In a city known for segregated churches, racist politics, and intergenerational poverty, Sarah Lockridge-Steckel and Michael Rhodes are defying the odds and creating a new Memphis. Sarah is a Harvard and Yale alum who serves as the CEO of “The Collective” which provides young adults in Memphis with pathways to jobs. Michael is the Director of Community Development at Union University and the co-author of the economic justice manual “Practicing the King’s Economy”.
In this episode, hear Sarah and Michael address:
• Past and present examples of systemic racism
• Surprising Old Testament models of economic justice
• The roles of government, church, and business in promoting human flourishing
EPISODE 15
"Every community can’t be a diverse community, but every Christian community ought to be a reconciling community.” David Bailey
One person, song, and conversation at a time, David Bailey and friends are changing the narrative of Richmond, Virginia from the "capital of the Confederacy" to the "capital of reconciliation".
Hear David share on the following:
• Why diversity alone is not enough
• How he helped widen the cultural lens of Q and Gabe Lyons
• Practical paths towards spiritual growth, culture creation, and community reconciliation
EPISODE 14
“An orphan doesn’t just feel like an orphan at 10 o’clock on Sunday.” Robbie Reider
With around 20 congregations throughout Ohio and Kentucky, Crossroads Church is a Jesus-following, people-loving, and city-changing machine. In this episode, hear Chuck Mingo and Robbie Reider share unbelievable moments of racial reconciliation and community transformation, as well as vulnerable stories of challenges they face every day.
EPISODE 13
"We believe God exists in many dimensions: the physical, the spiritual, the digital, and we’ve experienced Him in the virtual." DJ Soto
Across the world, Virtual Reality (VR) enhances the way we work, learn, and play. And according to DJ Soto of VR Church, it may also be changing the way we encounter God.
Hear DJ address the following heavy-hitting topics:
• How VR helps eliminate physical and financial constraints to human connection
• The theology of digital church, including virtual water baptisms
• How VR's radically inclusive, decentralized platform is enabling marginalized groups to experience Christ
EPISODE 12
As a financial coach in the Hispanic community, Andres Gutierrez has an inside look at the stories of people on both sides of the border. In this episode, Andres sheds light on the following topics:
How Mexican debt and American economic policy created the border situation
Balancing the rule of the law with compassion and forgiveness
Why education and small business may be the best solution
EPISODE 11
“Our brotherhood trumps my blackness. Our brotherhood trumps his whiteness.” Bernard Emerson
“There has got to be a sustained, communal response from the church that's more than a tweet or a Facebook post.” Kyle Brooks
Amidst daily headlines of racism and polarization, Pastors Kyle Brooks and Bernard Emerson’s desire to reimagine church God’s way led to the merging of a Black church and a White church—fusing different traditions, age demographics, and worship styles—into one congregation now known as Tapestry Church.
Hear these creative, cross-cultural solutionists discuss the following:
• Why their friendship trumps their ministry goals
• The challenges and rewards of cultivating a multicultural congregation
• Creative solutions for equipping the local church’s social impact
EPISODE 10
"We have a strong historic tradition. But there are also beautiful things happening now.” Caleb Deas
During this episode, learn how Tiffany Hines, Caleb Deas, and Kelli Marie are shaping the future of Christianity while honoring the rich religious and cultural heritage of Black America.
Hear real-talk about the following:
• Why the church must become more than a building
• How to model Jesus' outward focused-ministry
• Not being 'Black' enough for Black church
EPISODE 9
"Christ didn’t come to create a Christian-brand. He came to manifest God on earth.” Lawrence Souffrant
On any given day, you might find JR Rivera, Lawrence Souffrant, and Sharona Drake pastoring their communities, teaching young adults, or inspiring thousands of followers through a thought-provoking Instagram post. On April 5, 2019, these three powerful Black Christian Influencers were all in the same room, and we were honored to host a panel with them live at the Create Conference in Atlanta.
Hear this power trio address the following:
• Promoting yourself online without oversharing
• Being a healthy, intentional, and vulnerable leader
• Reconciling your digital and spiritual identities
EPISODE 8
"We’ve had a huge pulling away within the Black church. They’re not pulling away from the faith, but from the church. And I believe that the church is needed in this next phase.”
During this episode, Chicago-native Jackie The Educator shares about the importance of Christlike reconciliation, provides education around factors preventing racial equality today, and opens up about the hidden wounds of the African-American community.
Hear Jackie's practical insight on the following:
• Is it "Black" or "African-American"?
• Confronting racism inside the Black community
• How she's leveraging social media as a tool for unity
EPISODE 7
"The majority of the top worship songs have been written by middle-class, Caucasian, males… there’s something missing in Christian music.”
As a Korean-American in the Christian music industry, marketer Wisdom Moon has worked with countless artists including Lauren Daigle, Israel Houghton, and Darlene Zschech.
Hear Wisdom's honest and hopeful take on the following:
• How listeners can voice their demand for diverse Christian music
• The inner workings of the Christian Music industry
• Why Kingdom-collaboration is better than self-promotion