EC 30 The Conversation Continues

Be sure to check out www.lecrae.com Video of this podcast can be found hereWith the conversation rising about the number of teens committing suicide, the heightened conversations around mental health awareness, the tension surrounding the election, masses protesting around societal issues such a racial injustice and police brutality, and the pandemic changing our lives forever, this is theperfect time for Lecrae’s message of Restoration!A Multi Grammy Award-winning platinum selling artist, Lecrae has evolved into a New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, speaker, thought leader, philanthropist, and Co-Owner/President of Reach Records. He is part of the new wave of thought leaders who are engaging the culture and using their talent and influence to take faith out of the pulpits into the wider world!Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Assistant Professor of Public Health at The University of North GeorgiaWesleyan College- B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Biology University of Alabama at Birmingham Ryals School of Public Health- MPH in Health Behavior University of Alabama-Ph.D in Health Education/Health PromotionVideo of the interview HERELinks discussed in interviewEmergency Use Authorizationhttps://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines/emergency-use-authorization-vaccines-explainedmRNA vaccineshttps://www.nature.com/articles/nrd.2017.243https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.htmlFDA Drug Approvalhttps://www.fda.gov/media/82381/downloadPublic Health Official and Public Health informationhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1854984/Vaccine and Pregnancy https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/the-covid19-vaccine-and-pregnancy-what-you-need-to-knowAre covid vaccines safe in pregnancy?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7927763/?fbclid=IwAR3a8VsTy_MCFo5nMsGD_YpZirQ940IK_d2ADJvM-9TbpEvBPfbgTteTjSgEthnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Video of the podcast can be seen hereBilly Michael Honor is a public scholar and community organizer whose progressive and compelling insights have made him a sought after speaker, social commentator and writer. As an organizer his non-partisan voter mobilization campaigns have been widely celebrated and brought thousands of souls to the polls. He also travels extensively providing public scholarship on issues at the intersection of faith, community organizing, politics and racial justice. The Center for American Progress named Billy one of the 15 Faith Leaders to watch in 2020 and the Atlanta Magazine listed him as one of the 500 most powerful people in Atlanta for 2021. His writings and work have been featured and published by numerous media outlets including the Huffington Post, USA Today, The Nation, Mother Jones, NPR and Sojourners.Links discussed in the interview:https://www.bmhonor.comRegister to Vote, Change Address, Vote Informationhttps://vote.gov  shows you how to register in your stateVoter Suppressionhttps://abcnews.go.com/Politics/timeline-voter-suppression-us-civil-war-today/story?id=72248473https://nlihc.org/resource/history-voter-suppressionGeorgia Law SB202article- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/georgia-voting-law-9-facts/pfd of actual bill - https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20212022/201121Gerrymanderinghttps://thefulcrum.us/worst-gerrymandering-districts-example/7-austinNew Georgia Projecthttps://faithinaction.org/federation/new-georgia-project/Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Youtube video of this podcast can be found hereAgnes Chappell, being the first black female to practice law in Jefferson County, Alabama, has been in the legal profession for over 38 years. She presently serves as Circuit Judge, Domestic Relations Division, Tenth (10th) Judicial Circuit (Jefferson County, Al.) She served as Municipal Court Judge for the City of Birmingham, Alabama for 14 years. In Municipal Court, she presided over the Misdemeanor and Domestic Violence Court. She established the Domestic Violence Court, the first therapeutic court, for the City of Birmingham.She has vast experience in the area of family and juvenile delinquency law, having served as a Senior Trial Referee at the Jefferson County Family Court for over fifteen years and as a partner in the law firm of Brown, Chappell and Burrell. At the law firm of Brown Chappell and Burrell she handled cases of family law and other civil matters.She is a graduate of Shades Valley High School, the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School Of Law. She is a member of the New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church where her son, Rev. Thomas Beavers, is the pastor and her father, Rev. Dr. Tommy Chappell is pastor emeritus. She takes pride in the fact that she is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Tommy Chappell. She is the mother of two adult children and the grandmother of nineEthnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Albert Tate is the co-founder and lead pastor of Fellowship ChurchVideo of the podcast can be found hereFrom his origins at a small church in Pearl, Mississippi to a multi-site church in Monrovia, California and everywhere in between, Albert Tate has been preaching the Gospel for decades. Albert is a gifted and dynamic communicator who is passionate about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the local and global church. His unique style combines humor and storytelling, inspiration and conviction, grace and truth; congregations and audiences of all ages are engaged in the Word of God in compelling ways.After hearing a call from God to plant a Gospel-centered, multi-ethnic, intergenerational church, Albert and his wife LaRosa planted Fellowship Church in January 2012. Their hope for Fellowship is to cultivate a community of disciples who are being transformed by the Gospel, Growing in a life of worship, Gathering in community, and Giving their lives away on mission.Albert is married to “God’s gift of amazing grace,” LaRosa Tate, and together they have four beautiful children: Zoe, Bethany, Isaac, and Micah. Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

**Viewer and Listener Discretion AdvisedAlton narrates his story to include names he was called, including the N-word.  We know the vileness of this and the pain this has caused.   Alton Hardy serves as the Lead Pastor and Founder of Urban Hope Community Church and an ordained teaching elder of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). He is also the Cofounder of Urban Hope Development in Fairfield, AL. Alton is a native of Selma, AL and resided in Louisville, KY and Grand Rapids, MI for many years before returning to Alabama. Alton’s educational background includes a degree from Alpena Community College, Reformed Bible College, Calvin Seminary and a Certificate of Completion from Antioch Leadership Training in Reformed Preaching. Alton is happily married to Sandra and they have five children. In his free time, he enjoys reading and watching sports. Alton is passionate about addressing the conditions facing urban communitiesEthnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

**Viewer and Listener Discretion AdvisedAlton narrates his story to include names he was called, including the N-word.  We know the vileness of this and the pain this has caused.   Alton Hardy serves as the Lead Pastor and Founder of Urban Hope Community Church and an ordained teaching elder of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). He is also the Cofounder of Urban Hope Development in Fairfield, AL. Alton is a native of Selma, AL and resided in Louisville, KY and Grand Rapids, MI for many years before returning to Alabama. Alton’s educational background includes a degree from Alpena Community College, Reformed Bible College, Calvin Seminary and a Certificate of Completion from Antioch Leadership Training in Reformed Preaching. Alton is happily married to Sandra and they have five children. In his free time, he enjoys reading and watching sports. Alton is passionate about addressing the conditions facing urban communitiesEthnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

View the video of this podcast at HEREChris is the lead Pastor and Shepherd at 3Circle Church, one church with multiple locations including Fairhope, Daphne, Midtown Mobile, and Thomasville, AL. His sermons can be found on the 3Circle podcast hereEthnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

View the video of this podcast HEREDr. Faber lives in Berlin, Germany and has hosted conferences on racism, trauma, and support alongside Dr. Monica Williams. She references a National Geographic article about race as a social construct. Find it HEREEthnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

View the video of this podcast HEREJemar Tisby is the New York Times Bestselling author of The Color of Compromise and president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective where he writes about race, religion, politics, and culture. He is also cohost of the Pass the Mic podcast. Listen hereHis newest book, How to Fight Racism is a handbook for pursuing racial justice with hands-on suggestions bolstered by real-world examples of change. Tisby offers an array of actionable items to confront racism in our relationships and in everyday life through a simple framework--the A.R.C. Of Racial Justice--that helps readers consistently interrogate their own actions and maintain a consistent posture of anti-racist action. This book is for anyone who believes it is time to stop compromising with racism and courageously confront it.Be sure to visit www.jemartisby.com and sign up for his newsletter for articles and continued conversation about practical ways to implement action.Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

View the video of this podcast HEREJemar Tisby is the New York Times Bestselling author of The Color of Compromise and president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective where he writes about race, religion, politics, and culture. He is also cohost of the Pass the Mic podcast. Listen hereHis newest book, How to Fight Racism is a handbook for pursuing racial justice with hands-on suggestions bolstered by real-world examples of change. Tisby offers an array of actionable items to confront racism in our relationships and in everyday life through a simple framework--the A.R.C. Of Racial Justice--that helps readers consistently interrogate their own actions and maintain a consistent posture of anti-racist action. This book is for anyone who believes it is time to stop compromising with racism and courageously confront it.Be sure to visit www.jemartisby.com and sign up for his newsletter for articles and continued conversation about practical ways to implement action.Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Subscribe to the Podcast, give it 5 stars, and leave a review on Apple Podcast!This is our Youtube & Podcast series on Racism and the Gospel. The theme for this season is "On Earth as it is in Heaven."We will have various guest covering topics of social justice, criminal justice, death penalty, being anti-abortion or pro-life, church dynamics, trauma, and more. Be sure to check out season one as well! Thank you for joining us on this journey to walk better together for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God.You can also check it out on YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3LSxtVLI0gaTAZH1hORboMUkBs4Pa2N4

View the video of this podcast at https://youtu.be/7NBOzkNkk9ETrillia Newbell (trillianewbell.com) is the author of the kids’ book God’s Very Good Idea, a Bible study on Romans 8, If God Is For Us, as well as the books Sacred Endurance: Finding Grace and Strength for a Lasting Faith, Enjoy: Finding the Freedom to Delight Daily in God’s Good Gifts (2016), Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves (2015) and United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity (2014). She currently works with Moody Publishers as an acquisitions editor. Her greatest love besides God is her family. She is married to her best friend and love, Thern. They reside with their two children near Nashville, TN.Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Video of this podcast can be found at https://youtu.be/__H3jGJeJt81. How do we seek out our own blind spots in regard to prejudice, biases, or racism? What questions should we be asking?2. Do you feel the white evangelical church has had an unholy silence and not spoken up enough as they did in the 1960’s? Are they committing the same sin over again?3. What if the revival that white evangelicals have been praying for was meant to come through the restoration and revitalization of the black community and home? Would white evangelicals still pray and act toward it?4. How do you dialogue/engage a Christian who is not ready to have conversations about racism in their life and in the life of the church? Is this different from not being ready to have conversations about abuse (caring well), pornography, etc.? God moves in difficult times (Israel in exile, Jews being oppressed in the Book of Acts)EC30 Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Video of this podcast can be found at https://youtu.be/nKrjkVTlX5AReverend Arthur Price, Jr. serves as Pastor of the historical Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL to which he was called in January 2002. The vision for Sixteenth Street, as implemented by Reverend Price, has been to have a Bible-centric ministry that will Reach, Rebuild and Reproduce through the power of the Holy Spirit.Reverend Arthur Price Jr Notes“All that I have done is by the grace of God,” he says. “My relationship with Christ is the reservoir from which all these activities come.” Reverend Price has extensive ministry experience spanning work with children, college students, senior citizens , and the sick and bereaved.”Reading from Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther KingAnger over injustice must move into action and advocacyWe as believers are called to be saltHistory tells a story of injustice, oppression, inequality but also God’s faithfulness to his people.Ethnic Conciliation Mission Statement-Affirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Video of this podcast can be found at https://youtu.be/RbV9PuPQR6IAlicia Williamson Garcia is a multi-faceted Bible Teacher, Worship Leader, Award-Winning Music Artist, Bible Instructor and Author in Atlanta, GA. Learn more about her and ministry at http://www.inworship.orgDiscussing Racism and the Gospel today she dove deep into two questions:How do we seek out our own blind spots in regard to prejudice, biases, or racism? What questions should we be asking? How can we embrace and act on the doctrine of the Imago Dei relationship to the sacred worth of all people?Various Scriptures mentioned-1 John 3:4-10Genesis 5:6Jeremiah 17:9John 2:24Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Video of this podcast can be found at https://youtu.be/Fu-eMoxOWsEHis ministry information can be found at https://castillefoundation.orgHe covers 3 questions:1. How do I/we best address the issues of racism in the US, while also conveying that the sin of racism is a universal condition of mankind (past, present, and future) where the only atonement and reconciliation are through the blood of Jesus Christ?2. What blind spots can we look for to better reflect the gospel? What questions do we need to ask ourselves as we search our hearts for prejudices we may not have even known existed as we seek to become anti-racist?3. Does the church have more of a responsibility to address racism than other communities do? What steps should the church take to address racism?Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.His ministry information can be found at https://castillefoundation.org

video of this podcast available on YouTube https://youtu.be/74xXF3qG_qEDr. Smith discusses racism as a sin problem and not a skin problem.We struggle with racism within the church because we resist the command to be incarnational (dwelling among each other)We must move beyond information to true transformation.We have been social distancing long before it was a pandemic necessity.How does it affect you when we quote known slave holders like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield in theology (specifically as it relates to revival and the Great Awakening) knowing they were slaveholders?Scriptures referenced todayJohn 1Revelation 21:1-32 Corinthians 5:19EC30 Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Video of this podcast available on Youtube https://youtu.be/eGOj7PNnaBwKeith covers three points in today's episode:1. Racial reconciliation is a gospel issue2. Only the church is equipped for by God's grace through Jesus to lead out in racial reconciliation3. The Church must lead for the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ to the world.He also mentioned a statement from The Church at Brook Hills about Ethnic Conciliationhttps://www.brookhills.org/files/uploads/10Statements_RaceGospel-2.pdfScriptures mentioned-Genesis 1:26-27Acts 17Colossians 1Revelation 72 Corinthians 5Ephesians 2James 2John 13Acts 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 13Mark 5Micah 6:8Keith currently serves as the City Ministries Pastor at The Church at Brook Hills. He's been on staff there for 14 years and in this role for 8 years. He's been married to Robin for 43 years and has two children and three grandchildren. His daughter lives in Bogota, Colombia where she and her husband, who is Afro-Colombian do orphan care for Lifeline Children Services.He has been serving churches in ministry for over 40 years having served in Student Ministry for 15 years and then in Adult Ministries as an Executive Pastor, Discipleship Pastor, and now as City Ministries Pastor.Seven years ago, he founded a non-profit called WorkFaith Birmingham, to empower adults with employment barriers with the faith and skills they needed to enjoy God's Good Design for their lives in work. Despite the fact that the vast majority of their 1,000 clients have criminal records, they have been about 80% successful in helping them obtain and retain employment. learn more at www.workfaithbhm.orgEthnic Conciliation Mission Statement:Affirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Video of this podcast can be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Hlp-f1HrLb4Rechab Gray serves as the Teaching Pastor at Cottage Grove Church in Des Moines, IA. He also served at Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia for 10 years, eventually being hired on staff as a church planting resident -- serving the church through preaching, block evangelism, and international missions. Learn more about Rechab https://www.cottagegrovedsm.comHow do we seek out our own blind spots in regard to prejudice, biases, or racism? What questions should we be asking? What particular story of racial injustice has affected you the most?How do you dialogue/engage a Christian who is not ready to have conversations about racism in their life and in the life of the church? Is this different from not being ready to have conversations about abuse (caring well), pornography, etc.? Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Today's guest is Pastor Mike Moore of Faith ChapelHis ministry and church information can be found at http://faithchapel.netThe three questions he chose to cover:Has the church been largely ineffective in addressing complex racial issues because it remains racially segregated? What if the revival that white evangelicals have been praying for was meant to come through the restoration and revitalization of the black community and home? Would white evangelicals still pray and act toward it? How does it affect you when we quote known slave holders like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield in theology (specifically as it relates to revival and the Great Awakening) knowing they were slaveholders? Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.Mike Moore is the Senior Pastor of Faith Chapel, a thriving congregation of thousands, in Birmingham, Alabama. Over the years, Mike Moore has gained immense popularity due in part to his ability to communicate the message of the Bible on a practical, applicable level while inspiring and empowering people to live successfully and victoriously on a spiritual, physical, mental, social, and financial level.

Dr. Thomas Beavers of New Rising Star Church in the Eastlake community in Birmingham, AL. www.beatme2thestar.net He covers three questions: 1. Do you feel the white evangelical church has had an unholy silence and not spoken up enough as they did in the 1960’s? Are they committing the same sin over again? 2. In addition to praying, how can we tangibly advocate or intercede for People of Color in our sphere of influence? 3.Does the church have more of a responsibility to address racism than other communities do? What steps should the church take to address racism? Ethnic Conciliation Mission StatementAffirming Imago Dei (every human life bears the image of God) and through biblical community relationships, we strive to confront the sin of racism. Grounded in the truth and hope of God’s Word, we press into hard conversations asking, listening, and learning about experiences beyond our own to gain a deeper understanding from our marginalized brothers and sisters in faith. We commit to learning individually and collectively from Scripture, each other, and other resources that speak directly to racial issues, inequalities, and injustices. We will use our voices in our circles of influence to speak the truth to policies, institutions, and individuals concerning racism. Finally, we recognize our utter dependence on God’s grace and strength for this journey in seeking to walk together more effectively, and that His Glory through His son Jesus is our greatest calling.

Introducing EC30 a podcast about Ethnic Conciliation in a one on one format with pastors or leaders talking about racism in light of the gospel.A group of diverse local believers met weekly on Zoom for 14 weeks to ask questions, prayerfully listen to our black brothers and sisters, and commit to walking this faith journey better together. Those conversations led to this new series where the top questions were sent to pastors and leaders asking them to give us wisdom, encouragement, and insight on how to walk this faith journey together.