Community Empowerment Through
Black Men Healing Conference
"The Faith and Community Healing" Panel
The panel will discuss community trauma and spiritual care, emphasizing healing together and the role of our faith community in this journey.
PANELISTS
Min. Isiah C. Dennis, theologian, preacher, and justice advocate.
Min. Isiah C. Dennis is a theologian, preacher, and justice advocate dedicated to liberation, discipleship, and community transformation. He was born and raised in Saint Paul, MN, in the historic Rondo Neighborhood, where he carries forward a legacy of resilience, community, and faith that influences his ministry. Grounded in the Black church tradition and Wesleyan theology, his work integrates prophetic preaching, pastoral care, and social justice.
He holds a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary and a Master of Education in Youth Development and Leadership from the University of Minnesota. Min. Dennis is passionate about empowering others to live out their faith boldly, emphasizing the importance of building radically inclusive communities, deepening discipleship, and mobilizing the Church for justice and action.
Currently, he serves as the Coordinator of Ministry Operations at Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church. Additionally, he is a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., a 2022 Fellow of the Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy through the African American Leadership Forum, and Co-Chair of the board of the Wesley Foundation at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, known on campus as Neon.
Guided by the wisdom of bell hooks, Min. Dennis believes in the transformative power of truth: "If we can't recognize the truth, then it cannot liberate us from untruth. To know the truth is to prepare for it, for it is not mainly reflection and theory. Truth is divine action entering our lives and creating the human action of liberation."
Pastor Brian Herron, Senior Pastor at Zion Baptist Church
Pastor Brian Herron has been the Senior Pastor at Zion Baptist Church for 19 years. Pastor Herron is one of the Founders of the Healing Place at Zion Baptist Church, born out of his
work with 21 Days of Peace. The Healing Place is a place where people can come and just sit
and talk with someone, receive prayer, one-on-one coaching through trauma and grief, as well as referrals. Also, providing a quiet space to just sit and be for a while if needed.
He is also a Co-founder of The Wellness Collaborative, which comprises 16 organizations committed to working collectively to help heal our Community.
Pastor Herron is a community healer who offers grief and trauma coaching and training, one-on-one or in healing groups and circles. Pastor Herron is a champion of Justice for our community and works with men and women
coming out of institutions of incarceration to help them transform their lives as they return to our communities and families.
He also leads a street ministry of presence, ministering to those who have been beaten, broken, and left by the side of the road, those who are hurting and often involved in the violence, drug use, and dealing in our community.
Pastor Herron’s goal is wellness and wholeness for the African American Community as well as for others, so all are able to live and make better decisions and choices for themselves/us and their/our children.
Pastor Brian has been trained as a Mental Health First Aide Instructor for Youth and Adults and a Trauma Trainer for Sidran Institute Risking Connection Program and Stairstep Foundation, also Transform Mn. Healing The Wounds Of Trauma Facilitator and Facilitator Trainer. Pastor Herron has also completed 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education
Pastor Herron is married to Rhonda Bell-Herron, and they have seven children, a host of grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Reginald Wiley, Community Liaison with The Potter's House Apostolic Ministries
Reginald Wiley is a purpose-driven leader whose career reflects a deep passion for advancing health equity and empowering underserved communities. Born in the vibrant Third Ward community of Houston, Texas, and currently serving as the Community Liaison for The Potter's House Apostolic Ministries. Reginald has faithfully served as a minister of the Gospel for over 20 years, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to faith, service, leadership, and community empowerment. Whether advancing healthcare innovation or uplifting communities through advocacy and ministry, Reginald stands as a respected leader at the intersection of health, technology, faith, and social justice.
“A role model is one who is aware that the babies are watching and acts accordingly.” Uncle Big