The Future Is Here

Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of leading the next generation in a world that's rapidly transforming? Join Tommy Nixon and Robert Aboites in this game-changing episode as they kick off an exciting series of leadership conversations.As young leaders coming up in spaces that have never been navigated before, how can we adapt to the evolving landscape of a young, urban, and multi-ethnic reality? This episode is your compass to understanding the pivotal changes required for effective leadership in today's complicated world.Explore the nuances of the leadership journey and discover practical insights that will empower you to thrive in the contemporary world. Join us on this transformative quest every week by subscribing to our channel, and stay up to date with everything UYWI at www.uywi.orgSupport the showSupport the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram✅ Twitter✅ TikTok

We are at a time and point in history where there are white power structures and because of this we have a demographic shift. Don't look at it as a loss, but rather as the most Christian thing to do because that's what Jesus did. We can actually lay down our power for the benefit of others. It's a dub. We need to create a new leadership for a new world. Even if power shifts and nothing changes with the distribution of power, we become our oppressors. How do we break the cycle?Let's talk about How To Give Power Away in Episode 8 of The Future Is Here Podcast - Radical Middle EditionAre You Listening? Support the show

Is Social Justice a Sin?We have seen our Urban Brothers and Sisters go through social justice issues like abortion, immigration, racism, but we fail to wrestle with this tension because we care more about being on the “right side.”So what happens when we embody the values of others as opposed to that of Scripture? We miss the mark. We can't be a witness when we play the victim. We need to show what the Kingdom of God is really like.Why are we called, as Believers, to engage in social sin?Let's dialogue with Tommy Nixon and Fredy Romero in Episode 7: Is Social Justice a Sin? of The Future is Here Podcast: Radical Middle EditionAre you listening???Support the show

Is The Church Full Of Hypocrites?The answer may shock you.It's important that we recognize our hypocrisy and come with a posture of “I do not always live out what I believe.”The most Christian thing you can say is “I was wrong.” Why is it so hard to accept this?When we allow idolatry to play a part in our lives, of course it's going to be hard to acknowledge our own hypocrisy. We need to embody the values that have been laid out for us through Christ so that we can continue in the work God has called us into.Let's take the log out of our eyes before we tell someone there's a speck in theirs. Let's confront our own hypocrisy. Support the show

We have experienced a tremendous amount of suffering these past couple of years, but with this comes polarization. As followers of Christ, how can we learn to share the suffering of others? And how can we learn how to do this well?  What if suffering is imposed? Can we change the “they” narrative of suffering to a “we” narrative?  Join Tommy Nixon & Fredy Romero on Episode 5: A Shared Suffering | The Future is Here Podcast: Radical Middle Edition  Are you listening?!!!Support the show

Time and time again, we have seen “whoever controls the Book, holds the Power.” This leads to a toxic Church AND Christian Leadership.We are going through the tension of how we read scripture and how we use it as a weapon to control people.How do we control the narrative when Pastors and Church Leaders are controlling the narrative to fit the Gospel to their beliefs?There are many mini Kingdoms that these leaders are creating about themselves because they hold power.Who does the power belong to?Tune in and let's dialogue to find the radical middle.Support the show

“Who am I?”You might've asked yourself this question once, twice, maybe more. We have lost the piece that makes us who we are. As leaders, we have a crisis. We are called to serve the marginalized, but the color of our skin disqualifies us. What happens when your Christian Community is not fighting for the injustices within our country? Do you lean into the color of your skin and fight? What comes into mind when you hear that you are a Child of God? Is there a hierarchy of how we are to identify? How do you stick to Biblical Principles without losing your identity? It can be easy to self-segregate, but if you don't identify yourself in Christ first, you can be missing out on the Kingdom of God.  Let's dialogue together… "Identity" is OUT NOW!This FREE resource has been made available by Urban Ally donors. Would you consider supporting UYWI?Support the show

How much of American Nationalism has seeped into the Church?We as Christians are in a spiritual battle against the evil forces of this world. When you add American nationalism to this battle, it creates enemies out of other people, and reality is, those people are created in the Image of God. In this current reality we see key groups of people who profess Christ but don't care about the suffering of others. How are we being that light in this dark world?The next generation is rejecting boxes and conformity and is desperately looking for leaders who express a different way of being. The Radical Middle is for the leaders who are tired of a reactive church and are ready to build the church we dream of now.  Let's dialogue together… The Army of God? is OUT NOW!Support the show

What would it cost for the church to abandon its position on the left and the right?What if you didn't have to choose sides? What if the gray is actually where Jesus led from?Jesus was a paradox and wasn't afraid to embrace the tension.In The Future Is Here Podcast | Radical Middle Edition Tommy Nixon and Co-Host Fredy Romero break down the fundamental principles of the Radical Middle. They'll discuss how to live the Christian life outside of the toxic box of black and white... and move into the gray. Relationships need a lot of room to grow and conformity is not a safe place to learn. The next generation is rejecting boxes and conformity and is desperately looking for leaders who express a different way of being. The Radical Middle is for the leaders who are tired of a reactive church and are ready to build the church we dream of now.  Let's dialogue together… The Gray Of Relationships is OUT NOW!Support the show

In the Season 2 Finale of The Future Is Here #Podcast titled The Third Way: Navigating The Pitfalls of The Right and The Left, our esteemed host and CEO Tommy Nixon talks to Atlanta-based lawyer, political strategist, Co-Founder, President of the AND Campaign, Justin Giboney about what it looks like to live as a Christ-follower in the tension of our current context and culture. If you have ever struggled with what it means to be conservative or liberal as a Christian this conversation is for you. Just one question remains, however... #areyoulistening Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

The Israel-Palestine conflict has persisted through history for what seems like forever now, and with its ceaseless nature and the amount of information out there because of how long it has lasted, this issue is becoming an increasingly sensitive subject to approach, but for good reason. It must be approached with nuance and consideration of lenses, and that's what we're here to do today for you on the latest episode of The Future Is Here Podcast titled “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict” ft. Eli Bonilla Jr. and his wife Alexis Qumsieh Bonilla, a second-generation Palestinian American. Hear our guests chop it up about the current events in Gaza, with a nuanced approach to this complex conflict that explores the way of Christ in the midst of the suffering being experienced right now.Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

Last year after the presidential election, we got to talk to Sho Baraka of the And Campaign about the importance of Christians being nvolved in the political arena. We loved our discussion so much, we invited him back for The Future Is Here #podcast to talk to him about what he sees as the future of #evangelicalism and why the Black Church is central to it.Listen on as our host Tommy Nixon also talks to Sho about his new book, "He Saw That it Was Good" and how we can frame this next iteration of the Church in a healthier way. Sho Baraka's book is out May 18 but is now available to preorder.Support the show

In this episode of The Future Is Here Podcast, we are bringing into focus our  #pursuethemillion campaign. So we invited a talented and inspirational individual who decided to leave the Church, not once but twice. Her name is Alma Lizzette Cardenas-Rodriguez and her ever-evolving story must be heard.  Alma is a Mexican-American-born author and poet, raised in the San Fernando Valley.  Alma holds a Master of Arts in Transformational Urban Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, an Urban Youth Workers Certificate from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor in Christian Ministry from Facultad de Teología. She is also  the author of a book titled “Groanings from the Desert.” This book "holds a collection of English & Spanish teo-poemas, prayers, and thoughts that invite you into her pain, joy, hopes, and dreams."Listen to why Alma left the church, and how she developed a counter-cultural response to her experience of navigating toxic mindsets and systems of her faith community and culture. This episode will bring life, truth, healing, and freedom!Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

More than any other generation, Millennials are some of the most misunderstood and misconstrued individuals within the context of human history, yes even as a new generation — Gen Z's — continue to rise to the forefront as society's new leaders. Gen Z's represent a beacon of hope as we slowly emerge from a history-altering pandemic. But millennials are being prematurely put on the backburner as the new “lost generation,” swept aside as lazy and at worst, nihilistic. But they have as much to offer to society and the work of the Kingdom of God than we've been led to believe. Grant Skeldon, Next Gen Director at Q Ideas, is an expert on his generation—the Millennial generation. In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, Skeldon talks to our host Tommy Nixon about harnessing the power of Millennials, while also discussing what each generation needs to do to support the work of the Kingdom in reaching this next generation of leaders coming up.Support the show

Episode 14 marks the first time we've had 3 Guests on our podcast, at once, and we're so excited for you to hear this conversation. In this episode, our wise and forward-thinking host Tommy Nixon talks to three amazing and diverse Latino leaders, Eli Bonilla, Sammy Rodriguez, Manny Dominguez, about what the future of the Latino/a Church could look like, and how important the #BrownChurch is in the Kingdom of God. As is customary, The Future Is Here is available on ALL your favorite streaming services, including #spotify and #applepodcasts. So please leave a rating or review wherever you listen. Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

As youth leaders, you probably already know from personal experience that the youth pastor is one of the most, if not, the most underappreciated individuals within the church. Not only does UYWI believe this to be the case, but so does the person who runs the largest youth group in America, Vince Parker, the Central Ministry Leader for Switch at Life.Church. In our latest episode of The Future Is Here Church, Parker joins our host Tommy Nixon to give us insight into reaching this next generation and the strategy he uses to support fellow youth leaders in doing so.Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

The second season of The Future Is Here #Podcast has finally arrived! In episode 12 titled "Women Are the Future," we talk with Nicole Smithee, CEO and Co-Founder of Iridescent Women, a digital media company and membership program committed to awakening and championing the brilliance of every woman through honest conversations and authentic connections. Nicole sits down with our host Tommy Nixon to explore the continued barriers for women in ministry and how to overcome them.Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

We invited our good friend and expert of many things,  Eugene Cho, to talk about the importance of being involved within the sphere of #politicaldiscussion now more than ever, even after the election season has passed us by. Needless to say, he talks about how we must engage with grace—without being a jerk—hence the title of his new book titled “Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk.” ⁣ It was so good we are closing the season of The Future Is Here Podcast with this incredible conversation.⁣ We hope you enjoy this episode and the 10 other released this season. Blessings fam!⁣Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

Micah 6:8"The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God."Have you ever wondered how to create change in your city through grassroots community organizing? Have you ever wondered if there is a biblical framework for how to impact public policy in a just & merciful way?So much of what we deal with as youth workers are directly connected to how our cities, schools, and communities are governed. Each community has its own unique set up policy issues that affect the way our kids learn, live, and develop. As you live in proximity with your students, your heart may feel burdened to create a more just society where youth can safely grow up and thrive.There's hope. You can be a part of organizing & bringing change to your community.In this episode of The Future Is Here Podcast, our host and CEO Tommy Nixon sits down with guest Alexia Salvatierra (Professor at Fuller Seminary) to take you through a biblical framework for why & how you can create a grassroots movement & impact policy change in your city.Join us!Support the show

Our Kingdom citizenship doesn't allow us to be content with injustice, and neither does the future of the Church. In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, our host and CEO Tommy Nixon sits down with pastor, author, speaker, activist, racial justice educator, Dominique Gilliard to discuss why we must remember incarcerated people the way scripture does. This is an episode you DO NOT want to miss.Dominique is the Director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Love Mercy Do Justice (LMDJ) initiative of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). He is the author of Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice that Restores, which won the 2018 Book of the Year Award for InterVarsity Press. Gilliard also serves on the board of directors for the Christian Community Development Association and Evangelicals for Justice. In 2015, he was selected as one of the ECC's “40 Under 40” leaders to watch, and the Huffington Post named him one of the “Black Christian Leaders Changing the World.”Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

In a world where "Evangelical" has become a dirty word, we as believers in the future of The Church must ask ourselves, "How do we reclaim evangelism?" UYWI believes we must lead this next generation to be on fire for Jesus, and excited about sharing the beautiful and powerful truth of Christ. But what does that look like and how do we separate it from the increasingly notorious connotation of the mere word, "evangelical." In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, our host and CEO Tommy Nixon speaks to Erica Schimelpfenig, Executive Director of YouthWorks in Minneapolis, about including all kids of color in living on mission and what that movement looks like for the future. Support the show

UYWI believes some of the best art comes from suffering and pain—that it is most affecting when created from the margins of the urban contexts that we are involved with. It is no coincidence then that Christian tradition was birthed out of suffering, that spirituals and many worship songs come from slavery. Even modern music, such as rock & roll and hip hop—for the most part—comes from a place of expressive pain. In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, our host and CEO Tommy Nixon speaks to Thomas Terry, spoken word artists and founder of label and art collective Humble Beast, to go beyond the surface, to the underground, and bring up the beauty that will shift our perspective on art and the gospel.Support the show

The evangelical industry is a $1.2 trillion dollar industry that includes megachurches, book deals, television deals, movies, music, and curriculum—all put together. With an institution this large and flowing with dollar signs, we've got to be critical of the things we've built. We must open up this conversation to uncover what needs to be corrected for the future of the church to thrive. In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, we've invited our Creative Director Shuree Rivera and Jam The Hype's George Moss—both who are very familiar with the industry—to discuss the above with critical eyes that look to the future.Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

Peacemaking is not just a good idea, it's the mission of God and the vocation of God's people. So what would the world look like if the Church took seriously, our call to be peacemakers? In pursuit of the answer, our guest Jon Huckins from The Global Immersion Project talks to our host Tommy Nixon about how he immerses himself into conflicts around the globe. In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, learn how peacemaking is central to our faith, for it is an actual way of life and the very adventure that we've been saved into.Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

In this episode, our guest Dr. Efrem Smith breaks down how the Evangelical Church has orphaned reconciliation away from repentance and restorative justice. Everything changes when we understand that there's no reconciliation, unity, nor right relationship with God and others without repentance and restorative justice. It's a great cost to be a reconciler, to truly repent and say yes to the work of restorative justice. Though it is part of the gospel, people may call you a Marxist, a Socialist, and exile you from Christian orthodoxy just for doing what is biblical!  But God calls us into this great work. Now more than ever, we need individuals to lead in this manner. It's time to build a new church with the theology of repentance, reconciliation & justice at its core.Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

The Church of the future must be trauma-informed. The World Health Organization has found that approximately 70% of individuals worldwide have been exposed to some type of traumatic event in their lifetime. This figure is even more pronounced in urban populations. In fact, one study found that nearly 90% of individuals who reside in low-income urban areas have experienced many types and combinations of trauma. With this evidence, church leaders must operate from a place of healing. You can't give what you don't have. When church leaders are operating from unresolved trauma, it is possible to do more harm than good. We must address these underlining issues as leaders. Episode 3, featuring Dr. David Wang, is an invitation to deep healing. Dr. Wang is a licensed psychologist, pastor, and associate professor of psychology and pastoral counseling. He is also the editor of the Journal of Psychology and Theology and serves on the editorial board for Spirituality in Clinical Practice (an APA journal).Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

In this episode, Tommy Nixon speaks with UCLA Professor, Pastor, and author of “The  Brown Church,” Robert Chao Romero to unravel the multi-ethnic reality of the Kingdom of God and discuss why it is so important to have the WHOLE body of Christ contribute to the Church and Kingdom. This means embracing the beautiful inevitability of the future of the church being brown. Support the show (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E12333&id=12)

Our host Tommy Nixon speaks to Steve Carter, pastor, author, and co-host of The Home Team Podcast, about what the future of church-going looks like and how megachurches who are not embracing this new normal through the digital age, will suffer heading into #thefuture, a future that is young, urban, & multi-ethnic.Support the show

We can no longer hold on to old paradigms while millions leave and disengage with the Church. The future is young, urban, and multi-ethnic. Jesus challenged the power structures of religion while on Earth and instituted the movement of the Church using a band of young radicals that were so moved by their experience with Christ that they died telling the world. Imagine a vibrant movement of passionate urban youth that are living out the Gospel in cities around the world and leading the next revival and iteration of the Church. The time for that is now. We welcome you to The Future Is Here podcast where UYWI's CEO Tommy Nixon, along with many relevant leading voices, dive deep into what the future of the church looks like—future that is here, young, multi-ethnic and a reflection of God's Kingdom.Listen to The Future Is Here podcast Trailer to hear CEO, Tommy Nixon, and Creative Director, Shuree Rivera chop it up about UYWI's #TheFutureisHere vision.Support the show