The Stoop Sessions

After a hiatus, The Stoop Sessions is back, coming to you from an (actual) stoop in Baltimore. Join Joel, Stephanie, and guests as we discuss all things related to healthy church ministry in the inner city. This episode is just a quick hello. New episodes to come soon. Like, subscribe, share, and do whatever you do. It helps!

Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions where we have casual conversations about ministry on the Baltimore stoop. In each episode, Joel, Stephanie, and Eric talk through different topics and occasionally bring on a friend. In this episode, Matt Martens join us on the stoop. Matt is trial lawyer and partner at an international law firm in Washington, DC. Over the past 25 years, he has practiced criminal law both as a federal prosecutor and as a defense attorney. Matt served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Rehnquist at the U.S. Supreme Court and also served as a political appointee in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Justice Department under Attorney General Ashcroft. In many neighborhoods, such as the communities we seek to plant churches, incarceration rates are double or triple the community next door. Join us as Matt shares why he wrote the forthcoming book, Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal. Matt believes reform within our criminal justice system is necessary, and he presents a solution. The Christian is called to love one's neighbor as himself. Listen as Matt explains how this changes our approach to criminal justice. Matt and his wife are members at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, and have two sons and a daughter.  Learn more about Matt Martens: Twitter @martensmatt1 Website: https://matthew-martens.com Learn more about ONE HOPE: www.onehope.gives Support the show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions where we have casual conversations about ministry on the Baltimore stoop. In each episode, Joel, Stephanie, and Eric talk through different topics and occasionally bring on a friend. In this episode, the Stoop crew wraps up a conversation on evangelism on the topic of church confirmation. Practically speaking, what do we do when someone makes a profession of faith? We baptize. However, Baptism is not merely the decision of an individual (an individual can't baptize herself), and it is not merely the decision of a pastor. Baptism is a congregational act of confirmation and union. Join us as we consider the topic of baptism and church membership in our evangelism. Listen as the crew explains why they would be concerned if someone made a “profession of faith” but never joined a church. Learn how the Body of Christ is given as fruit inspectors for new believers, and how this helps our personal evangelism. Learn more about ONE HOPE: www.onehope.gives Support the show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions where we have casual conversations about ministry on the Baltimore stoop. In each episode, Joel, Stephanie, and Eric talk through different topics and occasionally bring on a friend. In this episode, we bring on a friend! Stephanie and Eric invite Lisa LeGeorge to the stoop for a chat on evangelism. Lisa has traveled the globe and has a passion for unreached areas. Currently working at Children's Hunger Fund, she wants to see suffering children served through Gospel-centered local churches. The conversation begins with addressing the question of "overseas missions” versus “local evangelism.” Lisa argues that it's not an either/or but a both/and. She speaks on the benefits and limitations of para-church ministry and the need for the local church. Lisa gives tips from her own personal evangelism experience and shares how she turns random Sunday mornings at church into a new evangelistic opportunity. As both an academic and a practitioner, this episode hits on all things evangelism: from the para-church to the church; from the nations to the block; from the church's corporate witness to personal evangelism. Lisa LaGeorge serves as the senior director of CHF Academy at Children's Hunger Fund. She has previously served as a professor at The Master's University, where she met Stephanie. Stephanie Greer is a Gospel Worker funded through ONE HOPE serving with The Garden Church. Eric Hill serves as an elder at The Garden Church and is a Physical Therapist Assistant by day. Learn more about Lisa LaGeorge at www.lisalageorge.com Learn more about ONE HOPE: www.onehope.gives Support the show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions where we have casual conversations about ministry on the Baltimore stoop. In each episode, Joel, Stephanie, and Eric talk through different topics and occasionally bring on a friend. In the last two episodes, we've highlighted “personal evangelism”—the individual Christian's role and work in taking the Gospel to the lost. This episode asks the question: How does the church together evangelize? For some, they have unfortunately disconnected their personal ministry from the broader community of the gathered saints. For us, it's not an either/or but a both/and. While we evangelize personally, we also evangelize together. In today's episode, Joel and Stephanie talk about the church's role. Because the church feels different or irrelevant to our friends, it's often hard to imagine how this church can help me reach my friends. Yet, we forget the power of the Gospel through the testimony of God's people. If we combine our efforts and work together, we can make a bigger impact. Stephanie and Joel talk about the importance of starting with who actually shows up to your church services; How membership interviews can turn into evangelistic opportunities; The importance of asking professing Christians for their understanding of the Gospel; and How to tell someone they're not a Christian (in a winsome and Biblical way). The episode closes with a look back to the need for personal evangelism and why being part of an “evangelistic church” doesn't mean that I am personally doing any work. Joel Kurz serves as the pastor of The Garden Church and director of ONE HOPE. Stephanie Greer is a Gospel Worker funded through ONE HOPE serving with The Garden Church. Learn more about ONE HOPE: www.onehope.gives Support the show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions where we have casual conversations about ministry on the Baltimore stoop. In each episode, Joel, Stephanie, and Eric talk through different topics and occasionally bring on a friend. As the Stoop crew continues their focus on personal evangelism, we offer Eric's testimony as an example of how the Lord uses people, sometimes without their knowing, to lead another to Christ. In today's episode, Stephanie interviews Eric on how his cousin, CJ, shared the Gospel with him. Eric began attending a church after his daughter was born. Around the same time, CJ was coming to an understanding of the Gospel, reading, and talking about Jesus. CJ and Eric met weekly to read and talk. God used these meetings to bring clarity and faith. Listen and be encouraged to take the Gospel to your own friend's and family, leading them to know Jesus. Stephanie Greer is a Gospel Worker funded through ONE HOPE serving with The Garden Church. Eric Hill is an elder at The Garden Church and a Physical Therapy Assistant by day. Support the Show at www.onehope.gives/donate Learn more about planting churches in the inner city at www.onehope.gives

Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions where we have casual conversations about ministry on the Baltimore stoop. In each episode, Joel, Stephanie, and Eric talk through different topics and occasionally bring on a friend. This episode begins a conversation on evangelism. We get it—life is busy, you have tried to share Jesus with those you know, it hasn't seemed to “work,” and you don't have time to develop new relationships. How can we possibly become better at personal evangelism when we're just trying to get through life? Additionally, many are discouraged because they feel they've never effectively shared the Gospel or seen someone become a believer. In today's episode, the team discusses their own challenges as they seek simple solutions. Not all hope is lost. We can become better evangelists as we develop new eyes to see, strengthen our own understanding of the Gospel, and learn to help individuals from one step to another as they explore the faith. Join us as we consider the topic of personal evangelism: how to build strategic relationships, see opportunities we often miss, take the next step with an unbeliever, and share the Gospel with the lost. Joel Kurz serves as the pastor of The Garden Church and director of ONE HOPE. Stephanie Greer is a Gospel Worker funded through ONE HOPE serving with The Garden Church. Eric Hill is an elder at The Garden Church and a Physical Therapy Assistant by day. Learn more about ONE HOPE: www.onehope.gives Support the show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions where we have casual conversations about ministry on the Baltimore stoop. In each episode, Joel, Stephanie, and Eric talk through different topics and occasionally bring on a friend. Today, while Eric is unable to join, we visit a friend. Join Joel and Stephanie as they meet with P.J. Tibayan and discuss new life for dying churches. P.J. serves as pastor at Bethany Baptist Church in Bellflower, CA near Los Angelos. As the conversation begins, P.J. shares his background and experience in church ministry. Listen as P.J. explains how he debated once debated R.C. Sproul on the meaning of John Piper's book Desiring God; How his love for the local church led to an internship at Capital Hill Baptist Church with Mark Dever; and to Bethany Baptist Church as senior pastor. As P.J. arrived at Bethany, the church was dying and in need of revitalization. P.J. defines what it means to revitalize a church and why we shouldn't just let dying churches die. He also shares his approach in discipling others along with practical and Biblical lessons on helping dying churches live. Listen and be encouraged to love those around you and help them grow in their love for Christ. Joel Kurz serves as the pastor of The Garden Church and director of ONE HOPE. Stephanie Greer is a Gospel Worker funded through ONE HOPE serving with The Garden Church. Learn more about ONE HOPE: www.onehope.gives Support the show: www.onehope.gives/donate Learn more about P.J. Tibayan and Bethany Baptist Church at https://bethanybaptist.church

Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions where we have casual conversations about ministry on the Baltimore stoop. In each episode, Joel, Stephanie, and Eric talk through different topics and occasionally bring on a friend. Today, Bobby Scott joins the conversation. Bobby is serves as pastor at Community of Faith Bible Church. In this episode, Stephanie and Joel meet with Bobby Scott in California. The conversation begins as Stephanie shares her own background at Community of Faith Bible Church and her appreciation for Bobby's ministry. Bobby shares his own background and heart for raising up leaders in the local church. As the episode continues, Bobby speaks on best practices, lessons learned, and tips on training Bible teachers. Listen and learn from an experienced pastor with a long track record of faithful Gospel ministry and raising up leaders. Joel Kurz serves as the pastor of The Garden Church and director of ONE HOPE. Stephanie Greer is a Gospel Worker funded through ONE HOPE serving with The Garden Church. Learn more about ONE HOPE: www.onehope.gives Support the show: www.onehope.gives/donate Learn More about Bobby Scott: https://twitter.com/pastorbscott?lang=en Learn More About Community of Faith Bible Church: http://cfbcla.org

Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions where we have casual conversations about ministry on the Baltimore stoop. In each episode, Joel, Stephanie, and Eric talk through different topics and occasionally bring on a friend. This episode rounds out a 3-part conversation on the topic of wealth. As the crew has discussed, the topic of wealth is one that affects everyone, whether rich or poor. Money is needed for physical survival. So it matters. And, at the same time, greed isn't limited to the wealthy. While wealth can certainly be a blessing from God, the Bible doesn't emphasize the goodness of wealth but rather the dangers of wealth. While it's good to pursue money to meet our needs, Biblically we should not good to set our eyes on money. In this third part, we call Christians to something greater than acquiring material things and building barns. Whether poor, middle class, or wealth, our goal must be living for the glory of God. Joel Kurz serves as the pastor of The Garden Church and director of ONE HOPE. Stephanie Greer is a Gospel Worker funded through ONE HOPE serving with The Garden Church. Eric Hill is an elder at The Garden Church and a Physical Therapy Assistant by day. Learn more about ONE HOPE: www.onehope.gives Support the show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions, a ONE HOPE podcast bringing you conversations about urban ministry from the stoops of Baltimore. Today, our hosts, Eric, Stephanie, and Joel, continue a discussion on the topic of wealth. Talking about wealth should not only the topic of the wealthy. In our own context, money comes up. Those who come from little, at times, fall prey to the love of money. Wealth can become a god. At the same time, it's sometimes assumed that ministries which are concerned about the poor despise the rich. This is not true of us. Money and wealth presents traps on all sides. Join us on the stoop and we discuss it. While our last episode asked: “Can Christians have wealth?” This episode asks, “Should wealth be pursued?” Listen as the team pursues a Biblical vision of wealth. Is wealth inherently good or dangerous? Should wealth be viewed as the goal or a byproduct? As the episode concludes, we're challenged to not seek our satisfaction in wealth but to view all things as a matter of stewardship. Learn more about ONE HOPE: www.onehope.gives Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate

The love of money is not just a problem of the rich, it can also grip the poor and working class. Many who grew up with little desire much. And we get it. Poverty hurts. It's not what we want for our kids. But how should we think of having and pursuing wealth?. The stoop crew first defines wealth. On one hand, wealth is defined as having more than you need. In this sense, most every American is “wealthy” in comparison to other cultures. But a more popular definition is to have enough money so that “I don't have to think about money.” People don't like budgets because they don't like restraints. The desire for wealth is to pursue enough in order to spend without constraint. Can Christians have this kind of wealth? We usual, Joel, Stephane, and Eric take it to the Word. What does the Bible teach on having money? Listen as they read plenty of Scripture and discuss God's view of wealth and the Christian. This episode is part one of three as The Stoop Sessions considers the topic of wealth. Support the show at www.onehope.gives/donate

Listen to this message from Thabiti Anyabwile at a previous ONE HOPE Conference in 2017. The ONE HOPE Conference focuses on applying theology to urban ministry. As we anticipate our next ONE HOPE Conference on March 5, 2022, here's a gem from year's past. In this episode, we present Thabiti's message for your edification and enjoyment. Join us for the ONE HOPE Conference: Faith Alone on March 5, 2022. Speakers include Shai Linne, Thabiti Anyabwile, Alejandro Molero, and Joel Kurz. Register at faithalone.eventbrite.com. Support the show: www.onehope.gives/donate

On one hand, the world increasingly disregards the Bible. God's Word is not believed. On the other hand, Christians often minimize the necessity of Scripture in preaching, missions, and evangelism. Is the Bible needed? The ONE HOPE Conference focuses on applying theology to urban ministry. As we anticipate our next ONE HOPE Conference on March 5, 2022, here's a gem from year's past. Shai Linne preached at the 2017 ONE HOPE Conference on the necessity of Scripture. In this episode, we present Shai's message for your edification and enjoyment. Join us for the ONE HOPE Conference: Faith Alone on March 5, 2022. Speakers include Shai Linne, Thabiti Anyabwile, Alejandro Molero, and Joel Kurz. Register at faithalone.eventbrite.com. Support the show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Is addiction a disease? If so, is it unloving to exercise church discipline for someone who is in unrepentant drug use? Are we lacking understanding and compassion? If addiction is not a disease, why does drug addiction feel so hopeless and consuming. In this episode, the Stoop crew talk addiction. Listen as Joel, Stephanie, and Eric work through these questions and more. The word “addiction” needs to be defined. As does the word “disease.” Sometimes, the very words we use are unhelpful and don't communicate what is to be meant. Additionally, we have to understand the church's role in the life of the sinner. What role does the church play in the life of a church member who has fallen back into drug addiction? Listen, shoot us an email, and share your thoughts. We'd love to hear from you. Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate Register for the ONE HOPE Conference: www.onehope.gives/onehopeconference Email: info@onehope.gives

As 2021 comes to a close, we reflect on God's work through the local church. What's going on? Listen as Stephanie, Eric, and Joel discuss a year in review. In this episode, the Stoop crew talks about the need for church planting in low-income communities, baptisms at The Garden Church, leading workshops and seminars, training church planters, as well as hopes for 2022. ONE HOPE is a ministry which seeks to build healthy churches in the inner city. If this podcast has blessed you at all through 2021, would you consider helping us through giving a year end gift? See below for a link to our ONE HOPE Christmas Catalog or simply give a gift of any amount. We appreciate you listening to the podcast in 2021 and thank you for partnering with us in Gospel ministry. ONE HOPE Christmas Catalog: www.onehope.gives/donate

Trauma is real in inner city ministry. In this episode, we talk about it. How do you respond to trauma? Is it a word that evokes a compassionate heart or a decisive mind to fix it? Is it something to hide? Is it a label of shame or dismiss as pop-psychology? Joining us for the chat is Dr. Diane Langberg, a psychologist who has decades of specialized experience working with trauma survivors. She defines trauma as a wound that negatively changes who you are, interfering with sense of self, ability to live, work, sleep, have healthy relationships and control over emotions. The inner city has its own sort of trauma. Many who have grown up in our context of poverty and addiction walk with shame and are deeply wounded. At the same time, the church is often silent, not addressing trauma from the pulpit or in the pews. Diane shares wisdom on how the church can not only confront trauma, but walk with others through it, with Christ as our model. Christ underwent trauma and was scarred for us, so that we may be redeemed, and proclaim the hope to those around us. Join us for this important and helpful conversation. Additional Resources: You can read Diane Langberg's books for free, on the app Hoopla, using your local library card. Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/thestoopsessions

Paul instructs Titus to train up the older women to instruct the younger women. In some church circles, the man's role in the home and church is devalued through a lack of emphasis on the man. This is also seen in the context where men are often absent from the church and home. On the flip side, many churches, often in our own theological circles, have placed an emphasis on training men to the degree that women are overlooked and sometimes not even trained at all. Still others merely focus on determining what women should not do in the church. Theology is frequently watered down in women's studies. Women may be overlooked for roles in ministry in which they may faithfully and Biblically serve. Jesus spent time with women, affirmed them, and the New Testament calls women to serve the church. This episode discusses the importance of having Godly women in the church. Additionally, as women are more likely to be affected by poverty and violence, this necessitates outreach that is empathetic to their past, as well as, current experiences. Listen as Stephanie, Joel, and Eric discuss training women for the work. Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate

When Christians devour one another, the Holy Spirit is grieved. This undercuts our power in ministry. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Smith and discuss divisiveness and unity in the church today. The church's divisions reflect the divisions of the world. Kevin Smith is the former Executive Director for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, professor at Southern Seminary, and now transitioning back into the pastorate at Family Church in West Palm Beach, Florida. Kevin laments the divisiveness in the church and believes that Christians must pursue unity. Listen in as we discuss Kevin Smith's heart for the local church, racial unity, and justice. We also discuss Kevin's own story and background, raised in Maryland, discipled in ministry at Main Street Baptist Church under Elder DJ Ward, his love for his wife, his distaste for political tribalism, and his transition back into the pastorate. Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate

“Discover your destiny.” “Find your purpose." We live in a world which has turned “purpose” into some mysterious secret you need to figure out. It grips many in our context. And it, strangely enough, gets tied up with our pride and the flesh. In a culture so obsessed with being seen as exceptional, driven to discover your purpose, the pressure to fulfill some yet unknown destiny becomes paralyzing. This week's episode delves into the difference between purpose and calling, and whether the world's wisdom aligns with the wisdom given in scripture. Are we left to forge our own path? What reason does God have for choosing us at all? Do we contribute to His kingdom by having the right job which showcases our gifts? Listen as Stephanie, Eric, and Joel discuss our freedom as we move toward a destiny determined by God, and with the assurance that Christ's success will overrule our insufficient record. Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Stephanie begins this episode by asking Eric: “How do you feel about middle class congregants in an inner city church?” Listen as Joel, Stephanie, and Joel chat about the challenges and benefits of having middle class folks in a low-income church context. We discuss the issue of those who grew up on the context, achieve a middle class income, and want to leave. This presents unique challenges. We also discuss middle class people from outside the context, who choose to attend the inner city church. This also creates unique challenges. The team calls our middle class listener to consider the cost and see the benefit of sacrificially integrating yourself into the community. Additionally, for the skeptic, we hit on a few ways middle class folks can help the work. Join us on the stoop for this conversation. Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate

How did Joel, who is white, end up pastoring in a predominantly black neighborhood in Baltimore? Is that a good idea? Should church planters be looking to put roots down in a neighborhood within, or apart from, their own ethnic culture? In this episode, Eric asks the question, “Can we talk about the fact that Joel is white?” From that point, the stoop discussion takes place on this question, asking Joel why he planted in the first place, and what landmines may be present. Topics of discussion include impure motives why anyone would desire cross-cultural work; how having black members can be twisted into a mere a marker of “success” in some evangelical circles; whether it is necessary for churches to be cross-cultural in order to be Biblical; and how partiality for our own culture can subtly sabotage table fellowship. The crew also shares wisdom and encouragement, on the importance of authenticity and humility for potential pastors and church members navigating the tides of racial discourse within the body. Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Private school? Christian school? Homeschool? We continue our discussion on schooling in the inner city. In our last episode, Joel and Eric made a case for why they have chosen to send their kids to Baltimore City Public Schools. In this episode, the Stoop crew calls a few friends who have taken a different approach. First, we chat with T.C. Taylor who also sends his kids to public school. Then we call up John Erickson and talk about Hope Academy, an affordable Christian school in inner city Minneapolis; Joe and Duncan Maye who started their own Christian school for neighborhood children in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Creston Thomas who, along with his wife Alina, homeschool their children in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. (Listen to part one for our chat on public school) Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Public school? We're there. Eric and Joel have always sent their kids to the Baltimore City Public Schools. One of the most common questions we receive from outsiders is: “What do you do about schooling for your kids?” We're surprised that people are so often…surprised…when we answer, “Public schools.” While we've learned to navigate the school system, we're open-handed on this issue. Should educational choices divide believers? We don't think so. In a city like Baltimore, this debate is further fueled by the reality of an underfunded and broken school system. However, too often we presume that children will be raised to walk with the Lord if they are simply enrolled in the right school or taught the right curriculum. While scripture never endorses a specific school system, this episode examines how Christian parents can educate their children in ways which align with our faith. Listen as Joel, Stephanie, and Eric talk through our experiences with public schools in the city. (Stay tuned for part two as we call up some friends who have taken Christian school and homeschool approaches). Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate

Does theology matter in urban ministry? Most definitely. Healthy ministry in tough places isn't driven by good programming, it's driven by good theology. As we kick off year two, we want to focus on the topic of justification by faith. How can a sinner be right with God? Is it really by faith alone? The answer is more crucial than any other question we could ask ourselves. Yet we are prone to attach to our works to our justification. That Christ has done it all, can simply sound too good to be true. Understanding justification by faith begins with knowing our own hopelessness. A clean outward appearance is useless, unless we are washed in the blood of Christ. On this episode, Stephanie, Joel, and Eric dive into the doctrine of justification by faith, exploring its impact for the urban context. Support the Show: www.onehope.gives/donate Watch for updates on ONE HOPE Conference: Faith Alone at faithalone.eventbrite.com

Welcome back to the Stoop Sessions. One year ago, Eric, Stephanie, and Joel began hosting conversations on the stoop. Year two begins today. We took the summer off while Stephanie had a baby, while neighborhood kids took over Joel's office, and while Eric went on bike rides. But we're back! Listen to this brief episode as the crew talks about what's been going on and what's coming up. Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions. Support the show at www.onehope.gives/donate

Listen to this chat on the stoop with T.C. Taylor. T.C. pastors a church in Indianapolis which is ethnically and economically diverse. If the gospel is not exclusive to any race or class, should all churches be diverse reflecting that diversity? T.C. shares thoughts on diversity and dignity; how to be “boots on the ground” in your own community, and the importance of being grounded in a local church. He also opens up about living with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), as a believer, the struggles we face living in a fallen world, and how to face them from a Biblical view point, knowing we serve a savior who triumphs over sin. This episode is part of our summer series: stoop conversations with friends. Support the show at www.onehope.gives/donate

Listen to this conversation with Joseph Dicks, church planting catalyst for North American Mission Board in Washington DC,, on the necessity of discipleship and a holistic view. The gospel not just on Sunday mornings, but the framework for every aspect of your life. Joseph shares his experience of growing up in church, scared into baptism and knowing what to say “yes” to, but without the freedom that only saving grace can bring. He also talks about 1-on-1 discipleship, pursuing the gospel community, the presence of prejudices amongst diversity, and initiating new church works in unchurched areas. This episode is part of our summer series: stoop conversations with friends. Support the show at www.onehope.gives/donate

Alejandro Molero pastors Iglesia Bíblica Sublime Gracia, a Spanish speaking church in the Washington D.C. neighborhood of Colombia Heights. Alejandro shares how God shepherded him from his Catholic upbringing in Venezuela to becoming a full-time pastor in the States. Listen in as Stephanie, Joel, and Eric discuss with Alejandro the challenges of ministry among undocumented and illegal immigrants. Alejandro's congregation and ministry context are filled with those often vulnerable to exploitation, overwork, and underpaid jobs. What is the Biblical approach to caring for those who might be undocumented, running from the law, or running for their lives? What does church planting among immigrant communities in America look like and how should we think of supporting Spanish-speaking churches? Come on the Stoop and join the conversation. *Additional Resource - Read Alejandro's latest piece on Pastoring Undocumented Immigrants: https://www.9marks.org/article/pastoring-undocumented-workers-in-civil-unrest/ Support the podcast at www.onehope.gives/donate

In continuation of last week's episode, director of the Edmiston Center in Atlanta, Karen Ellis, shares ways Christians are to be a completely different community to the world, belonging to a God who renders diverse people as the same by the blood of Christ. Stephanie, Eric, and Joel chat with Karen regarding her concerns for the current church in America. If it's not about Christian nationalism, not about social justice, what is the church to be about? In a world hostile towards Christianity, Ellis discusses a need for the basics: how to pray under pressure for kingdom advance, moving forward on your knees; not your will, but His be done. Listen as Karen offers hope for a divided church in despair.

Born in Baltimore, Karen Ellis' love for theater took her from Broadway to places throughout the U.S. and internationally. Although her experience growing up included directing church choirs, it was not until she studied at Yale that she came to know Christ as her Savior. Today, she is the director of The Edmiston Center in Atlanta, devoted to studying the priorities, presence, and practices of Christians enduring on the margins of society. Ellis sees marginalized Christians throughout history and around the world. Her work has focused on commonalities between these communities. In this episode, the Stoop crew calls her up and discusses what we can glean from the rich history of these believers as they display God's kingdoms from worldly disadvantage and oppression. Additionally, Karen shares resources for learning more from voices often overlooked. Support the podcast at www.onehope.gives/donate

Can we ever be content? From childhood to adulthood, nothing is ever enough. We believe that we will be content if we receive. And then we receive, only to discover continued discontentment. Christians are not exempt from this problem. Pastors and ministry leaders can be driven by a lust for more. Church members are often discontent with the state of their church and the maturity of other members. Is there hope for contentment? In this episode, Eric, Joel, and Stephanie chat on the stoop, seeking contentment. Listen as the crew explores how to be content.

This episode features brief talks which were shared at our Intentional Living Workshop. Listen to Sharon Dickens of Niddrie Community Church and 20Schemes in Scotland, Malcom Griswold of Reformation Church in Detroit, Jamie Dunlop of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC, and Alton Haynes of The Garden Church in Baltimore. These four come from different backgrounds and cultures, yet each offer excellent and unique perspectives on intentional living in their particular context. Listen and be encouraged to live near your church! You can find the videos to these talks as well as our main sessions on our ONE HOPE YouTube page.

The church is weakened when its mission is unclear. Is the mission of the church simply to make disciples? Or is it also expanding or ushering in God's kingdom? How does community transformation relate to our mission? Is it the church's mission to paint every fence and feed every belly? If not, should the church do these things anyway? It is easy to confuse the church's mission, and start acting as if we are God, instead of relying on God. In this episode, the Joel, Eric, and Stephanie discuss the primary mission of the church, as well as, the nuanced role it plays in the community. As the church makes disciples, disciples “love their neighbor.” And things change. Listen in and join the conversation!

Is seeing community change a good thing? Absolutely. Can “Change the Community” become a false gospel. Absolutely. While “Transform the Community” is a tag used by many non-profits, churches, and developers alike, is that the “good news” of the church? Is bettering the community be the mission of the church? Is a blighted, unchanged community a sign that the church is not loving their neighbors? How should Christians think of Gospel-centeredness and community transformation? Listen as this final episode on “false gospels” examines how a “Change the Community” false gospel can be stumbling block to truly reaching the community.

“Cut off toxic people” is another false gospel that has made its way from the community to the pulpit. “Cut ‘em off” is the belief that life would be better without toxic Individuals. If only one can separate himself from them, life would have no conflict. Therefore, “cut off” the people who don't tell you what you want to hear. In this episode, Stephanie, Joel, and Eric explain that it's right to have wisdom when choosing friends, but expose this false gospel. Listen as this stoop conversation discusses how this worldview depends on a dishonest view of self: that you are pure, and only others possess toxicity. How do we Biblically approach difficult relationships? Where would we be, if God cut off all who are toxic, tainted with sin?

This week's episode looks at another common excuse used to reject the gospel: God knows my heart. Many cling to the belief that salvation can be found in having good intentions, in being “less wicked” than your neighbor, in the hope that good deeds will outweigh the bad. God does know our heart, but do we? Are we autonomous and good intentioned, or actually in bondage to sin? To recognize our guilt without hope is a burden that crushes the spirit, overwhelmed with the reality that we are never going to be good enough. Listen as Eric, Joel, and Stephanie examine the phrase “God knows my heart” through a theological and Biblical worldview. But they don't stop with a critique. The Stoop crew presents a Savior who can remove our hearts marred by sin, and replace in us, a heart that holds the promise of eternal life.

“I've gotta get myself together,” is a refrain which aptly marks our present culture. It can be a point of pride, and a stumbling block for any who believe they have to “arrive” before meeting to Jesus. Must we reach a certain standard, accomplished by their own power, before coming to God? We think outward to appearances, when change can only come through the inward work of Christ. And while “I gotta get myself together” can be a works-based salvation, it can also simply be an excuse. In this episode, Joel, Eric, and Stephanie discuss some of the narratives that drive this false gospel, the barriers we put up, and excuses we make to put off the clear call of the true Gospel.

Even professing Christians can find themselves confused by distortions of the gospel. The exclusivity of only one way feels abrasive, against the belief that all ways lead to salvation, without sacrifice. Eric, Joel, and Stephanie discuss why the Gospel of the Bible is singular, what the Gospel is, and how we are to receive it. Do we earn God's favor through being good people? By good deeds? Are there any sins that cannot be blotted out? To know the work of Christ, we must know why we all need of it. This episode is the first of a short series of episodes examining various “false gospels” in the inner city. Before we examine false Gospels, we must know the true Gospel.

Brian and Dawn Sessions were both raised in Baltimore and in the church, but seeing the beauty of reconciliation through the gospel did not come immediately. God used their love of the arts to help them find their identity in Christ, and now they use the arts as an avenue through which they can share that same hope with youth in Baltimore. Their lives are not separate from their ministry, but shared through it, and their success is not an end-marker, but daily fulfilling the mission of sharing the gospel. Listen to the end to hear a preview of Brian's new song and see below for more info on Brian and Dawn's ministries. More Info on Brian and Dawn's Work: R.O.C. Enrichment: www.rocenrichmentprogram.com Brian's music: “Jesus Loves Me” By Brian Sessions on all digital streaming services Grace Abounds Dance/Mentoring: graceaboundsmentoring.org

Joining today's episode is a member of The Garden Church, Kesia Lewis, who grew up on the east side of Baltimore. Although a close-knit community, it was also punctuated by trauma. The grief she lived through, including the loss of her fiancé and teenage brother in a car accident, has allowed her to speak into the lives of kids today, through her work with Baltimore's Parks and Rec. Even when she didn't know what she looking for, God orchestrated bringing her from knowing of the Lord, to loving Him and living by His will. As Kesia cares for hundreds of kids throughout Baltimore City, many have faced severe trauma. Kesia is able to say: “You're not the only one.”

Before he died, Jesus prayed for us. He prayed for our display of Christian unity. In a polarizing culture, even the church can find itself on opposite sides of a divide. In this episode, the Stoop squad calls up Isaac Adams, an associate pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist in D.C., to talks about unity and prayer. Prayer is as simple as it is powerful, but when it is lacking, we are led by our pride. Divisions flourish. What is Christian unity and how does prayer play a role? Listen in as we discuss concerning divisions. Be reminded of the vision for the church as be a powerful witness in the world. It begins with prayer and Isaac Adams prays.

Why pray? For some Christians, prayer seems unnecessary. In some churches, prayer has become a mere transition between the songs and ceremonies of the service. In contrast, prayer should be our natural habitat, as water is to a fish. Is prayer absent in today's church? Does prayer feel too holy, mystifying, boring, or awkward? In this episode, Joel, Eric, and Stephanie discuss public prayer, what holds us back from it, and why it's vital for our spiritual well being and growth.

Burnout is not simply being tired, but a state of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual exhaustion. Burnout can stem from a wrong perspective, measuring worth in what we produce, and measuring ourselves against others. When our eyes are set on outward performance, our ego can work us like slaves. Eric, Joel, and Stephanie discuss the signs of approaching burnout, and how we can avoid or recover from it, even when our lives are “crazy busy”.

In scripture, elders are addressed as a plurality, not as a role to be served by a single individual. Joel and Eric, both pastors at The Garden Church, share insight into the importance of having both paid and lay (unpaid) elders serving the inner city church. What does it look like for an elder to have full-time secular work, but still hold the same authority as the senior Pastor? Listen in as we discuss various challenges and dangers from the lack of a plurality of elders, to unchecked authority and the weight of ministry. God's grace remains necessary in equipping all elders.

In this episode, Marla Walker, a member of The Garden Church and ONE HOPE intern, shares her story of addiction, shame, and feeling not good enough to go before God. Being introduced to alcohol at only 8 years old, Marla was put on a path to drug dependency and a series of recoveries and relapses. From trap houses to recovery houses, Marla's life represents the cycle of so many. Yet, unlike many others, Marla has found forgiveness and healing in Christ. No depth and no transgression could hide her from the reach of God. Through the love of Christ and the church body, listen to how God has set Marla on a new path of reconciliation and redemption.

In this episode, our continued conversation on addiction looks at how the church should respond to the broken and downcast. Churches can become structured only for the “clean-cut” of a certain socioeconomic status, neglecting those who may disturb our comfortableness. Discussed are ways in which the church can be a community that humbly works towards restoration for all, knowing that God's grace reaches to all. How to love the addicted with Biblical wisdom, in the hope that they will experience the community of church, and find it more loving than the community of the street. 

In the previous episode, Stephanie, Joel, and Eric define addiction from a Biblical perspective. Recognizing what it is, what can we do about it? What are some practical ways to care and help the addicted? In this episode, a question arises on the use of Methadone and Suboxone.. How should we think of using drugs to treat drugs? The team makes a random phone call to Dr. Mark Plaster who shares his own insight. At its peak, a single methadone clinic in Baltimore can see 3,000 patients a day, from within only a 2-3 mile radius. Accessing help from a clinic often requires the patient to remain within a community of drug culture, often lacking support for addressing root causes, preventing relapse, and rebuilding lives. How can the church and the medical community work in tandem to see individuals freed from the slavery of addiction? 

When the subject of addiction enters a conversation, it is easy to deflect and downplay its gravity. It is easy to dehumanize those caught in substance abuse, failing to recognize their worth; people made in the image of God. Addiction is both willful rebellion and simultaneously held in bondage to a substance. It devastates, not only the individual, but families and communities. Substances can alter the mind and mute suffering, but suffering plays an important purpose in our lives. This episode seeks to define addiction and humanize the addict. It looks at the hard realties, necessary humility, and hope of a savior for the addict. Jesus knew the pain of living in a world broken by sin, and took on suffering greater than any of us face. Jesus is the only hope that offers an eternity free from the bondage of all sin.