Podcasts about african american soul

Send us a Text Message.Eisha Mason has practiced as a licensed practitioner and spiritual therapist of more than 35 years.  She is a “master practitioner” of New Thought/Ageless Wisdom, teacher of practitioner studies at the Agape International Spiritual Center and co-founder of CommonUnity, Agape's community service ministries.  As a teacher, executive coach, activist and published author, she focuses on the intersections of spirituality, nonviolence, social justice and the “soul work of social change.”  Eisha founded The Center for the Advancement of Nonviolence after directing the first Season for Nonviolence campaign in Los Angeles in 1998.  She co-founded Soulforce Trainings, Acts of Power: The Liberation of the African American Soul training, and Community Healing Forum which assists affected communities in responding to loss and trauma. For 9 years, Eisha hosted The Morning Review and later, The Way Forward radio programs on KPFK (90.7FM) radio.  She is a contributor to the books, How to Stop the Next War Now and Together We Are One: Honoring Our Diversity and Celebrating Our Connection. She is also co-author of 64 Ways to Practice Nonviolence Curriculum and Resource Guide.  Red Door, her first book of poetry, was published in February, 2023.During the U.S. War on Terror and while serving as an Associate Regional Director of the U.S. Southwest Region of the American Friends Service Committee, she spearheaded the campaign to pass a resolution in the California Legislature that would challenge the license of any California medical personnel participating in U.S. torture   It was the only successful legislative initiative in the country during the War on Terror..Now retired from AFSC, Eisha is busy as a spiritual therapist and executive coach.  She continues to write, teach, and facilitate for social justice organizations.Eisha Mason is the recipient of the New Thought Walden Award for Social and Environmental Justice (2021) and the the Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace's Courageous Peacemaker Award  (2013).Her teachers: Rev. Homer Johnson, Michael Beckwith and Nirvana Gayle, Dr. Dan Morgan, Rev. James Lawson, the Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, Ron and Mary Hulnick of the University of Santa Monica.Support the Show.Donate – CelesteFrazier.com

“Freedom is birthed out of suffering.” - Dr. Barbara PeacockWelcome to Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. On this celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, we wanted to highlight our conversation with Dr. Barbara Peacock, an experienced preacher, teacher, and minister of discipleship and prayer. Dr. Peacock trains in spiritual direction and soul care for ministry leaders and has a God-given call and desire to serve as a spiritual coach for individuals and groups.On this episode, she and Michael discuss her book, Soul Care in African American Practice. It's a fascinating look at prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care and how the transatlantic journey for the slaves was the entry point or beginning of spiritual direction and soul care from an African American perspective. Dr. Peacock also uses examples of ten significant men and women—like Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Howard Thurman, and others—to give leadership examples of how vital soul care was to their lives. CONTACT RESTORING THE SOUL:- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

Today is a very special episode, as we look back on the tremendous contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, how he would feel about the changes we have made, and the current state of America 60 years later. Our expert guest is Dr. R. Neil Siler, who is here to share his wisdom and experiences on the impact of racial trauma on individuals, and to talk about ways we can move to a healthier state. Dr. R. Neal Siler is pastor emeritus of the First Shiloh Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, VA. He is a clinician, spiritual director, and founder of The Healing Place Center for Counseling and Spiritual Formation. He is a University and Seminary in Toronto, Ontario, the Director of the Spiritual Direction Program and Director of D.E.I. Initiatives for Healing Care Ministries in Ashland, Ohio. He is a contributing author to UMI's Pastor's Precepts Commentary, the author of How I Got Over: Healing for the African American Soul and several other books and small group curricula. Much of his work focuses on the psychological and systemic issues that create pain and brokenness for African Americans and marginalized people. His wife Dr. Sharon E. Siler serves alongside him in ministry, and they delight in sharing life with two children, their spouses, and three grandchildren. This episode with Dr. Siler is a much needed conversation about the state of our nation, while serving up a message of hope as we build a more equitable humanity. As always, we love to hear your feedback. If you have a question or topic that you'd like us to discuss in a future episode, please go to https://www.respectcircles.com/voicemail/ to leave us a message. You can also reach us by email, respectcircles@gmail.com, on social media at https://www.facebook.com/respectcircles and https://www.instagram.com/respectcircles/, or by visiting our website at www.respectcircles.com too. We look forward to hearing from you! Thanks so much for listening. We'd love to have you subscribe to the podcast, leave us a rating and review, and share with your friends! In this episode you'll hear: Dr. Siler's take on the words of Dr. Martin Luther King and his dream [6:02] How can we help people live beyond just the ideology of Dr. King and truly understand the purpose of what he had to stand for [8:59] The reasons he believes that race not being addressed effectively in this country [11:44] How we can promote moving towards the solutions, and what is currently working in the battle against racism [15:10] Dr. Siler's thoughts on taking race-based discrimination to heart in order to move forward with intention [19:28] Actions steps for making a difference right now [27:10] What we feel can be a path to true healing in America [29:11] What cultural competency is, and isn't, about [32:34] How Dr. King would want us to show up as leaders in this movement of change that is needed [34:56] Links & Resources: The Healing Place Center for Counseling and Spiritual Formation Contact #: 804-277-3831 Dr. Siler's Book, How I Got Over: Healing for the African American Soul I Have A Dream Speech (Martin Luther King, Jr., August 28, 1963): Text: https://www.ihaveadreamspeech.us/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dKimoybmEo American Public Health Association Documentary, Racism is a Public Health Crisis: https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/health-equity/racism-and-health/racism-declarations Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement by Devery S. Anderson Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

“In order for me to understand the journey of the slave, I had to be on the ship.” - Dr. Barbara PeacockMichael’s guest on today’s podcast is Dr. Barbara Peacock. An experienced preacher, teacher and minister of discipleship and prayer, Dr. Peacock trains in spiritual direction and soul care for ministry leaders and has a God-given call and desire to serve as spiritual coach for individuals and groups.Her latest book is titled Soul Care in African American Practice. It’s a fascinating look at prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care and how the transatlantic journey for the slaves was the entry point or beginning of spiritual direction and soul care from an African American perspective. As she and Michael wrap up the second half of their conversation, they will discuss the impact of Frederick Douglas, Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King, and Dr. Renita Weems. Be sure to listen the whole way through the interview as Barbara leads us in the practice of Lectio Divina.In this podcast, we hope you will discover:In Christ, nobody is better than anybody.Singing brings healing. Singing touches the soul. Singing is meaningful.Spiritual disciplines don’t have a color.

“I went on a journey of seeking an entry point for the beginning of African American soul care.” - Dr. Barbara PeacockMichael’s guest on today’s podcast is Dr. Barbara Peacock, an experienced preacher, teacher and minister of discipleship and prayer. Dr. Peacock trains in spiritual direction and soul care for ministry leaders and has a God-given call and desire to serve as spiritual coach for individuals and groups.Her latest book with Intervarsity Press is titled Soul Care in African American Practice. It’s a fascinating look at prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care and how the transatlantic journey for the slaves was the entry point or beginning of spiritual direction and soul care from an African American perspective. Dr. Peacock also uses examples of ten significant men and women—like Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Howard Thurman and others—to give leadership examples of how important soul care was to their own lives. In this podcast, we hope you will discover:Soul care is a parallel to spiritual direction.Freedom is birthed out of suffering.The definition of spirituality with tenacity.

Carol Ross-Burnett is CEO of CRB Global LLCoffering diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) consulting, advising and coaching to individuals, groups and organizations. She most recently served as Senior Advisor, Diversity & Inclusion (“D&I”) Strategic Partnerships at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP, a full-service, global law firm with eleven offices in the U.S. and four international offices. In that position, she worked closely with executive leadership; partners; professional, administrative and support staff; clients and other external constituents to collaborate and partner around D&I. Ms. Ross-Burnett was originally hired with director-level responsibilities for Sheppard Mullin’s nascent diversity and inclusion initiatives, a role that she held for ten years. During that time, she helped to position Sheppard Mullin as a D&I thought leader in the legal profession. The firm now regularly earns top client awards and law firm rankings for D&I, including a preeminent industry award in 2019. Ms. Ross-Burnett was awarded the firm’s 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Award for her outstanding leadership and contributions. Before joining Sheppard Mullin, Ms. Ross-Burnett was a law school assistant dean of career services and multicultural affairs, and principal in her first consulting practice. She is a seasoned speaker, experienced trainer and workshop facilitator, and published author who has served in DEI leadership roles with many local, state and national associations and organizations. These include the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals, the American Bar Association, the California State Bar, the Los Angeles County Bar, and the National Association for Law Placement. She currently serves on the board of California LAW Pathways, a statewide diversity pipeline program that provides instruction and guidance to underrepresented students through high school, community college, undergraduate school, and as they enter law school. A woman of many talents, Ms. Ross-Burnett is also a singer, songwriter and music producer who holds an annual workshop in Los Angeles for singers, songwriters, authors and speakers; she also hosts workshops for women. In addition to speaking and writing in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion, she will shortly earn the top designation of Distinguished Toastmaster, and her publications include stories in the Chicken Soup for the African American Soul and Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul books.. A lifelong learner, Ms. Ross-Burnett recently began her doctoral studies in Organizational Change & Leadership at the University of Southern California. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and also holds a 60-unit master's degree in counseling with honors from San Francisco State University. She received a certificate of completion from the Leadership Development in Interethnic Relations (LDIR) community program in Los Angeles, and recently completed a training intensive for professional coaches. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/freeman-means-business/support

“I’m reading books by Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Adele Calhoun, and I’m like, where is the information on African American spiritual direction? We need to have a voice in this community.” Dr. Barbara Peacock illustrates the liminal history of contemplative prayer, spiritual direction, and soul care within the African American tradition. Reflecting on significant men and women like Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Howard Thurman—Barbara celebrates the practices of soul care as we learn from these spiritual leaders. “Liminal history is the only history that we know. We are a people that are continuously going from one revelation of humanity and equality to another.” Dr. Barbara is a preacher, teacher and a prayer warrior. Spiritual direction and soul care were the emphasis of her doctoral work, which led to her book Soul Care in African American Practice. “I believe we are on the brink of a great awakening. I think we’ve had one; we just didn’t realize it. I know people don’t see eye to eye on the protests, but there is a piercing and a transformation of the heart that is taking place.” Thank you to Taelor Gray for the podcast benediction with his song Closer. https://www.ivpress.com/soul-care-in-african-american-practice https://www.barbaralpeacock.com/ http://www.taelorgray.com/ Special Thanks to these musicians for permission to include these songs: Taelor Gray: Closer Kai Engle: Irens Tale, Salue, Machinery, Morning Placidity, Denouement Borrtex: Black Out Audiobinger: Winter is Coming, Past Regrets Lee Rosevere: Under Suspicion

We've got the amazing, magnificent, spectacular, vivacious, brilliant, Lisa Nichols. Many of you know her from being a part of Oprah's shows and Steve Harvey. She's written a beautiful book, Abundance Now, and of course her work with Jack Canfield on Chicken Soup for the African American Soul. Our conversation was just amazing. It was epic. Lisa gets quite vulnerable about areas of her life where she's pivoted and the mindset and the actions that were taken that she took in those moments and how it is that she's ongoingly challenging herself. She's going to reveal something that she's never shared before, something she is announcing that no one else has heard about, certainly not in public. It's going to be announced for the first time here on this Pivot Radio Show. Stay tuned. Get ready. Buckle up. Whatever you're doing, remove the distractions, get to a quiet place or someplace that you can at least focus and listen to this gem of an interview with the amazing Lisa Nichols. Get the newest Conscious PIVOT Podcast episodes delivered directly to you - subscribe here. And, if you're enjoying the podcast, please give us a 5-star rating on iTunes! For instructions click here DOING THIS for 10 Seconds Can Change Your Life! Click here to watch Adam's Inspiring TEDx Talk! ---

Here's the Transcript  Dr. William Lewis, earned a doctoral degree from Indiana University, and a master's degree and a bachelor's degree from Indiana University Purdue University. He also completed the management development program from Harvard Institutes for Higher Education and he completed the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: The Fundraising School Certificate of Fundraising Management.  Dr. Lewis is a Thought Leader in the Diversity and Inclusion space. He has authored several articles, most notably, he was one of three co-authors of the historic Standards of Professional Practice for the Chief Diversity Officers  (CDO), published by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).  He is on the editorial board for INSIGHT into Diversity. Dr. Lewis teaches concepts of oppression and privilege regularly to students enrolled in his MSW level courses.  Dr. Lewis has lead diversity and inclusion efforts at three highly acclaimed universities, Indiana University, Bridgewater State University and Virginia Tech University. Throughout his career Lewis has provided administrative leadership for diversity and inclusion initiatives. He has been an advisor and consultant to university presidents, provosts and college deans. You can learn more about Dr. Lewis and his work at http://www.zeroinhrsolutions.com    Dr. Thyonne Gordon is an accomplished organizational & human development expert, producer and story genius. Her work with small businesses has created growth-oriented platforms using her proven technique of the S.T.O.R.Y. Acceleratorô and empowered hundreds of organizations nationwide. Dr. Gordon's ability to shed light on causes that bring positive impact is evidenced in the piece, From Watts to Africa, showcased in the 2015 Pan African Film Festival. This film highlights the journey of 17 inner city youth traveling to Africa with the organization, Foundation For Second Chances and the impact this leadership program had on their life. Featured writer in Chicken Soup for the African American Soul; and ghost writer on several projects including a recent collaboration with Grammy nominated recording artist Chanteí Moore. Dr. Gordon's gifts in bringing stories of significance to light and enhancing organizations for success, is unparalleled. She has also raised millions of dollars for causes and is committed to positive, strategic and sustainable growth in the social profit sector. With several accolades and awards for her work, Dr. Gordon is most proud of her service in board leadership and received a gubernatorial appointment to the California Naturopathic Board of Directors in 2014; was voted board Chairperson of Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara in 2015 and recently received the 44th President of the United States, Lifetime Achievement Award for distinguished service. Residing in Los Angeles, she encourages youth and adults alike to "bloom where you're planted.”   You can learn more about Dr. Gordon and her work by visiting www.drthyonne.com    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Nichols is one of the world’s most requested motivational speakers. She is a media personality and corporate CEO whose global platform has reached and served nearly 30 million people. She has been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, The Steve Harvey Show, and on The Secret.  Lisa has six bestselling books including the New York Times Bestseller No Matter What and her seventh book Abundance Now was just released this January. I am so excited about this interview. Lisa is just hilarious. She is a bundle of energy and a whole lot of fun, and I know we are going to have an amazing interview. Listen in to find out about guerilla marketing, creating hooks, overcoming fear, and so much more!   You can find Lisa here: AbundanceNowOnline.com @2motivate on Twitter Lisa on Facebook   Show Notes [01:27] Lisa wanted to write a book as a way to inspire people while she was also doing other things like speaking. [02:46] If you want your message to have the greatest impact a book should be in your path. [03:44] How it took Lisa three and a half years to complete Chicken Soup for The African American Soul. [06:26] How a book is about the message, not the writing and punctuation. [07:43] No Matter What was Lisa's first solo book. [09:30] How Lisa's English teacher told her she was the weakest writer she has ever met. [10:38] Lisa's grammar wasn't strong, but her message was powerful. [12:19] Pushing through the fear of writing a book after being in the Chicken Soup Series and the Secret. [15:16] How Abundance Now is Lisa's biggest book ever and her life's work. [16:24] How fear is present when you do big things, but we have to minimize the fear story. [18:18] Lisa tries to get as creative and radical as possible with marketing. Guerilla marketing works. [19:51] Study your market. Who will read the book and where do they gather? [21:37] How Lisa sent a mass mailer out asking to speak at Churches and then organizations where her audience was. [23:28] Making Abundance Now a movement and a moment. The new definition of abundance. [26:40] Tempting readers to read your book by telling them what personal information is on certain highlighted pages. [29:26] Books are about people and the message on the page. [30:47] How to use current events in a book to open up a television opportunity. [33:34] Always be creating a hook and speaking in a way to create your next opportunity when you do a television appearance. [37:27] Getting that first opportunity to open the door for television shows. Start regional and work your way up. Put together a press release and media packet with video and give them a call. [42:38] Lisa's parting words about getting up every day and sharing our message.   Links and Resources: AbundanceNowOnline.com @2motivate on Twitter Lisa on Facebook self-publishingschool.com Spsfreetraining.com Chicken Soup for the African American Soul No Matter What    

Aug. 30, 2014. Patrik Henry Bass and Jerry Craft appears at the 2014 Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. Speaker Biography: Patrik Henry Bass is books editor of Essence magazine. He is the author of "Like a Mighty Stream: The March on Washington," for which he drew from photographs, news articles and eyewitness accounts. His current book (with illustrator Jerry Craft) is "The Zero Degree Zombie Zone" (Scholastic). Bass, a former professor at New York University, is also an award-winning journalist, who often appears on MSNBC, CNN and the BBC. He has written and edited for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly and Publishers Weekly. Speaker Biography: Jerry Craft is one of the few African-American syndicated cartoonists in America, with his "Mama's Boyz" comic strip, which is distributed to nearly 900 publications. He is the writer or illustrator, or both, of approximately a dozen children's books, and his work has appeared in Essence and Ebony, among other publications, and in the book series "Chicken Soup for the African-American Soul." His new book is "The Zero Degree Zombie Zone" (Scholastic), which he illustrated for its writer, Patrik Henry Bass. For transcript, captions, and more information, visit http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=6460

SHOW EPISODE 66 -E. Joyce Moore, writer of articles, essays including The Reality of Our Mentality, screenplays, contributor to Chicken Soup for the African American Soul, and What is the Purpose of a Banana?, poet, author of Ramblings Through the Attic of Thought and 'SHIPS (non-fiction), published by ATTMP and available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats

SHOW EPISODE 66 -E. Joyce Moore, writer of articles, essays including The Reality of Our Mentality, screenplays, contributor to Chicken Soup for the African American Soul, and What is the Purpose of a Banana?, poet, author of Ramblings Through the Attic of Thought and 'SHIPS (non-fiction), published by ATTMP and available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats

A native of  Cleveland, Yvonne Pointer is one of the most incredible individuals of our time. She continues to inspire so many with her amazing ability to turn her daughter’s Gloria horrific murder into a launching pad of service to so many. Yvonne is the founder of “Midnight Basketball”  a crime prevention program that offers young men an alternatives to violence.  She ministers to inmates and assist the released with re-entering society.  In it’s 20thyear her women’s support group, “Positive Plus” continues to thrive offering encouragement and self confidence. In honor of her daughter she established the “Gloria Pointer Scholarship Fund” that has raised thousands of dollars for so many deserving college students. As a global visionary, Yvonne funds the “Gloria Pointer Teen Movement” in Ghana, West Africa. Currently there are building a school that will be named in the honor of her daughter. Yvonne has been a featured speaker on numerous platforms, including the Essence Awards, Just to name a few. She authored the book “Behind The Death of A Child” and contributed to “Chicken Soup for the African American Soul.” She has been featured in multiple publications such as Essence, Ebony, Cleveland Times, to name a few. Yvonne has been a recipient of several awards including, being inducted into the Women’s Hall of  Fame for the State of Ohio, 908thPoint of Light presented by President George W. Bush, Queen Latifiah’sProject Confidence Award, an Essence Award and many others. www.yvonnepointer.com

Melanie Watkins always dreamt of becoming a doctor but when she found herself sixteen and pregnant, that dream seemed out of reach. Having been raised by a single mother, Melanie knew the challenges single motherhood presented. Despite the uphill climb, Melanie made the decision to raise her child on her own. Her memoir, Taking My Medicine: My Journey from Teenage Mother to Physician, is the story of a young woman's triumphs--overcoming the stigma of a teenage pregnancy and embarking on the journey to medical school. Drawing from pieces previously published in Chicken Soup for the African American Soul, Chicken Soup for the Single's Soul, Woman's World Magazine, What I Learned in Medical School: Personal Stories of Young Doctors, her memoir encourages young people to dream and to push beyond their most difficult circumstances. Her book is an inspiring story of faith and perseverance about a teenage mother beating insurmountable odds to create a brighter future for herself, her son and her community. Melanie Watkins, M.D. is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is licensed by the California State Medical Board to practice Medicine and Psychiatry. She received her medical training at the Stanford University School of Medicine and completed an internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco. Her specialty training in Psychiatry was at the University of Nevada, Department of Psychiatry. She currently is in private practice in Walnut Creek, CA. Dr. Watkins has experience in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance dependence, and personality disorders. She has particular interest in women’s mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Dr. Watkins can also provide support for family members and friends of mentally ill patients who require hospitalization and/or ongoing support. She enjoys treating adolescents and adults. She enjoys long distance running, motivational speaking and reading non-fiction books. She can be reached through her website www.drmelaniewatkins.com. She lives in Walnut Creek. Her son, Jonathan, is 18 years old and is a freshman in college in Reno, Nevada. Speaker's Academy Archive I caught up with Melanie at a National Speakers Association Northern California Chapter meeting immediately prior to the start of the Speaker's Academy program. To hear what she told me about her speaking program which has taken her from Alaska to New York, delivering talks to students from disadvantaged backgrounds; the story behind her book and the importance of mentorship, click on the podcast icon below.

  A native of  Cleveland Yvonne Pointer is one of the most incredible individuals of our time. She continues to inspire so many with her amazing ability to turn her daughter’s Gloria horrific murder into a launching pad of service to so many. Yvonne is the founder of “Midnight Basketball”  a crime prevention program that offers young men an alternatives to violence.  She ministers to inmates and assist the released with re-entering society.  In it’s 20thyear her women’s support group, “Positive Plus” continues to thrive offering encouragement and self confidence. In honor of her daughter she established the “Gloria Pointer Scholarship Fund” that has raised thousands of dollars for so many deserving college students. As a global visionary, Yvonne funds the “Gloria Pointer Teen Movement” in Ghana, West Africa. Currently there are building a school that will be named in the honor of her daughter. Yvonne has been a featured speaker on numerous platforms, including the Essence Awards, Just to name a few. She authored the book “Behind The Death of A Child” and contributed to “Chicken Soup for the African American Soul.” She has been featured in multiple publications such as Essence, Ebony, Cleveland Times, to name a few. Yvonne has been a recipient of several awards including, being inducted into the Women’s Hall of  Fame for the State of Ohio, 908thPoint of Light presented by President George W. Bush, Queen Latifiah’sProject Confidence Award, an Essence Award and many others. 

What are the triggers that ignite fights, disunity, and then fracturing in a local church? To drink or not to drink? Hymnals or projected contemporary praise? Coats and ties or jeans and open shirts? African-American Soul and Tony Evans type oratory or Bach fugues and Max Lucado’s quiet story telling? Each of you could add to this list and you could also color in anecdotes of how church fights have divided friends, families, and wounded delicate new believers. The Apostle Paul knew the power of food fights in the church and the debates over when and when not to worship. In Romans 14:1-12 he took on this challenge.

What are the triggers that ignite fights, disunity, and then fracturing in a local church? To drink or not to drink? Hymnals or projected contemporary praise? Coats and ties or jeans and open shirts? African-American Soul and Tony Evans type oratory or Bach fugues and Max Lucado’s quiet story telling? Each of you could add to this list and you could also color in anecdotes of how church fights have divided friends, families, and wounded delicate new believers. The Apostle Paul knew the power of food fights in the church and the debates over when and when not to worship. In Romans 14:1-12 he took on this challenge.