Partners In Transformation: Renee Karibi-Whyte

Get to know more of your Metro community with our series, Partners in Transformation, where we highlight all of the people that make up the membership of Metro Community Church. Our Partners have not only decided to officially call Metro their home place of worship, but are co-owners of the vision and mission of our church. This week’s Partner is Renee Karibi-Whyte.

When did you start attending Metro? Why?
I came to Metro almost exactly five years ago (I can't believe it has been that long!). We had been attending a church in Roosevelt Island (between Manhattan and Queens) and, with four children, that became too much of a commute from Teaneck when combined with getting the kids ready in the mornings. So, we started "church-shopping" closer to home.

We liked different things about different churches, but none of them really stuck. Then, one Saturday night, my mother told us about Metro. She had been invited to teach a “Mosaics” class for Metro's Arts Ministry (her Senior Center teacher was from Metro and recruited her to help) and she said it seemed like a nice group of people. The next morning, we went to Metro and have been there ever since. We definitely fell in love and found our church home that day! It is amazing the avenues through which God works to get you to the right place!

What stood out to you about Metro, or what do you like about Metro?
At the time, the transparency and fallibility of the pastoral team. Our first day, Pastor Peter mentioned something during his sermon (I no longer remember what, but I think it had to do with frustration with young children crying) that was very real, highly relatable, opened him up for criticism, and was transparent in a way that I had never experienced from a pastor. That made me realize that Metro is a place of acceptance, of growth, and that this could apply no matter where you are on your journey with God. I was also immediately impressed with the children's ministry. It is so well-run, so organized, so loving and so Holy Spirit-driven that I knew I wanted my children to grow with Metro.

Today, I still feel the same. What has changed is that I have developed numerous meaningful relationships with many people at Metro. These relationships are with so many different types of people in terms of cultural heritage, life experiences, roles in society and the workforce, and this has had a huge impact on my evolution as a person. Metro has truly expanded my mind and improved the way I relate to people and (try to) show God's love. It has helped me understand different perspectives which allows me to be a better person overall.

What ministries are you involved with? What about those ministries made you want to serve?
I've been involved in the Student Ministries because I truly enjoy the innocence and adorableness of children. I was a part of the Mosaic initiative, which had the goal of building cross-cultural relationships and understanding within Metro's community. I also served with the program focused on providing structure, learning, and conditioning to Englewood public high school students - helping with career counseling strategies. Right now, I count offering because it is a low-preparation way I can contribute since I am in a very busy season of life outside of Metro. I also serve on the board of Zimele (which isn't officially Metro but is closely connected). I've been in small groups and a book club as well, and currently am part of an accountability group that has given me what are developing to be a new set of close friends similarly seeking to go deeper with God. I am also now working with the Women's Ministry to help plan the 2020 retreat.

What do you do outside of Metro? 
I work in marketing and communications for an organization that provides advice and support to philanthropists. As part of my job, I am continually learning new things and insights on how others are working to address society's biggest challenges. I love my job for the constant learning, because there is something new every day, and because I work with a great team of really smart people.

More important than my job is my family. As I mentioned earlier, my husband and I have four children - one is in college, one is on his way to college next year, a sophomore, and an eight year old. I love spending time with them, my siblings, parents, nieces and nephews, and all family members. For me, special events and holidays need a big crowd!

As my children have grown and need less minute-by-minute care, I am finding that I am very interested in crafting and creating things as well.

What does transformation mean to you? Have you seen or experienced transformation through Metro?
Transformation is taking something from one place and putting it through some process to create something new. I think that we should all be in a place of continuous growth and evolution. Without focus, that growth or change can be in a negative direction. By being at Metro and absorbing the examples, sermons, and lessons therein, I definitely have grown and transformed in a very positive direction: in my relationship to God, in how I relate to and seek to understand others, and my role within the communities in which I find myself.

Why did you decide to become a partner at Metro?
I decided to become a partner at Metro because I felt very much a part of the community. I believe that a successful community doesn't consist of people who are just givers and people who are just passive recipients of that giving. Instead there should be an exchange where sometimes you are giving and sometimes you are taking. We all have our roles to play in the greater body and by being a partner I am formally acknowledging that I am part of that body. I am a partner at Metro for the same reason I make sure that I always serve in some capacity in a Metro ministry: I want to contribute in the ways that I can to a church that has given me so much!

What is one thing you want people to know about you?
I can be a bit scattered, so please don't take it personally if I don't respond to your emails! I am still working on transformation in that area of my life.

What brings you the most joy?
Helping people brings me the most joy - especially helping them discover things within themselves that they didn't know they had or giving encouragement.

Anything else you want to share?
Just how much I love Metro and the Metro community! I have never been one to talk about my church outside of church, but with Metro, there is always something I learned that I want to share with people at work, or an experience I had that I want to talk about. I am so grateful to Pastor Peter and all of Metro for letting God lead them to create this very special, unique place of worship, celebration, and yes, transformation!!!