This week on Preacher Handshake, we talk with Rev. Dr. Trinette V. McCray!

Dr. Trinette Vernell McCray is a proud Milwaukee, WI native. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, a Masters of Religious Education from Morehouse School of Religion, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. Rev. Trinette was licensed to preach and ordained in 1981 by the late civil rights leader, The Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy. Since then, she has been a leader in church, denominational, educational, and faith-based organizations. Most notably, in 1999, Dr. McCray became the first clergywoman elected as president of the American Baptist Churches, USA and she is currently the president of the American Baptist National Black Caucus of ABCUSA. She has also worked as the Executive Planner of the Urban Center-Milwaukee and is the author of Vital Spirit, Vital Service: Spirituality that Works.

You can view Trinette’s full sermon here:

https://youtu.be/kMBwxWXMpsY

Are you a fan of Preacher Handshake? Like, comment, and share with your friends on whatever platform you listen to!

Have comments, questions, feedback, or suggestions for guests? Email us at preacherhandshake@gmail.com

Music by Falling Forever: https://ffm.bio/fallingforever

Hosts Hannah Brown and Evan Duncan preview their new podcast, Preacher Handshake. It's a podcast all about preaching where they talk with some of our favorite preachers and break down one of their sermons.

Starting March 6, new episodes will release every two weeks.

Hannah has worked as a preacher, college minister, writer, and researcher. She has an MDiv from Baylor's Truett Seminary and is pursuing a Master of Theology degree at the University of Edinburgh. You can follow her on instagram and substack.

Evan serves as pastor of the Baptist Church of West Chester in West Chester, PA. He has an MDiv from Baylor's Truett Seminary and is pursuing his PhD at Eastern University. You can follow him in instagram and bluesky

If you have questions or preacher/sermon recommendations email us preacherhandshake@gmail.com

Episode music by falling forever https://ffm.bio/fallingforever

This week on Preacher Handshake, we talk with Rev. Cean R James!

He is the Senior Pastor of Salt & Light, an interdenominational, intergenerational congregation in Southwest Philadelphia and Mt. Airy. He has a BS in Biology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an MDiv from the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, and has done doctoral work at Lancaster Theological Seminary. Rev. James is the Associate Conference Minister of Congregational Development for the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, UCC. In 2023, he helped develop Kingsessing Heals Community Resiliency Center, a federally funded, trauma informed resource center that helps local residents cope and thrive in the face of gun violence. In 2025, Rev. James received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for Dedication to Community Service from President Joseph Biden. He is married to Kesha, and they share three sons, Clarence Milton, Jesse Joseph, and Cean Benjamin.

You can view Cean’s full sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JVveH7LwDk

Are you a fan of Preacher Handshake? Like, comment, and share with your friends on whatever platform you listen to!

Have comments, questions, feedback, or suggestions for guests? Email us at preacherhandshake@gmail.com

Music by Falling Forever: https://ffm.bio/fallingforever