Core Values
Jeffrey “Jay” Cuttino
Founder, CEO, and Spiritual Teacher
Jay is a non-denominational Christian leader, theologian, and spiritual teacher whose work sits at the intersection of faith, justice, education, and cultural empowerment. Currently completing his final year in the Master of Divinity program at Howard University School of Divinity, where his academic studies included: Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, Theological Studies, Ministerial Studies, and Ethical and Cultural Studies. He brings a scholar-practitioner approach to all aspects of SDU, blending rigorous theological study with lived experience, cultural history, and a commitment to justice.
In addition to his ministerial work
Jay is the co-founder of Southern Diplomats, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building stronger communities, promoting healthy living, and advancing sustainable prosperity. Through programs in education, health, and economic development, he supports strategic initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact where it is needed most.
Education
Jay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management with a concentration in leadership from Purdue University. He also maintains multiple professional IT and technical management certifications and brings more than 18 years of experience supporting the Department of the Navy through engineering leadership, technology modernization, and mission-critical systems development.
As the founder and visionary behind SDU
Jay is devoted to providing liberative theological education rooted in Black theopraxis, critical inquiry, and eclectic spirituality. His ministry centers bold truth-telling, historical recovery, and transformative discipleship that nurtures the consciousness and spiritual growth of all who seek deeper understanding.
Hermeneutic
Jay’s hermeneutic is grounded in historical-critical scholarship and shaped by liberation theology, cultural memory, and the ethical teachings of Jesus. He approaches scripture through careful examination of authorship, context, literary development, and ancient Near Eastern culture, using tools such as source, form, redaction, and lexical-syntactical analysis. His interpretive lens centers the prophetic ministry of Jesus, whose life among the oppressed revealed a vision of justice, dignity, and radical love. Jay’s approach also honors the deep African presence in the biblical world and corrects Eurocentric distortions that have obscured the contributions of African and other marginalized peoples. His scholarship is both critical and constructive, challenging interpretations that harm while elevating readings that promote liberation, truth, and human flourishing.
Theopraxis
Jay practices a theopraxis that integrates academic theology with lived experience, contemplative depth, spiritual discernment, and an eclectic spirituality guided by the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. He values dialogue across religious and cultural boundaries and affirms that divine wisdom can be encountered in many traditions while remaining rooted in the liberating message of Jesus. His devotional and practical work blends scripture, wisdom literature, philosophy, and contemplative practice, inviting seekers to slow down, ground themselves, and encounter the divine in everyday life through reflection, gratitude, and intentional spiritual rhythms. Jay recognizes the presence of sacred wisdom across cultures and traditions, and his theopraxis reflects a conviction that spirituality is an active force that shapes justice, compassion, and transformation in the world.
Pedagogy
Jay’s pedagogy is shaped by liberating education that honors the stories, cultural memory, and sacred worth of marginalized communities and those historically pushed to the margins of religious and social narratives. He teaches with a commitment to accessibility, depth, and transformative learning, presenting complex theological concepts in ways that speak to real-life experiences. His learning environments center dialogue, critical thinking, and community engagement, inviting learners to question assumptions, confront injustice, and discover their own voice within the biblical, historical, and cultural story. Jay integrates historical scholarship, African and diaspora cultural analysis, and the ethical teachings of Jesus to help students grow spiritually and intellectually. His curriculum development draws on culturally relevant pedagogy, engaged praxis, and community-based learning, including story-linking, which connects biblical texts with personal narratives and communal experiences. As a spiritual teacher, Jay equips disciples to cultivate spiritual maturity, understand their identity, and live as agents of justice, compassion, and truth.
Jays Spiritual Gifts
Jay’s spiritual gifts enable him to lead SDU with clarity, purpose, creativity, and deep spiritual conviction.
Teaching
Jay’s strongest gift, Teaching, equips him to translate complex theological, historical, and cultural ideas into clear and accessible learning for all. Through this gift, he helps disciples grow in critical thinking, spiritual maturity, and biblical understanding.
Administration
Jay’s administrative gifting allows him to design, organize, and sustain SDU’s programs with structure and intention. Through this gift, he creates meaningful and well-developed educational experiences that serve a wide range of learners.
Leadership
His gift of Leadership equips him to guide others with vision, purpose, and steadiness. Jay leads by example, inviting others into a shared mission while fostering growth, responsibility, and spiritual empowerment.
Wisdom and Knowledge
Jay’s combined gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge allow him to see beneath the surface of issues and discern deeper truths. These gifts strengthen his ability to interpret scripture faithfully, offer sound guidance, and make informed decisions that uphold SDU’s mission and values.
Faith
Jay’s gift of Faith fuels his confidence in God’s guidance and enables him to pursue SDU’s mission with courage, even when the path is uncertain. This spiritual trust inspires others to believe in the work of transformation.
Giving
His gift of Giving shapes a deep commitment to generosity, community uplift, and responsible stewardship. It grounds SDU’s values of mutual care, justice, and meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of others.
Craftsmanship
Jay’s craftsmanship gift allows him to build both conceptual and creative structures that support SDU’s mission. This gift also expresses itself through Street Disciple Clothing, where he produces handcrafted designs and products that reflect the message, artistry, and cultural pride at the heart of his ministry.