Scripture Untangled

Season 13: Episode 6 | Lennett Anderson | Can the Church Still Transform Communities?

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In this episode, Lennett and Andrew discuss:

• How a strong faith foundation and church community shaped , his lifelong calling to ministry and justice.
• Leading a historic Black church, that is now beautifully multicultural, united by the Gospel.
• Raising up the next generation, , who are hungry for authenticity, revival, and meaningful faith.
• Living with intentionality, , courage, and a deep commitment to Biblical justice.

The Reverend Dr. Lennett J. Anderson is a pastor, educator, military chaplain (retired), and community leader whose ministry spans more than two decades of transformative service in church, academy, and society. He has served since 1999 as Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church— “The MEETing Place”—in Nova Scotia, providing visionary leadership to one of the province’s historic African Nova Scotian congregations. Under his leadership, the church has become a hub for spiritual formation, community engagement, and social justice advocacy.

Dr. Anderson is an Assistant Professor of Leadership and Racial Justice at Acadia Divinity College, where he equips emerging leaders for ministry grounded in equity, reconciliation, and faithful public witness. His teaching and writing explore pastoral leadership, anti-racism, and the role of the church in advancing human dignity.

He is a retired commissioned officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and served as Unit Chaplain at HMCS Scotian. His military service, combined with his pastoral vocation, reflects a lifelong commitment to servant leadership and the holistic care of people in diverse contexts.

A respected voice in matters of race relations and community development, Dr. Anderson has advised educational institutions, policing bodies, and civic organizations on equity and inclusion. He has also provided leadership within the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia and contributes to broader denominational and global church networks, including service as State Overseer in Canada for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International.

Dr. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University and a Master of Divinity from Acadia University. He has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity in recognition of his significant contributions to ministry and community leadership.

His work has been recognized with numerous honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Platinum Jubilee Community Hero Award, the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Citizenship, and the Canadian Forces Decoration.

Committed to faith, family, and community, Dr. Anderson shares life and ministry with his wife, Dr. Késa Munroe-Anderson, and their children. His life’s work is marked by a passion for spiritual renewal, justice, and the building of beloved community.

Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling was the Senior Minister of Timothy Eaton Memorial United Church in Toronto, one of Canada’s largest United Church congregations and was responsible for leadership and administration at Timothy Eaton from 1998 until his more recent retirement. Overseeing staff, providing visionary leadership, acting as the public representative of over 1,500 members and managing a dynamic and ever-evolving ministry to the city of Toronto and beyond.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Law from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, a Master of Divinity from the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. In 2008, Wycliffe College, Toronto, recognized his contribution to preaching with an honorary Doctor of Divinity.

Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling is now the Ambassador for the Canadian Bible Society building relationships with churches, academic institutions and individuals across Canada.