In this episode of The Proximity Podcast, Dr. Michelle Reyes invites listeners into a courageous and practical conversation about unity—not as sameness, but as the Spirit-empowered work of loving across cultural, ideological, and relational divides. As a pastor, author, and cultural intelligence scholar, Dr. Reyes offers a distinctly hope-filled and actionable vision for what unity could look like in the modern church.
Drawing from her experience as a Latina leader and co-founder of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, Michelle brings a deep awareness of how cultural identity shapes discipleship and community. She unpacks how true unity begins with humility—a willingness to listen, lament, and learn from one another. Rather than glossing over difference, she reminds us that biblical unity is forged in the tension of diversity.
Throughout the conversation, Michelle and the Proximity team reflect on the difference between performative peace and genuine reconciliation, exploring what it means to create “brave spaces” instead of merely “safe spaces.” She shares stories that illuminate how empathy and proximity become spiritual disciplines in a divided age, calling the church to live out Jesus’ prayer in John 17—that we would be one, not by erasing our distinctions, but by embodying love in the midst of them.
In a world defined by outrage and echo chambers, Dr. Reyes helps us imagine a faith that listens first, loves deeply, and leads toward the kind of unity that turns enemies into neighbors and strangers into family.
Interviewee - Dr. Michelle Reyes
Dr. Michelle Reyes is a professor of cultural engagement at Wheaton College, the author of the award-winning book Becoming All Things, and a culturally-informed leadership coach, who has worked with over 800 leaders around the world. Her work has been featured on Good Morning, America and she’s been quoted in the New York Times, LA Times, and NBC.com among others. Get a free excerpt of her book when you subscribe to her Success Culture newsletter on Substack: substack.com/@michelleamireyes?utm_source=user-menu
Authored Books: michelleamireyes.com/becoming-all-things
Website: michelleamireyes.com
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