Ep 04: Built For This: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown

The Ministry Exchange with Dr. Mapson

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What does it look like to lead with clarity, courage, and consistency—across pulpits, classrooms, and communities? In this episode of The Ministry Exchange, Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown joins Dr. J. Wendell Mapson Jr. for a powerful conversation about calling, character, and the kind of leadership the Church needs today.

From receiving her call to preach at age 13 to becoming the first woman to lead the historic Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ, Dr. Brown’s journey is one marked by intentional preparation, trusted mentorship, and spiritual resilience. She opens up about her years at Cathedral International, the influence of leaders like Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr. and Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, and the formative advice that helped her embrace her call early: “Honor God first.”

This episode also explores how her time as a three-sport athlete at Virginia State University uniquely equipped her for ministry leadership. She shares how lessons from the court—discipline, team roles, accountability—directly shape her pastoral philosophy and approach to building healthy ministry teams.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• How to discern and respond to a call at any age
• Why listening before leading is essential in new ministry contexts
• The value of mentorship and preparation in shaping effective leadership
• How to build and empower ministry teams with vision and structure
• What it means to lead as a woman in historically male-dominated spaces

Whether you’re a senior pastor, emerging leader, or someone seeking to serve faithfully where you are, this conversation offers both inspiration and strategy for living out your purpose with excellence.

Thanks for tuning in to The Ministry Exchange with Dr. Mapson
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This episode is proudly sponsored by Terry Funeral Home Inc.
For over 85 years, Terry Funeral Home has walked with families through life’s most sacred moments—offering care, dignity, and excellence when it matters most. Learn more at terryfuneralhome.com.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Dr. Danielle Brown (00:00:00)

2. Called to Ministry at Age 13 (00:02:19)

3. Education and Seminary Training (00:06:14)

4. Transition to Senior Pastor Role (00:13:44)

5. Building Effective Ministry Teams (00:22:23)

6. Sports Background and Leadership Lessons (00:34:34)

7. Mentoring at United Seminary (00:50:49)

8. Practical Steps for Church Leadership (00:55:09)

9. Closing and Hampton Conference (01:02:34)