Get to Know Pastor John TysonNow that you’ve been at Plymouth fora few months, what has been yourfavorite moment so far?I was encouraged to lead and facilitate aconversation on Christian Nationalismin October. The evening attendance farexceeded my expectations! Though thenature of the topic is distressing, I learneda great deal during the evening, and I leftenergized to facilitate more conversationson relevant topics in the future.Was there a specific life experiencethat inspired you to become active insocial justice movements?As a college student, I spent a semester inthe Middle East. A large portion of thatexperience involved studying the natureof the conflict while living in severalIsraeli and Palestinian communities.This experience deepened my interest inmovements of social justice and solidarityand led me to pursue an interest incommunity organizing and other formsof activism when I returned home.What’s something you and your familylike to do outside of Plymouth?As residents of the Des Moines Metro forthe last six years, we enjoy all the variousthings that the city has for family fun likevisits to the DSM Arts Center, the ScienceCenter, the downtown farmer’s marketand Drake University basketball games.What book did you read most recentlyand that you enjoyed?The Message by Ta-Nehisi CoatesWhat is your favorite holiday or seasonin the church?I’ve always gravitated to the spiritualtemperament of Lent. I appreciate itssolemn beginning and its emphasis onsimple yet powerful spiritual disciplinesthat lead to a celebration of hope andnew life.Is there anything else you’d like to addthat we haven’t asked?I’m grateful for the warm Plymouthwelcome that I’ve received since joiningthe staff. I’m always happy to chat overcoffee and I look forward to getting toknow you all better! You can reach me byemail: jtyson@plymouthchurch.com.Plymouth Magazine 23
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