The Ministry Exchange with Dr. Mapson

The Ministry Exchange with Dr. Mapson is where real conversations meet real ministry. We tackle the hard questions facing today’s Black Church—from leadership and discipleship to cultural shifts and spiritual relevance. Hosted by Rev. Dr. J. Wendell Mapson Jr., this channel is a space for pastors, ministry leaders, and believers who are ready to reflect, wrestle, and reimagine what church can look like in today’s world.

New episodes drop every other Wednesday with honest insights, thoughtful dialogue, and wisdom from decades of ministry.

Contributors

Host

Rev. Dr. J. Wendell Mapson Jr.

Rev. Dr. J. Wendell Mapson Jr. is a trusted voice in the Black Church—an experienced pastor, respected preacher, author, and teacher with over 60 years of ministry. Known for blending deep theology with cultural insight, he helps church leaders navigate faith and change. As host of The Ministry Exchange Podcast and co-founder of MinistryForward Media Group LLC, Dr. Mapson creates space for honest, forward-thinking conversations about the Church today. Each episode addresses real issues—declining attendance, leadership shifts, worship transitions, and generational divides—offering wisdom and clarity from a lifetime of ministry. Whether from the pulpit or podcast mic, Dr. Mapson is a mentor, model, and prophetic voice for a new era of ministry.

Producer

Jesse Mapson III

Jesse Mapson III is a multi-disciplinary creative, music producer, and media strategist helping churches and leaders thrive in a digital world. Professionally known as J Melodic, his work spans chart-topping music production, digital storytelling, and brand development. As co-founder and CEO of MinistryForward Media Group LLC, Jesse equips churches and small businesses with the tools, strategies, and systems they need to grow with excellence. With years of experience in the music industry and a heart for ministry, he bridges creativity and strategy to meet the unique needs of modern ministry. Jesse also produces The Ministry Exchange Podcast and leads its digital vision—helping pastors and church leaders engage culture, sharpen their message, and expand their impact. Whether behind the boards or behind the scenes, Jesse is committed to helping others communicate their calling with clarity and power.

Producer

Rev. Dr. Marsha Brown-Woodard

Rev. Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard is a respected theologian, educator, and ministry leader with a passion for equipping pastors and churches for impactful ministry. As Research & Editorial Producer of The Ministry Exchange Podcast, she helps shape the conversations behind the scenes—researching relevant topics, identifying critical issues, and ensuring each episode speaks to the real concerns of today’s church leaders. A Senior Lecturer at Palmer Theological Seminary and the first woman to serve as President of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity, Dr. Woodard brings decades of wisdom, advocacy, and spiritual depth to her work. Her commitment to leadership development, preaching, and community engagement makes her an invaluable voice in the ministry landscape. Though she doesn’t appear on the mic, her fingerprints are on every episode—guiding the podcast’s vision with care, clarity, and purpose.

Guests

Guest

Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr.

Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr. is Pastor Emeritus of New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, where he served for 50 years, growing the congregation to over 9,000 members and leading the construction of a 4,000-seat worship center. He is CEO of Changes Can Happen, LLC, coaching pastors and nonprofit leaders nationwide. A certified Myers-Briggs practitioner, he is also Presiding Prelate of the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors and former president of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference. Bishop Thomas is the author of several books, including The THREAD Principle and Spiritual Navigation for the 21st Century. He holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Maryland, an M.Div. from Howard University, and a D.Min. from St. Mary’s Seminary & University, along with honorary degrees from Virginia Seminary and Bethune-Cookman. He and his wife, Patricia, have three children and a lifelong legacy of ministry and leadership.

https://www.newpsalmist.org/pastor-emeritus/

Guest appearance on:

Ep 03: The Call, The Cost and The Closure: A Journey Through Legacy with Bishop Walter Thomas Sr.

Guest

Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller

Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller is Senior Pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where he leads over 15,000 members across two campuses. Since 1994, he has combined preaching, community leadership, and social justice with a vision for holistic ministry. Under his leadership, Enon built a 5,000-seat sanctuary and launched youth, mental health, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. A sought-after preacher, singer, and author, Dr. Waller has ministered globally—from South Korea to Oxford—and champions outreach through over 100 ministries. He helped lead Philadelphia’s COVID-19 testing and vaccine efforts, supports youth education and mentorship, and created Enon’s International Pastors Fellowship. A native of Cleveland, he holds degrees in music, divinity, and ministry. He shares life and ministry with his wife, Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller, and their two daughters. He is the author of multiple books and a passionate voice for justice, faith, and moral leadership.

https://enontab.org/our-pastor/

Guest appearance on:

Ep 02: Legacy, Ego and the Gospel: A Raw Conversation with Dr. Alyn E. Waller

Guest

Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown

Rev. Dr. Danielle L. Brown is the Senior Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ, and the first woman to serve in that role in the church’s 117-year history. Called to preach at 13 and licensed by Cathedral International, she’s a gifted communicator, teacher, and leader who has ministered across the U.S. and South Africa. A former three-sport athlete and Provost Scholar at Virginia State University, Dr. Brown brings discipline and clarity to her pastoral leadership. She serves as a D.Min. co-mentor at United Theological Seminary, Secretary of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, and advisor to the Women in Ministry Conference. Dr. Brown is also active in community leadership and civic engagement. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she holds five academic degrees, including a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Church Renewal. Dr. Brown is passionate about preaching, mentoring, and building thriving ministry teams.

https://www.weareshiloh.org/our-pastor

Guest

Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr.

Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr. has served as Senior Pastor of Community Baptist Church of Englewood since 1993, leading it through significant growth and transformation. Known for his powerful preaching, vibrant worship, and Spirit-led leadership, he ministers with a deep commitment to engaging the present age. Dr. Taylor holds degrees from Cairn University, New York Theological Seminary, and Palmer Theological Seminary, and teaches as an adjunct professor at Pillar College and New Brunswick Theological Seminary. A skilled musician and passionate worship leader, he is guided by John 15:16 and lives by the motto: “Chosen to Serve ~ Challenged to Grow.” He serves in ministry alongside his wife, Leading Lady Gayle Taylor. They are the proud parents of two and grandparents of three.

https://cbcofe.org/our-team

Guest appearance on:

Ep 05: Fruit That Remains: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr.