Special to Elmore Autauga News
Janet Krantz didn’t know she would be hosting a podcast when she was appointed minister of Robinson Springs United Methodist Church in 2017. After arriving in town her love for Millbrook quickly grew and she wanted to do more in the community. She started an initiative to continue the existing local connections in the clergy and before long the idea became something more.
The podcast Krantz hosts on Facebook is called “Millbrook Connection – where faith and community meet.” She is attempting to have one podcast per week but certainly no less than one per month. The podcast normally airs on Tuesday or Wednesday.
“The podcast helps the clergy to meet and discuss things with city leaders. We had one podcast that included several local ministers, Mayor Kelley and Council President Michael Gay,” Krantz said. “I thought it was successful. We had Rev. Jim Graham of Coosada Baptist, Rev. Mark Waldo of St. Michael’s and Rev. Brandon Bowman of Millbrook Presbyterian.”
Waldo, who also was the guest for a one-on-one podcast at another time, said, “While MIllbrook values its clergy and civic leaders, we really don’t get to know those outside our particular circles. The MIllbrook Connection video series is a great way to get to know one another and to see what these leaders value about our community. Janet has really blessed Millbrook by strengthening the mutual interests we share—the ties that bind.”
Krantz has reached across all barriers – all races, occupations, age groups, interests etc. for guests to be included in the podcasts. She has given some very good exposure to Charlene Davis, who has started an organization known as “But God,” which helps women that are victims of domestic violence. She has done the same to help seniors with the assistance of City Council member Olivia Veneable.
Mayor Kelley had nothing but praise for Krantz and the idea, and sees the podcast becoming a productive part of the community. “It is refreshing to see someone step out and generate interest in the community like Janet has done,” the mayor said. “Her efforts to broaden communication in our area will have a positive impact. The more people we have taking part in any conversation the better.”
“Churches have always played a strong role in building our community and relationships. Janet’s Millbrook Connection is another avenue by which people can grow to know one another. People can learn much more about our community and its people. I look forward to watching future podcasts,” Council President Michael Gay remarked.
There were two things Krantz wanted to make clear to everyone when the podcasts began. She wanted everyone to know that there was absolutely no effort to combine church and state. The second thing was to assure everyone that there was nothing wrong with Millbrook – the podcast attempt is an effort to help the community continue to make progress. “I never wanted anyone to even think we wanted to be political or get involved in political matters,” Krantz said. “And, in this day and time we hear so much negative – as if there is something wrong with America everywhere you turn. That’s not true, especially in our great little town of Millbrook.”
Krantz used the word “enhance” to explain her idea. “We want to take something that is very good and make it better. We want to keep going in the right direction,” she explained.
Developing trust among people is a critical step to moving forward. Krantz believes that trust can make difficult conversations easier and that means a more productive community.
“Cultivating and developing relationships with one another is an important key to success. You know we have a wonderful, unique community with a small town feel – but a lot of opportunity for growth.”
Krantz also sees the importance of having a close community, especially when people need one another. She referenced the Wetumpka tornado of a couple of years ago. “When tragedy happens all people need to be on the same team and the best way to accomplish that is to build relationships and trust. I think we are better off moving in the right direction, together,” Krantz explained.
“I believe Janet wanted to first bring the clergy together so we could better serve Millbrook, collectively speaking. As a result she has been bringing all people together in a very positive way. This is very, very good for our community,” Rev. Mike Ingram of Millbrook Baptist Church said.
On July 24 Krantz’s podcasts will be Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson and assistant chief Johnnie Montgomery.
