#  Graduate Profile: Taylon E. Lancaster, MDiv '25  

 



GRADUATE PROFILE

### Taylon E. Lancaster, MDiv '25 

 

"I have become more self-reflexive, servant-led, and spiritually grounded. I hope that I have also become more loving and compassionate, and a better leader."



 



      ![Taylon Lancaster headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-05/taylonlancaster.JPG?h=57d6385e&itok=0rxWkEPD) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

 

### How I've Changed 

I have become more self-reflexive, servant-led, and spiritually grounded. I hope that I have also become more loving and compassionate, and a better leader.

### Memorable Moment

They are so many, but my most singular memorable moment at HDS was when I was president of Harambee (The only student-led organization at HDS for students of African Descent). Being apart of this organization allowed me to bring students together, stand in solidarity with those most oppressed, and to critically engage Black scholarship beyond classroom. An honorable mention, I was also interning in Monrovia, Liberia, with the KEEP (Kid's Educational Engagement Project), funded by Religion and Public Life. Traveling to the Motherland from Harvard was a life changing experience and which I am eternally grateful to have experienced.

### Favorite Class or Professor

Wow! I have been fortunate to take some eye-opening classes throughout my program. I would have to say my two favorite classes were "Preaching and Worship in the Black Church Tradition," instructed by Dean Teddy Hickman-Maynard, as well as "Theopoetic(s) and the Religious Imagination: Faith, Soul, and all the Jazz," instructed by Dr. Raymond Carr.

### Message of Thanks 

I would like to thank God, my family and friends for their continued prayers and unwavering support, as well as extended family, which consist of the members of Third Baptist Church in Springfield, MA, and the faculty, staff, and students of HDS that I've encountered throughout my time at HDS. These incredible individuals that make up my village are part of the reason that I have made it thus far. I sincerely appreciate each of you.

### What I Hope to Be Remembered By

Remember me as a friend to all, for operating creatively and embracing warmly, and a servant that desires a better world.

### Future Plans

I'm excited to continue serving as the Senior Pastor of Third Baptist Church located in Springfield, MA. As stated in a previous article, "I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future."



 



 

 See also:- [ Graduate Profiles 2025 - MDiv ](/featured-feeds/graduate-profiles-2025-mdiv)