Biblical Studies

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EPISODE 27

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EPISODE 27

“Rethinking Urban Church Planting” w/ NYC’s Ricky Ortiz

“If you want to change a society then you have to tell an alternative story.”

NYC-native Ricky Ortiz had a heart to reach his city, but knew that traditional church planting financial models would prove difficult in the high-cost Big Apple. A few years later, Ricky’s thriving Meta Church serves as inspiration for church planters across the US. In this episode, hear Ricky share the strategic steps he’s taken to develop socioeconomic diversity and financial sustainability in an urban context.

Hear Ricky’s wisdom on topics like:

• Inspiring A Shared Vision In Your Local Church

• Why He’s Okay With Members Missing Sunday Morning

• Tips For Reducing Your Church’s Tithe Dependency

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EPISODE 26

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EPISODE 26

“Data And Diversity: A Call To Dig Deeper” w/ Barna Group’s Brooke Hempell

“Averages only tell the average story. They don’t tell a minority’s story.” Brooke Hempell

As the Senior Vice President of Research at Barna Group, Brooke Hempell and her team have interviewed thousands of leaders across America about issues of faith and culture. Yet some of her most meaningful insights have come from pursuing racial reconciliation and church planting in her hometown of Atlanta.

In this episode, hear Brooke share trusted insight including:
• Common Misperceptions About Economic And Racial Realities
• How Millennial and Gen-Z Voices Are Challenging The Status Quo 
• Surprising Data About The Power Of Diverse Worship Music

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EPISODE 24

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EPISODE 24

“Can We Trust Kanye West?” w/ KJ Scriven

“The church was here before Kanye West, and the church will be here after Kanye West.” KJ Scriven

As well as being the Creative Arts Pastor at Charlotte-area’s Transformation Church, KJ Scriven collaborates as a songwriter and artist with diverse voices outside the local church. Hear KJ’s thoughts on Kanye West, Kirk Franklin at the Dove Awards, and other issues shaping Christian creativity.

Listen now to hear KJ and Robby chat through:
• Scriptural Perspective On The Christian Kanye West
• How Black Musicians Have Shaped The Sound Of American Music
• Creating Music With Those Who Don’t Share Your Faith

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EPISODE 23

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EPISODE 23

“Rediscovering The Biblical Vision Of Diversity” w/ KJ Scriven

“Proximity breeds relationship, relationship breeds understanding, and understanding breeds compassion.” KJ Scriven

Multiethnic worship pastor and songwriter KJ Scriven has a passion to see the church become the diverse family Jesus envisioned. 

Dive right in to hear KJ and Robby discuss:
• How Slavery Shaped The African-American Worship Experience
• Robby’s Story Of Confronting A Distracting Tambourine Player In Church
• How The Early Church Gave Voice To Underrepresented Minorities