Message from Nancy Petty and Bishop Malkhaz Songulashvili - January 25th, 2026

In this conversation, we reflect on Jesus’ call in Matthew 4 and what it means to follow him today. Together, we explore themes of God’s kingdom, love, joy, justice, and beauty, and consider what we may need to let go of—ego, tribalism, and indifference to suffering—in order to respond more fully to God’s call.

In a world that feels near a moral tipping point, this message invites us to recognize God’s kingdom as already present among us and to step into it with compassion, courage, and hope—especially in solidarity with those who are poor, marginalized, or excluded.

About the speakers
This conversation features Nancy Petty, Senior Pastor of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Nancy has served Pullen since 1992 and as senior pastor since 2002. As pastor, she serves as the spiritual guide of the congregation through preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and leadership, honoring the church’s long-standing traditions while helping shape new ones rooted in Pullen’s theology and shared life. She is widely recognized as a community faith leader speaking on social justice, interreligious dialogue, and the full inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community. Nancy serves as Chair of the Board of Repairers of the Breach and has received numerous awards for her ministry and advocacy at the local and national levels.

She is joined by Bishop Reverend Malkhaz Songulashvili, a leading voice of Peace Cathedral in the country of Georgia and an internationally respected advocate for peace, justice, and interfaith dialogue. While visiting the United States for speaking engagements along the East Coast, Bishop Songulashvili reflects with Pastor Petty on a vision of God’s kingdom marked by love, justice, joy, beauty, and deep empathy for the suffering of the world.