Bonus Breakthrough Episode: Dr. Danny Blair on Inclusive Christian Leadership

Introduction: In this Bonus Breakthrough Episode of the Called and Capable Podcast, host Sarah welcomes Dr. Danny Blair, PhD, Director of the Center for Deaf Studies at California Baptist University. This special off-schedule episode, part of Season 2’s focus on Practical Christian Living, dives into Dr. Blair’s inspiring journey and actionable insights for living out your faith.

Dr. Blair’s Journey and Calling: Dr. Blair shares how God led him from pastoring a rural Alabama church to leading deaf ministry and education. Starting in 1991, a deaf couple’s arrival at his church sparked a calling to serve the deaf community as a linguistic minority. Scriptures like Ephesians 4:32 (forgiveness) and Colossians 3:23 (work as unto the Lord) guide his approach to inclusive leadership.

Center for Deaf Studies Overview: At California Baptist University, Dr. Blair established the Center for Deaf Studies in 2006. The Center focuses on academics (ASL minor, deaf culture, and deaf Christian ministry), community outreach (local and global, including ties to the nearby California School for the Deaf), and research, such as documentary-style film projects.

Global Impact and Deaflympics Mission: A major milestone is Dr. Blair’s upcoming trip to the Deaflympics in Tokyo, leading 13 students to share the Deaf Missions ASL Bible app with thousands of deaf athletes from over 100 countries. This outreach, rooted in Matthew 25:40 (serving the least), aims to bring the Gospel to an unreached people group.

Leadership and Practical Wisdom: Dr. Blair emphasizes valuing others (1 Corinthians 13) and walking with God daily, inspired by Genesis 17:1 ("Walk before me"). He advises against rushing ahead or lagging in fear, encouraging listeners to stay present and trust God’s direction, even through unexpected career shifts.

Resources and Connections: For more on Dr. Blair’s work, visit California Baptist University and Deaf Missions. Explore the Deaflympics for global deaf community events. Also, check out our Season 1 episode with Wayne Scott from Lifehouse Theater: https://youtu.be/RdNNFDbAxPU?si=cLEo-4IOahRy_9zU

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