Renée Lloyd Owen is a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship-endorsed healthcare chaplain with more than 20 years of experience meeting the unique spiritual, religious, and cultural needs of patients, their families, and healthcare providers.
In August 2020, she became the third individual, and first woman, to serve as CBF’s Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Ministries Director and Endorser. She is married to Tommy Owen, whose job in morning radio has called them to live in some amazing cities across our country in North Carolina, as well as Miami, Los Angeles and now Atlanta.
Owen is a member of the Good Faith Media governing board.
- What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced / shaped your life?
Numbers 6:24-26 – The Priestly Benediction: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance to you and give you peace.”
I grew up hearing this blessing offered in my home church in rural North Carolina and later in life by mentors of mine. I have been the recipient of these words at significant moments in my own life – during times of celebration and times of grief.
As a chaplain, over the years I have offered this blessing for couples at weddings, for newborns, for hospitalized infants, children and adults, and for loved ones at end of life.
- Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
Eugenia Simons – my ballet teacher from kindergarten through college, who taught me discipline and creativity. She exemplified a spirit of love and joy. She introduced me to diversity in music, movement and people. Mrs. Simons was a woman of great faith, married to an Episcopal priest. She modeled for me how to dance in celebration of my faith.
Edith and Glenn Nunnery – my pageant and life coaches the year that I competed in the Miss North Carolina Scholarship Pageant, a part of the Miss America Scholarship Program. Glenn taught me how to interview with a panel of people I had never met, “firing questions at me,” and how to answer with confidence and grace. He opened my eyes to the happenings in the world around me, taught me how to effectively read a national newspaper, and challenged me to consider my stances on political issues. Edith taught me how to enter a room with confidence and grace, in a space where I knew no one, where it was my role to make all persons feel welcomed and affirmed. She modeled for me how to always present my best and to believe in myself.
Jack Glasgow – a friend and mentor of mine since 1997, when I served as the Minister of Students at Zebulon Baptist Church. Jack taught me to always have a prayer, a Bible study and a sermon in my “back pocket.” He exemplified for me the true meaning of a servant leader, whether behind the pulpit or sitting beside someone in need. Jack taught me how to “build a program that will outlast me,” which I have aspired to do in every place I have served.
- List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
Sue Monk Kidd’s “The Secret Life of Bees” (book), “Everybody Loves Raymond” (TV show) and “Mama Mia” (movie).
- What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
Loving as Jesus called us to love – with no bounds, selflessly and courageously. When we as a nation and a world can love one another without regard to our differences that make us uniquely beautiful in the eyes of God, only then can we see and accept each other for our true authentic selves.
- What are a few of your hobbies?
I love being outdoors. I love to run (well, maybe it’s more of a jog now!), bike and walk my two-year-old 37-pound black lab rescue pup, Coco.
Being married to a “radio man” who has produced and directed morning radio for almost 25 years, I love to put on a great pair of headphones and get lost in music.
When I slow down long enough to do so, I love crafting handmade cards.
- If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
August 19, 2019, when my husband, Tommy, and I were standing side by side on the front row in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena as Jeff Lynne’s ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) came onstage to perform, and we realized that we were dead center, front row! One of the most amazing concerts we have ever experienced!
- Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell”?
There is always more to one’s story. When we allow ourselves to truly sit in silence and center ourselves, we can hear so much more in someone else’s story. Inviting others into relationship, if even for only a few moments, we hear more, learn more and are more enriched in our own journey.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
