and what dreams need tending, there is usually a clear path forward.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has not always been a smooth road. Like 1 in 8 couples in our nation, my husband and I experienced years of the grief of infertility. Those moments leave a mark on a person’s journey. Vocational discernment is something that has been challenging for my spouse and I, as we are both ordained ministers. Our commitment to support one another has led us to each move across the country for the other person’s job or education at some point (Dallas, Texas to Atlanta, to Macon) We constantly have to pay attention to what we are feeling and communicate honestly with each other. Working in ministry, working with people, means we are working with flawed humans. It is a beautiful, sacred honor. It is also, sometimes, quite exhausting and emotional. Making time for personal sabbath and our own spiritual nourishment has been important.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance writer who works in content creation, event leadership, consulting and podcasting. I am known for my ability to help people imagine and organize their ideas. I can sort out ideas and develop steps for flourishing in ministry. I have a solid sense of what works, and what does not, so that when I help an organization assess their resources, they can move toward creative and innovative practices. Evaluating, rewriting, or redesigning plans and event offerings, I help organizations make room for what matters. With an eye for evaluating current approaches and curating resources, I work with people to offer the best next steps. I guide people on how to use technology in ways that are meaningful and not cumbersome. My doctoral project won the best research design program for the development of moral values, and I use those approaches in designing meaningful learning experiences and retreats.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
One big moment and one seemingly small moment stands out. The “big” moment was when I received both the 2018 “Gabriel Abdullah Award” for the best research design program for the development of moral values, and the 2018 “John Nelson Award” for The Bible and the Missional Church, focusing on scripture, congregation, and community. The smaller, more ordinary, but quite extraordinary moment was the evening when one of my students from the church youth group spent the evening texting for advice. She wanted to know how to phrase her argument to her friends, standing up for someone who was excluded. She was arguing that God loved everyone, and everyone was worthy of love, despite her peers pointing to various scriptures. I was honored to have a front-row seat to this developing sense of spirituality in a teenage girl and privileged to walk alongside her journey of faith.
Contact Info:
- Website: erinrobinsonhall.com
- Email: erinrobinsonhall@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinrobinsonhall
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinrobinsonhallwriter
- Twitter: @ErinRHall
Image Credit:
Jessica Whitley photography (headshot only)
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
