Amihan Valdez Barker
Amihan Valdez Barker is Project Manager for the Vital Congregations Project for The United Methodist Church and works with UMVitalCongregations.org to “develop resources for churches moving towards health and vitality.” Check out her blog at amihanvb.wordpress.com. Amy reviewed content for re:form Traditions and would be voted re:form contributor most likely to jump out of a plane or travel the world.
Theological training: Master of Theological Studies in Adolescent Faith Formation, Ordained Deacon in Full Connection in The United Methodist Church, and currently enrolled in Ph.D. program at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Christian Education and Congregational Studies
Family: Husband Richard Barker and children Ashtin and Tre
Youth ministry superpower: Reading minds and/or telling the future! I think that would be an awesome trick for youth group time. Students would definitely pay attention, especially if I could tell them what they were going to be when they grow up!
3 words that describe you: Crazy | Ambitious | Loving
On your iPod: Firework (Ashtin’s song), Baby-Baby-Baby (Tre’s song), Blessings by Laura Story (My Song)
Insight about your tradition’s founders: Wesley wasn’t really good with relationships.
A favorite theologian quote: Our hearts will not find rest until they find rest in thee, Oh God! (St. Augustine)
A favorite quote from your Mom: Honesty is always the best policy!
Your work on re:form is a success if a youth responded by saying: This is actually kind of cool and fun!