Shades of Hope

Author and speaker Kaitlyn Schiess joins Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff to discuss her book "The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of our Neighbor." The three explore the intersection of politics and theology and discuss how the white evangelical church has been shaped by partisan politics. They reflect on how the African American theological tradition can lead us back to a more robust understanding of Jesus' vision for a kingdom of justice and shalom for all people and how the church can be those people. Buy The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of our Neighbor here Follow Twitter @Kaitlynschiess; Instagram Kaitlyn.schiess

Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff join Matt Burke and Ben Tapper from Center for Congregations in Indianapolis on the state of the church in Indiana around the topic of racial justice and equity. The Center for Congregations mission is to strengthen Indiana congregations by helping them find and use the best resources to address their challenges and opportunities. They generously support the Shades of Hope Podcast and we were so grateful for this fruitful conversation. Find more about the work of the Center https://centerforcongregations.org/

Author and professor Dr. Tim Gombis joins Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff to talk about his work and his book. This is a far reaching conversation on the cross shaped vision of life that Jesus lived and how this conflicts with the current state of white evangelicalism. They speak about how white evangelicalism has been captured by capitalism, patriarchy and power and how these gods offer empty promises while the way of the cross is the invitation to a cruciform way of living. Find Dr Gombis' work at www.timgombis.com Power in Weakness: Paul's transformed vision for ministry by Tim Gombis Resources mentioned in the podcast... The Christian Imagination by Willie James Jennings The Church Cracked Open by Stephanie Spellers

Dr. Talika McCoy is an author, artist and pastor to children and youth. Dr. McCoy joins Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff to talk about how we can elevate the voices of children and youth and all marginalized voices in order to help them navigate these dangerous and traumatic times as well as to learn from their lived experiences. Follow and find resources by Dr. McCoy at http://www.drtelikamccoy.org/ Survival Strategies for Africans in America

Pastor Raymond Chang is the President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative. The AACC was founded, in large part, as a response to the surge in anti-Asian rhetoric and violence spurred on by the former President of the United States. Pastor Chang serves the church in multiple ways. In this conversation he offers thoughtful reflections on some of the challenges and opportunities that face the Asian American Christian community today as well as a vision for multicultural Christian witness in an increasingly changing world. Twitter: @tweetraychang Instagram: @raychang502 Linkedin: @rchang502 Website: www.raymondchang.org AACC: @aachristcollab

In her book, The Next Worship, Sandra Maria Van Opstal gives vision for the beauty and power of multiethnic, multicultural worship in forming a people who declare the praises of God in a diverse world. She writes, "When multiethnic worship is done well, the church models reconciliation and prophetic justice, heralding God's good news for the world. Enter into the praise of our king, and let the nations rejoice!" http://www.sandravanopstal.com/ Twitter: @@sandravanopstal

Christian Nationalism is on the rise and poses a serious threat to the integrity of the white Evangelical church in North America. Professor and researcher Andrew Whitehead join Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff for a timely conversation on his book Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States co-authored with Samuel Perry. Andrew L. Whitehead is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives (theARDA.com) at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at IUPUI. Twitter: @ndrewwhitehead Buy the book here

Enjoy this preview of next weeks episode. Andrew Whitehead is a sociologist, researcher and co-author of the book, Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States. He joins Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff for a timely and insightful conversation on this topic. https://raac.iupui.edu/about/who-we-are/our-staff/andrew-l-whitehead/ https://www.amazon.com/Taking-America-Back-God-Nationalism/dp/0190057882

Dominique DuBois Gilliard joins Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff for a conversation on his latest book, Subversive Witness. The three cover a wide range of important topics for all followers of Jesus to consider when it comes to wise stewardship of the privileges that we have been given. Dominique is the director for racial righteousness and justice for the Evangelical Covenant Church. Follow at: https://dominiquegilliard.com/ Twitter: @DDGilliard

A preview of our conversation with Dominique DuBois Gilliard and his book Subversive Witness: Scriptures Call to Leveraging our Privilege.

David Swanson joins Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff for a conversation on his book, Rediscipling the White Church. Pastor Swanson contends that "discipleship, not diversity, lies at the heart of our white churches racial brokenness." He proposes that we rethink our liturgies and imagine new discipleship practices that can reform us as disciples who live in solidarity with Christ's diverse church. Follow at: Website: https://dwswanson.com/ Twitter: @davidswanson

The Reverend David Swanson joins Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff to talk about his book, Rediscipling the White Church. The full episode will release on Tuesday, September 27.

Dr. Leah Gunning Francis joins Dr. Moore and Pastor Jeff for a conversation on her newest book, Faith After Ferguson. Dr. Gunning Francis is Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Faculty and Associate Professor of Christian Education and Practical Theology at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN. https://www.leahgunningfrancis.com/ Twitter: @DrLeahGFrancis

This is a preview of the 1st episode of season 3 and our conversation with Dr. Leah Gunning Francis and her new book, "Faith After Ferguson." The full episode will release on Tuesday, September 13.

We are looking forward to the release of Season 3 of the Shades of Hope podcast. In the meantime, we are revisiting a favorite from Season 2. An interview with Dr. Dennis Edwards speaking about his book, Might from the Margins. Enjoy!

This summer we are returning to some of our previous podcasts. In Episode 14, we had a conversation with Shalmon Radford who is the Senior Pastor at Little Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN. The three pastors have a wide ranging conversation on the church's current state when it comes to social justice. They dive deep into the Biblical text and church history to uncover how God intends for the church to be His society for truth and justice in the world. They also discuss how the current state of both the black and the white church in North America presents barriers and opportunities for the future witness of the Gospel. https://www.facebook.com/LBMBC/ White Too Long by Robert P Jones https://www.prri.org/white-too-long-the-legacy-of-white-supremacy-in-american-christianity/

Join Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff as they look back on Season 2 of the podcast. They discuss some of their own places of growth and encouragement and offer some helpful insights for all those who are following Jesus into the work of racial justice. P.S. Season 3 is in recording and will release beginning in September. Please email us with questions or comments at shadesofhopepodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening.

Jon Houghton is the Regional Director for Chicagoland Young Life. Jon joins Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff to talk about privilege and how, as followers of Jesus, we are called to steward that privilege on behalf of others. Jon and Chicagoland Young Life serves a diverse population of youth. He unpacks the challenges and opportunities for Gospel work and how justice must be at the center of this work. You can follow Jon @jonhoughton and https://www.jonhoughton.org/

Dr. Joseph Tucker Edmonds is the Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at IUPUI. He teaches history, religious studies and Africana studies. Dr. Joe joins Dr. Moore and Pastor Jeff for a compelling conversation on racial justice and the church. He suggests that one of the barriers to moving the needle on racial justice is white Christians unwillingness to be uncomfortable. He points us toward Jesus and the Biblical witness of "uncomfortability" as the means that God uses to transform us and restore right relationships.

Dr. Edwards is an Associate Professor of New Testament at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. He is the author of the book, Might From the Margins: The Gospel's Power to Turn the Tables on Injustice. He joins Dr. Moore and Pastor Jeff for an enlightening conversation on how those on the margins of society have a unique and powerful perspective on the Gospels and justice. https://www.revdrdre.com/ Might From the Margins: The Gospel's power to Turn the Tables on Injustice can be purchased here. Twitter and Instagram @revDrDre

Shalmon Radford is the Senior Pastor at Little Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN. In this episode, Pastor Radford joins Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff for a wide ranging conversation on the church's current state when it comes to social justice. They dive deep into the Biblical text and church history to uncover how God intends for the church to be His society for truth and justice in the world. They also discuss how the current state of both the black and the white church in North America presents barriers and opportunities for the future witness of the Gospel. https://www.facebook.com/LBMBC/ White Too Long by Robert P Jones https://www.prri.org/white-too-long-the-legacy-of-white-supremacy-in-american-christianity/

Todd Fisher is Pastor of Christ Church Broad Ripple in Indianapolis, Indiana (www.christchurchbroadripple.org). Todd shares with us his journey of awakening to the reality of racial injustice and how the invitation of the Gospel toward living repentantly is a roadmap for moving toward a posture of justice and healing. This is an honest and open conversation about this journey of discovery that will encourage reflection and offer hope. Small Axe on Amazon The Color of Compromise by Jamar Tisby https://www.amazon.com/Color-Compromise-American-Churchs-Complicity-ebook/dp/B07BB6R827

Racial induced trauma is an often overlooked or suppressed reality in the lives of African Americans. It is also often prevalent in the church. Hazel Owens navigates this world as both pastor and therapist and shares her insights into how the church can continue to provide help for those who have experienced this trauma. She shares practical examples of how white Christian spaces can be dangerous for black and brown persons and how the church must continue to grow to provide space for everyone to be their full selves.

The Reverend John Gable leads a 140 year old church in the heart of the city of Indianapolis. Tabernacle Presbyterian Church (www,tabpres.org) has faithfully served their community through decades of intentional outreach. They are a predominately white congregation in a predominately non white neighborhood. This is an honest conversation about the complexities of homogeneous congregations and how they can work together to change the racial narrative in the church.

Jonathan C. Augustine (a/k/a “Jay Augustine”) is a pastor and professor, as well as an author and advocate. He is part of a group of national social justice leaders who speak for the equality of all human beings, while advocating for policies of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. He joins us to talk about his new book, “Called to Reconciliation: How the Church can Model Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion.”   Dr. Jay was born in New Orleans and says gumbo is the best metaphor for how the church can lead in racial reconciliation. He writes “Gumbo is the sum of its parts. In it, all ingredients come together to create something new without losing their identity. They never compete; instead, they complement each other. We had a fantastic conversation with Dr. Jay. Follow him @jayaugustine9. https://www.jayaugustine.com/

Pastor Scott Dudley joins Pastor Moore and Pastor Jeff for a conversation on the importance of Biblical integrity in the pursuit of racial justice. The three talk candidly about how the church can and should be the leading voice in reconciliation. They unpack how the lack of transformative discipleship has affected the white church's witness. Pastor Dudley is the Sr. Pastor at Bellevue Presbyterian Church in Bellevue, WA (www.belpres.org).

We are looking forward to bringing you another season of The Shades of Hope Podcast. This season we will introduce you to friends and colleagues who are actively engaged in the work of racial justice in the way of Jesus. We would love to hear from you. Please send comments and questions to shadesofhope@gmail.com and rate and review us wherever you access this podcast.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. famously lamented 11 a.m. on Sunday as "the most segregated hour in Christian America." In this episode two pastors explore the complexities of the church's racialized history. Why is the church still segregated? Is church integration the answer to our racist past and current problems? How should Christians and congregations relate across racial differences? Why should homogeneous churches lean into the work of racial justice if multi-cultural or multi-ethnic church is not the end goal? These are important questions for the church to wrestle with.

Two pastors talk openly about the complexities of racial justice work in the church. Pastor Jeff encourages white pastors and Christians to take responsibility for their own education when it comes to racial justice. He explains how we cannot put the burden on our African American brothers and sisters to educate and lead us into this space and how owning the work builds trust for deeper relationship. Pastor Moore unpacks the effects on African Americans who feel that burden to help white Christians. He encourages African American Christians to take the risk in building relationships with their white brothers and sisters and points out the beauty in embracing these relational opportunities.  

Two pastors talk about the power of collaboration in moving their congregations toward a vision of racial equality in the church. They share practical tips that are helping to shape their congregational relationships such as how to build trust, who to invite to the table, what resources were helpful and how they are committed to the relationship for the long haul. They share honestly about the joys and challenges of building bridges across racial divides. 

Two pastors talk about how to begin a conversation around race in the church. This topic can unfortunately be loaded for white pastors and congregations. However, it is a “lived” topic for African American pastors and congregations. They are committed to grounding all of their work in the Scriptures. Listen as these friends share about how they invited congregational leaders to be a part of the conversation and how they moved the conversation into the larger congregation. Hear about the challenges, the surprises and the commitment that is required for the work of racial justice in the church.

A white pastor talks about the humble journey to anti-racism work and his steps to shepherd his congregation. From acknowledging the problem to prayer and pushback, Pastor Jeff shares his experience leading a church to racial justice work. Good friend and colleague Pastor Moore shares exhaustion from continual racial discord, offering continued patience and the audacity to hope for a better future. Resources to keep learning: https://thecrg.org/collections/Shades_of_Hope

Two pastors encourage Christians to build relationships and take action for racial justice. Pastor Moore shares that “Racism is not a political issue, but a Christian issue that breaks God's heart.” He also reminds us of Micah 6:8 and Jesus's mandate to set captives free. Pastor Jeff explains how our sinful world perpetuates a racialized society. They also address the white moderate, complicit silence, young white activism, sinful racialized stereotypes, using one's prophetic voice, and resources to keep learning. Resources to keep learning: https://thecrg.org/collections/Shades_of_Hope

An African American pastor and white pastor describe transformative relationships and education as key strategies to dismantle racism. They encourage preaching the whole gospel—not just the part that keeps Christians comfortable and absolves from action. “You can't have Jesus minus justice.” They reference Billy Graham, the issue of moral justice, and the need to speak out against injustice. Resources to keep learning: https://thecrg.org/collections/Shades_of_Hope

Two pastors have a frank talk about race and God's biblical mandate to address racial inequity. Pastor Jeff shares his experience in white spaces, the problem with theological homogeneity, and the multi-faceted wisdom of God. Pastor Moore reiterates the historical nature of racism in the Church and the power of proximity, encouraging dialogue between brothers and sisters of different racial backgrounds.   Resources to keep learning: https://thecrg.org/collections/Shades_of_Hope