Podcast appearances and mentions of Derwin L Gray

Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we're joined by Dr. Derwin L. Gray, co-founder and lead pastor of Transformation Church. Since launching in 2010, Transformation Church has become a multi-ethnic, multi-generational movement impacting thousands locally and globally. In this conversation, Derwin tackles one of the most pressing—and often avoided—questions facing church leaders today: what are we actually multiplying? Are we forming disciples of Jesus—or unintentionally shaping people more through culture, politics, and media than through the gospel? Derwin challenges leaders to examine the deeper currents shaping their churches and to recover a bold, Christ-centered vision for discipleship. What are we actually multiplying? // Derwin raises a provocative concern: many churches are focused on growth, expansion, and multiplication—but not always clear on what is being multiplied. Are we producing disciples rooted in the gospel, or consumers attracted to experiences? He warns that without intentional focus, churches can unintentionally replicate shallow faith, cultural Christianity, or even ideological distortion. The goal of multiplication must not simply be more campuses or larger attendance, but deeper, more faithful discipleship. A discipleship crisis beneath the surface. // The issue isn't that churches lack discipleship. It's that many people are being discipled by the wrong influences. Social media, political ideologies, and cultural narratives are shaping beliefs and behaviors, often more powerfully than Scripture. This creates a “wrong discipleship” problem, where people identify as Christians but reflect values that are inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus. The challenge for leaders is to re-center discipleship around Christ, ensuring that people are being formed by the gospel rather than the surrounding culture. The danger of ideological captivity. // Derwin speaks candidly about the ways the church can become entangled in political ideologies—whether on the right or the left. He specifically critiques the rise of Christian nationalism, defining it as the fusion of the church's identity with the identity of a nation-state. This, he argues, distorts the gospel by elevating political allegiance above allegiance to Christ. At the same time, he acknowledges the influence of secular progressivism. Both extremes, in different ways, can pull believers away from the centrality of Jesus. The call is not to disengage from society, but to engage from a distinctly gospel-centered perspective. Recovering a gospel-shaped identity. // At the heart of Derwin's message is a call to rediscover what it means to be shaped by the gospel. The good news of Jesus is not merely about individual salvation—it creates a new family across ethnic, cultural, and social lines. This vision is central to Transformation Church's identity as a multi-ethnic community. Derwin emphasizes that the gospel reconciles not only vertically (between people and God), but horizontally (between people and one another). When churches lose this vision, they lose their witness in a divided world. Courageous and compassionate leadership. // Leading in this cultural moment requires what Derwin calls “courageous compassion.” Pastors must be willing to speak truth clearly while loving people deeply. This means addressing difficult issues without fear of losing people, while also avoiding harsh or divisive rhetoric. Derwin acknowledges that this approach can lead to criticism from multiple sides, but he emphasizes that faithfulness to Christ must take priority over maintaining comfort or approval. Practical steps for leaders. // For pastors who feel their churches have been shaped more by culture than by Christ, Derwin offers simple but powerful starting points: pray, repent, and refocus on the gospel. He encourages leaders to equip themselves through study and to guide their teams in rediscovering a biblical framework for discipleship. Most importantly, leaders must model what they teach, demonstrating lives rooted in Christ rather than captured by cultural narratives. A renewed vision for the church. // Ultimately, Derwin calls the church back to its prophetic voice. The church is not meant to mirror the divisions of the world but to offer a compelling alternative: a community shaped by love, unity, and truth. When the church remains rooted in Jesus, it becomes a powerful witness to a watching world. To learn more about Transformation Church and Dr. Derwin L. Gray, his teaching, and resources, visit transformationchurch.tc and derwinlgray.com. Plus, pre-order his book, It’s Time to Heal: Four God-Given Steps to Restore What Life Has Shattered. Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Lastly, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Portable Church Your church is doing really well right now, and your leadership team is looking for solutions to keep momentum going! It could be time to start a new location. Maybe you have hesitated in the past few years, but you know it's time to step out in faith again and launch that next location. Portable Church has assembled a bundle of resources to help you leverage your growing momentum into a new location by sending a part of your congregation back to their neighborhood on Mission. This bundle of resources will give you a step-by-step plan to launch that new or next location, and a 5 minute readiness tool that will help you know your church is ready to do it! Click here to watch the free webinar “Launch a New Location in 150 Days or Less” and grab the bundle of resources for your church! Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey friends, so glad that you decided to tune in to today’s episode of the unSeminary podcast. Really looking forward to this. I had a fragment of a conversation with a dear friend at the Exponential Conference and I want to have more of that today with you listening in. And this is a conversation that I know is impacting people. I think 100% of our church is in the country today. It’s something that we all are seeing. It’s impacting us. We’ve got to be thinking about this. Rich Birch — Honored to have Dr. Derwin Gray with us, incredible leader from Transformation Church. He and his wife, Vicki, co-founded the church in 2010. It’s a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, mission-shaped community community with two locations in South Carolina, as well as Church Online. He’s an award-winning author of multiple books. He’s been on the podcast in the past and is one of the people who, he’s called me out on the podcast before, and I have taken those lessons with me. And so I’m I'm hoping that happens with you today. Derwin, welcome to the show. So glad you’re here.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Hey, man, thank you. So good to be with you.Rich Birch — No, it’s it’s honest. You know, been multiple times you’ve been on the show and I I’ve walked away being like, man, okay, Derwin just, he’s just pushed me and and got me to think different, which I really appreciate that. So for folks that don’t know about Transformation, kind of tell us a little bit about the church and give us the context you’re in, that sort of thing.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah, man. So ah my wife and I co-planted Transformation Church in 2010 in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. And so neither my wife and nor I grew up in church, and both of us came to faith in our mid to late 20s, and primarily through people at work. There was a woman at my wife’s job who shared Christ with her. I had a teammate named Steve Grant, with the Indianapolis Colts, where I played in the NFL. We called him the naked preacher because after practice, he’d dry off, take a shower, wrap a towel around his waist, and he’d share the gospel. And over five years, I came to faith. My wife came to faith before me. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And all we knew was this. If Jesus is this incredible, this forgiving, this gracious, this is the greatest news there is in the world. And so we didn’t know what words like evangelism and discipleship meant. All we knew was this. I want to know him. I want to make him known. I want to know his word.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And so that was in 1997, 1998. We moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to play for the Carolina Panthers, and I got injured. And so all I could do was read my Bible, rehab my knee. And the following year, both my wife and I said, you know what? I think my NFL time is done.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — What are we going to do? We don’t know. So I got an invitation to speak at a youth event to share my testimony. And I said, well, what is that? They were like, a testimony is where you share your story of how you met Christ and what what took place. So I did that. People started calling me.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And in 1999, other Christians says, you guys need a nonprofit organization. You know, we’re like, what does that mean? So we started a ministry called One Heart at a Time. I would travel and speak. She would organize everything. We served at our church. Well, the longer we did that, we saw incredible fruit, but we also saw that wherever I would preach, it was ethnically segregated. It was it was really weird, right?Dr. Derwin L. Gray — I’m like, wait a second. America is integrated, but the church is basically segregated. And so I began to ask questions and I got lousy answers. But as we read the Bible, it was like the early church was Jews and Gentiles. That’s what it was. It was a multi-ethnic church. Jesus not only forgave sins, but he created a family with different colored skins. Not only is that the future of the church in Revelation 7:9, but that’s the present reality of the church that intrinsic to the gospel is ethnic reconciliation. What good would it be Jesus forgives you but don’t love your brother and sister? So the cross is vertical and horizontal. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — So we were frustrated. And then we just sense God say, well, you can criticize or you can create. And so ultimately that led to planting Transformation Church in the south area of Charlotte, North Carolina, where actually physically in what’s called Indian Land, South Carolina, and our other campus is in Lake Wiley, South Carolina, but it’s really the greater Charlotte area.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And our church is more ethnically diverse than our community. And I want to be very, very clear. One of the reasons why we are ethnically diverse is because of the good news of Jesus. Like I explained, Jesus not only forgives sins, but he creates a family with different colored skins. And so for us, ethnic unity in Christ not only enhances our discipleship, but it enhances our witness to a looking and watching world which is filled with so much division. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And over the last 16 years, God has done miraculous things. We’ve seen 9,000 people come to faith, thousands be baptized. God has given us massive influence. We also have what’s called the Multi-Ethnic Church Roundtable, where we’ve equipped 800 leaders from around the world to do gospel-centered multi-ethnic ministry. We’re also in the process, Leon’s Crump and I, of launching what’s called the Promise Collective, which is going to be an intentionally multi-ethnic gospel-centered church planting network.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — So a lot of wonderful things are taking place. And we think it’s pretty cool that God planted us in the state of South Carolina where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. And God has used this church here to influence not only the church in America, but even around the world. Rich Birch — Yeah, absolutely Dr. Derwin L. Gray — So we’re grateful.Rich Birch — Well, I, yeah, there’s I respect you on so many levels. And, and, you know, they these issues around being a multi-ethnic church are, you know, at the core of that. And just to respect you on for lots of what you’ve done. and And we ended up at this in this conversation, just to kind of bring everybody up to speed, we ended up in this conversation at Exponential that I leaned forward as just declaring my, ah you know, a little bit about me for folks that are listening in. So I am Canadian, don’t hold it against me.Rich Birch — But I’ve served mostly American churches in the churches I work with. And most of the 95% of the listeners of this podcast are in the States. I was in the States for a bunch of years. And that may become a little more obvious as we’re talking here why that’s why I’m talking about that context. But one of the things in this conversation that I heard you, the question you asked, which made me lean forward and then where it kind of unfolded from there is you asked the question, what are we actually multiplying? Exponential is obviously the global conference for multiplication, but you were pushing us to think about what are we actually multiplying? What is the the core of that? Can you unpack that for us?What were you thinking of when we started talking about that that day?Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah, sure, sure. Just to provide either even a little bit more context is it was a gathering of of very large churches. Rich Birch — Right.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And the question is what’s going well, what’s not going well? And so typically in those types of rooms, I like to listen. And so as I was listening, I was hearing no disrespect, but a lot of the same.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And so I kind of waited for everybody to to finish what they were saying. And I said, here’s something that Transformation Church does well, is we are equipping our people to stand against secular progressivism and Christian nationalism. And I said, what are we exactly multiplying? Because the state of the church the United States America is not good. It’s not healthy. It is divided. In many cases, it is it’s mean. Shallow theology, not loving our neighbors as God commands us to be loved. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — So so my question was, are we just putting up more boxes for consumers to come in and consume because we have good music, good human-centered preaching. You know, we’re not going to mess with your idols. We’re not going to topple your idols at all. And yeah, you can invite your friends when we get more campuses. Because if that’s just what we’re doing, don’t sign me up for that. I don’t I don’t I don’t want any parts of that. That’s how we got to where we are now. And so you as a Canadian, here in America, the witness of the church is not very good. Like when I talk to people who are unbelievers, I have to untangle…Rich Birch — Right.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — …politics from the gospel because unfortunately there’s been an unholy wedding, particularly on the far right with aspects of Christianity, which has distorted and deformed. I think the secular progressivism is pretty easy to see, but I think the Christian nationalism is a lot harder. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Now, let me define what I mean by that. So first of all, Loving your country is a good thing. That’s called loving your neighbors. You love yourself. So my fourth grandfather, Moses Davis, fought for the Union, the colored cavalry of Virginia… Rich Birch — Wow. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — …against the treasonous Confederate whatever it was. So in my blood is patriotism for my nation. America’s my home. But to love my neighbors, I love myself means not only do love America, but I love the entire world. And then as a Christian, we have a global body that we love. There are more followers of Jesus of color outside of America than the United States of America.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Now, what do I mean by Christian nationalism? This is what I mean. Christian nationalism is the attempt to fuse the identity and mission of the church with the identity and power of a nation state, treating the nation as a primary vehicle of God’s purposes rather than seeing God’s kingdom as a global Jesus-centered reality that transcends all nations.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — By that definition, Christian nationalism is a heresy. Because it basically says, if you don’t think like us, you can’t be a follower of Jesus. And so you’re adding to the works of Christ. And so Christian nationalism has infiltrated much of what I would say the majority culture, Caucasian church in America. Not all, but a lot. Where Christians, what what it means to follow Jesus has turned into a far right, almost authoritarianism versus, no, no, you have the right to vote in the United States of America. But as Christians, we don’t have a right to idolize nor demonize those who vote differently than us.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — I’m not sure Americans know this, but most people in the world are not Republican or Democrat. Rich Birch — Right.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — So if you say your faith is based on what you vote for, you’re adding to the work of Christ.Rich Birch — So, so Derwin, I appreciate you. So I’ve not heard a lot of people talk about this. This seems to be, I don’t know, it seems like something happened post COVID and the church in general, there was this like shakeup in the church in general where, you know, lots of people ended up in different places and it was like, we’ve become more divided than ever before. And I do think that there’s a significant dividing line at or close to what you’re talking about here, that it’s like, there’s a, there’s a new voice around Christian nationalism that seems to be gaining influence. Is that, is that, is that ah a false perception or is that the way you see it as well?Dr. Derwin L. Gray — No, you are 100% right. And it is a well-orchestrated, well-funded plan. With social media and the rise of social media influencers, paid propagandists can go on and infuse their propaganda into people immediately.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And here’s and here’s the thing. Populism does not require much intellect. All it requires is somebody to be angry at who’s taking from you. So the more divided we are as people, the more the oligarchs have power and the money that they make.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — They own the social media. They own the algorithms. I mean, for goodness sakes, Elon Musk promised people a million dollars to vote in Pennsylvania for the election. How is that even legal? Right. Rich Birch — Right.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — So people are being inundated. Like we have family members that don’t even talk to each other anymore because they have red hat or a blue shirt, right? And so it has been in increasingly effective. But here’s the thing, Rich, that’s so wild to me. The admin the the Trump administration greenlit the FDA approval of an abortion pill. And I don’t hear any evangelical saying anything about it.Rich Birch — Right. Right.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And even when you look at the Supreme Court now saying states can choose whether you do abortion or not, that’s pro-choice. You know, what used to be the Republican Party, small government, family values, those things are way gone. Rich Birch — Right. Right.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And so not only has Christian nationalism changed like, or not only has this current administration changed what the Republican Party was, but in many cases, it’s changed even so much of the church. And it is wild to listen to people in 2016 who said one thing, who say a totally different thing now.Rich Birch — Yeah.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — It’s hard.Rich Birch — Well, yeah. And I so I think the thing you’ve, you’re putting a finger on and it’s, I appreciate you being willing to talk about and unpack it is there’s definitely like a broader cultural conversation that’s happening around these issues. That is for sure. We’re seeing that. And that’s having an impact on our ability to disciple the people in our churches or our people are being discipled by social media, by the algorithm, by YouTube And that can create or is creating a discipleship crisis in many of our churches. How do you try to find the line between those two to say, hey, we’re going to talk about the discipleship stuff… Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah. Rich Birch — …without getting dragged in on the you know the exterior? How do we how do we draw those lines in a way that makes sense?Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah. Yeah. So, so, so what I would say is we don’t have a discipleship problem. We have a wrong discipleship problem. Rich Birch — Okay, that’s good. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Because somebody is making students out of somebody.Rich Birch — Right, sure.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And so are we becoming students of Jesus? that’s That’s the issue. And so what I say is this, how a person votes, that’s their conscience. But how do you treat the people who don’t vote like you? Dr. Derwin L. Gray — So for example, research shows black Americans are more socially conservative, more biblically committed than white Americans. But 90%, I’m sorry, but black American Christians, but black American Christians, 90% vote for Democrats. So how can you be more socially conservative, more biblically committed, but you vote for Democrat?Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Well, because they don’t take everything that’s in the Democratic Party, just like most people who voted for Trump don’t take everything with him. And so we have to give each other the latitude and the grace. And there’s also pro-life Democrats. And not everybody who voted for Trump is evil. Not everybody who votes Democrat is evil. But the powers that be want us divided. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s true. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And when I and when I talk to my friends from Canada, when I talk to my friends that are pastors from around the world, Norway, different parts of Europe, Australia, England, and they’re going, what has happened to you guys?Dr. Derwin L. Gray — I can tell you what’s what’s taken place is our faith is being distorted and driving it is fear and hatred.Rich Birch — Yeah. So I would echo that. The joke I’ve made, both with American leaders and leaders from other parts of the world, is there is a segment of the body of Christ that seems very angry about the love of God. Like they’re and they’re very fearful. Like it’s all it’s all anger and fear driven. And I don’t know whether, and it probably is related to the algorithms, but like we’re hearing from these people so much more than, than we used to. It used to be an echo chamber of people that lived in so much fear, but now it’s just out there. It seems to be in, in our, you know, in our feeds all the time.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah, what used to be on the fringes is now on the main street, right? And so we need to re-gospel ourselves. We need a greater commitment to Christ. So, for example, life in the womb is precious and sacred. That’s not conservative. That’s gospel. That’s biblical.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Caring for the dignity of undocumented people in America is not liberal. That’s gospel. Wanting border control is not conservative. That is understanding that a nation has to have borders to flourish. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Believing that marriage is between a man and a woman, we believe that’s biblical. But loving and respecting LGBTQ people is not liberal. Loving my neighbors as I love myself. And if I have any hope of anybody ah coming to Jesus, they’re not going come to Jesus because I’m yelling at them and I’m angry. I’m going to love them and pursue them just like we’ve done here at our church.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And so I feel like what we’ve done in in in the church is we’ve taken a 250 year old country called America. And then specifically the last 10 years, we’ve made that the hermeneutic to understand the gospel.Rich Birch — Yeah, right.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — We’ve made that the lenses that we look through to determine the gospel. Whereas what I’m saying, let’s go back to the text. Let’s go back to the early church, the book of Acts, Paul’s letters, the gospels. That’s where our faith comes from. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Like I have lobbied on Capitol Hill with Republicans and Democrats about immigration reform. We need border security, but we can also secure the dignity of human beings, especially human beings who are undocumented and don’t have a record against them. Right. So there has to be a process to have strong borders, but also to hold to people’s hearts.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — But but at the end of the day, right at the end of the day, we are people of the Lamb, not the elephant or the donkey.Rich Birch — So good. So good. So what’s the hardest part about leading in a church that really refuses to be captured by either side? I feel like there’s pressure on from both political parties to they, you know, I think somewhere along the line, they realize, wow, there’s a lot of power in these churches. And how do we you know, how do we kind of infiltrate or how do we gain that? What’s it like to lead a church that’s trying to, that’s refusing to be captured by both sides is wants to keep Jesus ahead. What does that cost? How is that, you know, what are some of the pressures of that? What have been some telltale signs for you as you’ve led at Transformation in this front?Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah, um i would i would I would say, Rich, sometimes I’ll get a critical email and a eventually those people will leave. But but but but for the most part, I mean, we’re 16 years in, it’s our ethos, it’s our character. People know who we are. They know why we are. And so like we’re flourishing, we’re growing. It’s beautiful. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — There’s a matter of fact, I got some messages earlier today just saying, hey, thank you. Like I was just about done with Christianity and I found Transformation Church, right? I mean, this Jesus, you’re this is what I want to be a part of. So I think respecting and loving all people, even though you disagree with them. And the thing that I said, I did a series in 2024 in the fall before the election on on the Beatitudes.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And my whole thing was how you vote is up to your conscious. How you treat people is not up for debate. We’re called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. And so in our church, I’m sure we got people all over the political spectrum. I’m a registered independent myself.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — But something that I think really landed well with our people is this: 99.9% of all followers of Jesus for 2,000 years and even now have never voted Republican and have never voted Democrat.Rich Birch — Right. Right. That’s good.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Our faith is in Christ and Christ alone. And America is what’s called a constitutional republic democracy. It is not a theocracy. It is governed by a constitution, not the Bible. And so, yes, I want believers in place not to do some kind of spiritual Sharia law, but to make sure that the Constitution is upheld, which gives life and liberty and justice, not for some, but for all.Rich Birch — What would you say, you know, I’ve often thought around this, these, this issue and we’re kind of related issues. I have to think back to Billy Graham and I think like, man, we don’t know what, don’t what he’d be doing today. Like what would, I’ve heard this story that and in the fifties he gathered a group of what at the time, they you know they self afflicted they gave themselves the title of fundamentalist and they said, hey, we gotta stop calling ourselves fundamentalist because that word is so loaded in our culture. It feels like evangelical is like that today. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah.Rich Birch — It is when people ask me, are you evangelical? I’ll say, well, it depends on what you mean by evangelical because it has so much freight behind it. Do you think there is a place for kind of a broader discussion? How, how can we continue to try to create a middle here that where people can actually try to shed these, like you say, the Lamb and the donkey and, or the, the, the elephant and the donkey and, and focus on the Lamb. How do we do that going forward? How do we create those kinds of places where those kinds of conversations can continue to happen?Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah, you know, so let me answer the first question first is when I preached in Norway a few years ago, the people said, thank you for being so evangelical. And it had nothing to do with politics. So the term evangelical comes from the Greek word, which means good news. So it’s never meant to be a political voting block. Rich Birch — Right.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — It’s never meant to be an ethnicity. It is good news people. So in Europe, I say I’m evangelical because it goes well. Here in America, I say I am shaped by the gospel. I’m a Christian that’s shaped by the gospel. Rich Birch — That’s good language.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — I love God and I love my neighbors. I love myself. So I think we have a fundamental gospel problem in the American church. If you simply think the good news is Jesus died for your sins, now you don’t go to hell, then your discipleship is going to be very reductionistic. It’s going to be very individualistic.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — So the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, his ascension and then sending the Spirit, is not only do we spend eternity with him, but as brothers and sisters, we’re equally righteous, equally redeemed, equally the temple of the Holy Spirit, equally God’s children. So if all those things are true equally, then by definition, we are the body of Christ. So if you hurt, then I hurt, but we don’t think that way.Rich Birch — Right.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — So we have to change the way we think. Paul says in Philippians 2.3, do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but consider others better than yourselves. Verse five is “for you have the mind of Christ”. And so what we’ve been able to do here at Transformation Church is really move people deeper to the gospel. If you listen to one of my messages, you will hear gospel. That’s why we are the way we are. And the gospel challenges idols.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — When President Obama was president, I would get emails, “Oh you must be a Republican.” And then when President Trump, “You must be a Democrat.” I’m like, no, I’m an independent, but I’m called to be prophetic and to equip us to not be captivated by the zeitgeist…Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — …the spirit of the age. When the church loses her prophetic witness, we’ve lost everything.Rich Birch — That’s good.Rich Birch — Yeah, that that that names something that you put a finger on there, on something that I’d love you to unpack a little bit more. How do you do that as a pastor? Because I’ve seen you do that consistently. It’s like, how how do we be that prophetic voice, speak with clarity to ultimately point people back to Jesus, not be captured by just the winds of the day?Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Be courageously compassionate. Rich Birch — That’s good.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Be courageously compassionate. I believe, you know, so I have, I have, I have talked to pastors who lead churches that may be, you know, center a little bit left. And well, if I talk about this issue too much, people may leave. Then I’ve heard other people like, well, if I talk about about this, the MAGA people may leave. And it’s like, well, Are you concerned about people leaving or are you concerned about honoring the call that God has given you? Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And one day you have to face him and you’re going to say, well, you know, what Lord, I was afraid people were going to leave. Like you can be courageous and compassionate simultaneously.Rich Birch — That’s good.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — So I, there are people on both sides of the aisle that passionately and deeply love Jesus, but have different perspectives politically. Now, Christian nationalism, that is a whole different species that that has to be lovingly challenged. And my job at Transformation Church is to equip our people and to be a shepherd because there are false prophets and wolves that are coming.Rich Birch — There’s a ton here. I really appreciate that. For a pastor that’s listening in today that’s thinking, man, I look at my people and I think maybe I they have been discipled more by cable news than by scripture. And I maybe haven’t done everything I could could have done. I haven’t been clear with compassion. I’ve just been, I’ve just kind of let this happen. What would you say some of the first steps that you would say for a for a leader like that?Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah, pray, repent, pray, repent. Take your elders and your staff through a book by Preston Sprinkle called “Exiles in Babylon” or the book by Michael Byrd and N.T. Wright. Both of them deal with you know how to be a faithful witness in this time of political division. But before you go out and share, make sure that you are equipped. But also choose not to be partisan.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Rich, the Epstein Files is one of the biggest cover-ups in American history. We’re talking about precious kids who were taking advantage of. And I mean, where is the prophetic voice that this is wrong, regardless of who’s in it? This is wrong and it demands justice. We as God’s people are going to be held accountable to equip this. Like, this is serious. Like, I’ve heard people say, well, there’s bigger problems in the world. No, there’s not.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Derwin, this has been fantastic. I want to point people towards, you’ve got a new book that’s coming out. That’s like like a huge left-hand turn here, but just looking at it, I think this could is is connected, obviously, to what we’re talking about in today’s conversation. It comes out this fall.Rich Birch — It’s called it’s a time or “It’s Time to Heal: Four God-Given Steps to Restore What Life Has Shattered”. Tell us a little bit about this book, and I and I want to get people to you know actually pre-order this thing.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah, man. So basically the last seven years, what I have seen from followers of Christ is we’re the walking wounded. We are, we are just stuck. We have allowed our traumas, our histories, our pains, our failures, the way we’ve been hurt to keep us in a position of hurt. And we’ve just circled and circled. And then, a lot of preaching deals with behavior modification and doesn’t get to the root. And so I’ve just been like, you know what, God, I want to help God’s people. Right. And it starts with helping myself.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And what I do is I really take a theology of who we are in Christ. I take neuroscience and psychology and marry them in spiritual formationRich Birch — Love it.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And it’s by far the best book that I’ve ever written. I can’t wait for people to see the endorsements from people like Dr. Daniel Amen, Craig Groeschel, Christine Caine. It’s by far the most important book I’ve ever written and the best book I’ve ever written. And I believe that it can really help people heal. Like really understanding that trauma gets in our nervous system. It’s not just think harder, do more. Like we have to learn how this is embodied inside of us. Dr. Derwin L. Gray — And so, man, it transformed me writing it. And what I do is I walk the people through an acronym. The the book is in four parts and the acronym HEAL. H stands for honest about what what happened. E, expect hard. A, accept what happened and L, live from love, not for love. And I share some incredible stories in there. And so, yeah, I’m really, really looking forward to people healing.Rich Birch — Well, yeah, I would encourage people to, we’ll link to that in the show notes and all that. But I think it’s connected in that I think I think the extremes on both ends politically, they’ve picked up on kind of the pain in the zeitgeist. And they’ve they’ve said, hey, the solution is is is the other side is the enemy and we got to do something to tear them down. And we know that just won’t work. At the end of the day, it’s Jesus transforming our lives. It’s him restoring us to who we are. And I think this could be a great tool for folks as they’re wrestling with that. So I’m excited for that book to come out. Looking forward to that. And we’ll we’ll link to all that. Rich Birch — Any kind of final words as we wrap up today? I really appreciate you unpacking this a bit more and taking some time to, you know, kind of let us chat a little bit about it.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah, two thoughts. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 and 45, bless those who persecute you. And I said, love your enemies. And then Jesus said, you will know my disciples because they love one another. Refuse to let anger and hatred and division guide you.Rich Birch — That’s good. So good. You said two things. You had two you that and one other thing.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Well, yeah, it was it was Matthew 5 and you’re on…yeah.Rich Birch — Oh, I see. Right, right, right. Yep. Okay. That’s good. Nice. Where if people want to track with you or with the church, where do we want to send them online? Just as we wrap up today’s call conversation.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Yeah, just go to derwinlgray.com, derwinlgray.comRich Birch — Nice. That’s great. Dr. Derwin, I just want to honor you. You’re an incredible leader. Thank you for being here today and helping us think through these issues. Thank you.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Thank you, my friend.Rich Birch — Take care.Dr. Derwin L. Gray — Appreciate you.

Brian From invites listeners to rethink resolutions—not around what we want to accomplish, but who we want to become—anchoring the year in Jesus’ call to love God more deeply and love others more faithfully. The episode also tackles financial anxiety in an uncertain economy, asking whether Christ is truly enough and how prayer and contentment reshape our fears about money and the future. Brian closes with a powerful warning about the danger of losing awe and wonder in our faith, urging believers to fight apathy and rediscover the joy that fuels worship, obedience, and a life lived for God. The Danger of Loss of Wonder for Ministry Leaders - Eric Geiger – Eric Geiger, Author and Senior Pastor, Mariners Church Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: ""The latest data means 2025 saw the weakest annual job growth since 2003, with just 584,000 jobs added last year." https://t.co/yf8z8na8Tc" / X Happy 80th Birthday, John Piper - Christianity Today New Heights on X: "Matt Damon gave us some of the most emotional parenting advice we’ve ever got on this show https://t.co/RbzkmxxHJ4" / X Most People Lie About Their Finances To Make Themselves Seem More Desirable | YourTango See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian From moves from heartwarming viral stories and frigid-weather musings to deeper reflections on habits, comparison, and the spiritual “ice” that keeps us from seeing clearly. He wrestles with cultural debates—from extravagant church Christmas productions to surprising zoo controversies—while continually inviting listeners back to the hope, clarity, and stability found in Jesus, our firm foundation. As Christmas approaches, Brian urges us to shed the weights that entangle, embrace our God-given callings, and remember that even amid rubble, Christ holds every story together. Bob Goff on Escaping the Comparison Trap and Finding Your Real Purpose - RELEVANT 'Tax-free grift': Critics already furious about Texas church's Christmas show Held Together by a Cornerstone - Christianity Today Equipping a New Generation for Mission and the Urbana Conference Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: ""On average, young adults remain much less religious than older Americans,” reads the report released Monday (Dec. 8). “Today’s young adults also are less religious than young people were a decade ago.” https://t.co/9ZQv6rFuIa" / X My Top 10 Theology Stories of 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: "According to a recent Pew Research Center analysis, 47 % of international migrants globally identify as Christians." / X Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: "Billionaires’ wealth surged $6.5tn over past decade, Oxfam reports. "In total the richest 1% of the global population has gained at least $33.9tn in real terms, which the charity said was “enough to end annual global poverty 22 times over." https://t.co/9deAiGJN32" / X Facebook Megan Basham on X: "I'm not sure how much we should try to "learn" from apostates. I see exactly ZERO biblical model for that." / X Speak with a Christian Accent Daily Devotions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to money, the issue isn't just budgets or bank accounts—it's identity and ownership.In Christ, we're a new creation and God's dwelling place, which means money is something we manage for the Owner. Today, we'll explore what it looks like to live as God's stewards with Dr. Derwin Gray.Dr. Derwin L. Gray is a former NFL player turned pastor, author, and speaker. He co-founded Transformation Church in South Carolina and is the author of multiple books on faith, discipleship, race, and gospel-centered unity.From Ownership to StewardshipOne of the most significant shifts we can make as followers of Christ is to stop thinking like owners and start thinking like stewards. Scripture makes the point that: “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).God doesn't want something from us—He wants something for us. He longs for us to share His generous heart, free from the grip of idolatry. When Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve both God and money,” He drew a line we cannot straddle. Money is a tool to serve God's purposes, not a master to rule our lives.A powerful illustration of this danger can be found in The Lord of the Rings. Smeagol, once a hobbit, discovered a ring of dark power and quickly became consumed by it. Calling it “my precious,” he was slowly deformed—body and soul—by his obsession.Money can do the same thing when it takes God's place in our lives. Instead of being a tool to serve God, it becomes a master that warps our hearts and dehumanizes us. But when grace reshapes our perspective, we see money for what it truly is: not a god to worship, but a resource to manage for God's glory.Generosity Flows from the GospelThe Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 8:9, “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich.”Generosity is not our idea—it is God's nature. Giving is worship, an overflow of gratitude to the One who gave Himself for us. When we give our first and best to God, we not only honor Him but also discover peace, freedom, and deeper trust.This isn't only about giving. Stewardship encompasses saving, investing, and living debt-free. But generosity is foundational. When we trust God with our finances, we learn to trust Him with every other area of our lives. Our High CallingWe are not owners. We are managers of what the King of kings has placed in our hands. Every dollar entrusted to us is an opportunity to worship Him, serve others, and reflect His generous heart.When we embrace this calling, stewardship stops being a burden and becomes a beautiful privilege. How might God be inviting you to live more fully as His steward today?On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I had to retire early because of health issues for both me and my wife. As a custodian, I wasn't able to save much, and now we're living on about $2,400 a month from Social Security. What's the best way to wisely manage these limited resources?I'm 80 years old and have been taking required minimum distributions from my IRA for about ten years, giving some of those funds to charity each year. When I pass away, my children will inherit the IRA. Will they need to continue taking required minimum distributions?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Transformation Church | I Am A Steward (Sermon by Dr. Derwin Gray)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All Aboard the Annual "Big Nude Cruise" from Miami 6 Implications of Being Made in the Image of God Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: "Nearly half of U.S. Christians don’t attend church, State of the Bible finds "Nearly half of American Christians, 45 percent, have not attended church in the past six months, the American Bible Society said in its latest release from the 2025." https://t.co/IqQsAUKDRi" / X J.D. Greear on X: "We find hope by keeping our gaze on this glorious picture: Jesus reigns victorious, his mission will ultimately be accomplished, and his Word will triumph. https://t.co/BETohPsEbl https://t.co/iD38Rri8nr" / X Are we in a crisis of rudeness? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fascinating on X: "During World War II, a young American officer stepped away for a quick bathroom break, and when he returned, he discovered that another officer had taken his seat on the bomber he was supposed to board. Left behind, he had no choice but to catch another plane. The bomber he was https://t.co/TlUnLdRgEj" / X Roseanne Barr Says God Told Her to Post Tweet That Ended Her Career Ryan Burge

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans consult astrology, tarot cards or a fortune teller, Pew study finds Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: "What's difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? And why it matters. https://t.co/DJm1umv0w9" / X 4 Things We Get Wrong About Discipleship With a massive ark and museum, he spreads creationism a century after Scopes trial. He’s not alone Turkey: 'Missing' man joins search party looking for himself French Woman Stuck with English Accent 11 Years after Tonsil Surgery See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a crisis of good news in our world today. The message of the gospel - the radical, transformative love of God poured out through Jesus Christ - has become muted, obscured by the noise of culture wars and the bitter taste of Christendom's failures. For many, the idea of "evangelism" conjures up images of slick preachers and aggressive door-to-door campaigns, leaving a sour note where there should be a jubilant melody. But my guest today, Derwin Gray, is on a mission to reclaim that melody - to help believers rediscover the joy and power of sharing the good news, not as a chore or a weapon, but as an overflow of the love that has set their own hearts ablaze. As the founding pastor of Transformation Church, Derwin has witnessed firsthand the way a community can be "lit up with love" - a people so captivated by the grace of God that it spills out into every corner of their lives. In our conversation, he unpacks a vision of evangelism that is relational, empathetic, and rooted in the overwhelming reality of God's affection. It's a perspective that has the potential to rekindle our passion for the gospel and reshape how we engage a world that is, in many ways, starving for the good news. So join me as we dive into Derwin's story, and discover how the simple act of receiving God's love can transform us into everyday missionaries, compelled to share the most life-giving news the world has ever known. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the co-founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church, just outside of Charlotte, NC. He is also the author of several books, including “How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and What the First Century Christians Knew about Racial Reconciliation." You can follow him at @derwinlgray on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as www.derwinlgray.com.Derwin's Book:Lit Up With LoveDerwin's Recommendation:Paul: A BiographySubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowEmail jjohnson@allnations.us, so we can get your creative project off the ground! Support the show

WNBC News Anchor Chuck Scarborough Signs Off After 50-Year Run From Nixon To Trump 2.0 Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: ""Pro-life leaders are sounding off about the "serious and growing threat" of chemical abortion pills after President-elect Trump said he would not restrict access to the pills as president." https://t.co/VziWWfHqJD" Terri Green on X: "“God is Holy, Holy, Holy.” — R.C. Sproul https://t.co/xoTCbJLQPr" Many Young Adults Are Skipping Holiday Gatherings to Avoid Post-Election Tension ℂ

NUCLR GOLF on X: "Spot on

Which Church in Revelation Is Yours Like? Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: "10 Guidelines for Christian Voters. This is from 1984 (Pentecostal Evangel). https://t.co/OSPqV7CLdP" Jon Acuff on X: "Leaders who can't be questioned end up doing questionable things. #leadership #goals #mindset https://t.co/jaKr0DyM0F" No Little People, No Little Places - Eternal Perspective MinistriesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Smietana on X: "Thanks to the sources who talked to me on the Friday before a holiday for this story https://t.co/DUtcYU8coz" Wall Street Apes on X: "I can't even describe how insane this is, you just have to watch it Going through the ingredients of the New Pumpkin Swirl Frozen Coffee at Dunkin Donuts Someone needs to explain how this is actually legal to serve to people https://t.co/OI0Gx20Rd5" Timothy Keller (1950-2023) on X: "When Jesus Christ was in the garden of Gethsemane and the ultimate darkness was coming down on him and he knew it was coming, he didn't abandon you-he died for you. If Jesus Christ didn't abandon you in his darkness, the ultimate darkness, why would he abandon you now, in yours?" Drew on X: "I wish just one presidential candidate would say, "Here's why my positions changed. I said one thing in the primaries to appeal to my radical base. But it's a general election and now I have to swing to the middle to pick up moderates. I have no values but I am super duper" Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: "Pastors, we are in stormy seas of political idolatry, malicious progressivism, destructive populism, and anemic discipleship; our rootedness in King Jesus, His Gospel, His kingdom, and His mission is essential. Get back in Him." challies on X: "Flashback: When we hear a sermon that stimulates our minds, we owe praise to God, not the preacher. When we hear a new song that provokes our hearts to worship, we ought to praise God long before the songwriter. https://t.co/M4y5cY7pH4"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

i/o on X: "The median age of an MSNBC viewer is 70. At Fox News it's 69. Younger people watch CNN (median age 67)." Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: "Jesus came to earth to save us because we can't be good enough. Grace means salvation is unearned, it's a gift. "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift —  not from works, so that no one can boast." ~ Paul Ephesians 2:8-9" U.S. stocks poised for slight bounce back after worst day in almost 2 years Max Lucado on X: "There are many different translations for the Greek word that describes the Holy Spirit: Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor. But the central message is the same: we are not alone. https://t.co/JWmDeCRMzF"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Should We Sing? How to Identify a Good Worship Song | Desiring God  Jonathan Merritt on X: "BREAKING: Orange Conference founder @reggiejoiner has been fired due to an inappropriate sexual relationship with a senior leader, just one week before thousands gather at their annual event" Amaze the Next Generation with God | Crossway Articles North Carolina bear cubs snatched out of tree by group to take selfies with in disturbing clip How Do I Share the Gospel to People Who've Heard It All Before? - (relevantmagazine.com) Ben Kew on X: "NPR's far-left CEO Katherine Maher: "Our reverence for the truth might be a distraction that's getting in the way of finding common ground and getting things done." This “Jeopardy!” Question About the Bible Left Fans Outraged (beliefnet.com) Dr. Derwin L. Gray on X: "In a world that seems to be spinning out of control, remember the sovereignity and unfailing love of our God. Ephesians 1:10 NLT And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buckle-up for episode 66 of The Waypoint Podcast. This is a note-taking, listen-up conversation! Dr. Dewin Gray is a firehose of Biblical truth, join us as he gives nuggets from each of his projects plus much more. We hope you find this conversation encouraging in your ministry context!You can find more about Dr. Dewin L. Gray and all his projects atwww.derwinlgray.comRemember you can always find us atwaypointchurchpartners.comFollow us atfacebook.com/WaypointChurchPartnersinstagram @waypointchurchpartnersThe Waypoint Podcast is hosted and produced by Dyke McCordhosted, produced, and edited by Rebecca HottIf you want to find out more about supporting Waypoint Church Plants head toiplantchurches.comRegister for future Waypoint Events or reach out to any of our Staff!

Dr. Derwin L. Gray and his wife Vicki Gray are the co-founders of Transformation Church, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, where he serves as Lead Pastor. They met at Brigham Young University where he played football and she threw the javelin on the track team. They have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, Pastor Derwin played professional football in the NFL—five years with the Indianapolis Colts and one year with the Carolina Panthers. During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ. Pastor Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Apologetics, and was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher, Dr. Norman Geisler. He was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary, and he received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McKnight. Pastor Derwin speaks at conferences nationwide and is the author of several books, including How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and What the First Century Christians Knew about Racial Reconciliation. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Pastor Derwin Gray. 03:30 What do you do as a pastor? It's not a job. It's a calling. 06:00 How he came to play with BYU football and in the NFL. The spiritual awakening that led Derwin to become a pastor. 13:00 Taking religious courses at BYU without much of a religious background. Derwin shares some of the experiences that he had in his classes. 16:30 Being at BYU taught Derwin to learn the story of other people that you love. It taught him a moral framework and what it means to take care of your own. 19:10 Leadership from Coach Edwards He surrounded himself with good coaches He delegated to them He empowered his staff He built strong relationships 22:30 Delegation means finding and equipping the right people to implement the vision and championing them to do it. 23:30 Tips for delegation You are clear on what you are asking them to do You are prepared to prepare them to do what you are asking them to do Celebrate them for what they do 26:45 Motivating the volunteers and people that are serving. Lovingly pushing people towards action. 32:15 The dynamic between the congregation and a pastor. They have a big staff to care for and shepherd their people. The pastor can't do it alone. 34:40 The biggest things that Derwin sees that his congregation is struggling with: anxiety, depression, fatigue, comparison, trauma. 37:15 I can't carry people's hurts; I have to carry them to Jesus. Learning to have compassion without getting compassion fatigue. 39:40 Crash course on giving a sermon on Jesus. It's not about information, it's about transformation. 45:00 Derwin shares his insights on sharing a testimony. Many in our church testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet and that the Church is true but don't talk about how Jesus has changed their lives. 46:00 The role of Derwin's wife, Vicki, in the ministry. Women have a vital ministry role. 48:00 To be a bishop or pastor doesn't mean telling people what to do. Their job is to serve the staff and congregation. 49:30 A lot of times we get our leadership style from culture and not from Christ. 52:40 Pastor Derwin shares his final thoughts and testimony on leadership. Links derwinlgray.com Books by Pastor Derwin Gray Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck,

Dr. Derwin L. Gray and his wife Vicki Gray are the co-founders of Transformation Church, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, where he serves as Lead Pastor. They met at Brigham Young University where he played football and she threw the javelin on the track team. They have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, Pastor Derwin played professional football in the NFL—five years with the Indianapolis Colts and one year with the Carolina Panthers. During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ. Pastor Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Apologetics, and was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher, Dr. Norman Geisler. He was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary, and he received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McKnight. Pastor Derwin speaks at conferences nationwide and is the author of several books, including How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and What the First Century Christians Knew about Racial Reconciliation. Highlights 02:00 Kurt introduces Pastor Derwin Gray. 03:30 What do you do as a pastor? It's not a job. It's a calling. 06:00 How he came to play with BYU football and in the NFL. The spiritual awakening that led Derwin to become a pastor. 13:00 Taking religious courses at BYU without much of a religious background. Derwin shares some of the experiences that he had in his classes. 16:30 Being at BYU taught Derwin to learn the story of other people that you love. It taught him a moral framework and what it means to take care of your own. 19:10 Leadership from Coach Edwards He surrounded himself with good coaches He delegated to them He empowered his staff He built strong relationships 22:30 Delegation means finding and equipping the right people to implement the vision and championing them to do it. 23:30 Tips for delegation You are clear on what you are asking them to do You are prepared to prepare them to do what you are asking them to do Celebrate them for what they do 26:45 Motivating the volunteers and people that are serving. Lovingly pushing people towards action. 32:15 The dynamic between the congregation and a pastor. They have a big staff to care for and shepherd their people. The pastor can't do it alone. 34:40 The biggest things that Derwin sees that his congregation is struggling with: anxiety, depression, fatigue, comparison, trauma. 37:15 I can't carry people's hurts; I have to carry them to Jesus. Learning to have compassion without getting compassion fatigue. 39:40 Crash course on giving a sermon on Jesus. It's not about information, it's about transformation. 45:00 Derwin shares his insights on sharing a testimony. Many in our church testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet and that the Church is true but don't talk about how Jesus has changed their lives. 46:00 The role of Derwin's wife, Vicki, in the ministry. Women have a vital ministry role. 48:00 To be a bishop or pastor doesn't mean telling people what to do. Their job is to serve the staff and congregation. 49:30 A lot of times we get our leadership style from culture and not from Christ. 52:40 Pastor Derwin shares his final thoughts and testimony on leadership. Links derwinlgray.com Books by Pastor Derwin Gray TRANSCRIPT coming soon Watch on YouTube Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox,

Not a week goes by that the US isn't rattled by a racially-charged news story. Just last week we reeled and lamented the shooting of young Ralph Yarl, a black teen boy who went to the wrong address in Kansas City to pick up his young brothers. It's tempting to think such headlines have nothing to do with us, or that we as individuals have nothing to offer our national strife. Christians especially might want to shrink back from the conversation, not wanting to become too political. The racial distance and even division we see in our Christian communities testifies that ethnic unity is not a high priority for us as a whole. Dr. Derwin Gray, a pastor of a multiethnic church in North Carolina and author of How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and the First Christians Knew, About Racial Reconciliation, says pastors and seminaries have failed to disciple our generation of Christ followers when it comes to God's Word and our diversity. Dr. Gray says, “In western christianity we've turned the gospel into 'Jesus died for your sins and you can go to heaven when you die.' The gospel is more than simply saving individuals. It's saving individuals who are of different ethnicities to bring them into a family… What we've done in America is we've made a package of ‘here's how you can go to heaven when you die' versus ‘how do we become the redeemed new people of God for all time.'”On this episode of All Things we're diving into both the Bible and culture when it comes to ethnic unity and disunity. Dr. Gray refuses to be siloed into one political camp or the other. Rather, his insight and comments are nuanced and laser-focused on the Kingdom of Jesus. We talk about: - Derwin Gray's fascinating life story: how he played football at BYU and then the NFL, how he came to Jesus, his rigorous theological pursuits, and how he—a chronic stutterer—came to establish multiethnic megachurch with his wife in Charlotte, North Carolina. - How our vertical reconciliation to God requires our horizontal reconciliation to all people. - How the Bible is saturated with God's plan for a multiethnic family. - How there are indeed demonic powers at work in the world, seeking to keep us divided. - The cost and joy of pursuing multiethnic ministry. - Identity in Christ alone, especially when you preach against the cultural grain. - How to respond to the shooting of Ralph Yarl—you might be surprised by the multifaceted response Dr. Gray gives here. Like I said, he refuses to be siloed and I really appreciate that!- The benefits of detoxing from media and social media and feasting instead on God's Word. - How the church of Jesus is over 2,000 years old and political parties are new and temporary. Let's be rooted in what will last forever! Recommended Resources:How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and the First Christians Knew, about Racial Reconciliation by Dr. Derwin L. Gray: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781496458803/how-to-heal-our-racial-divide-hardbackhttps://www.derwinlgray.com/

We continue to bring you taster episodes of our wide range of Premier Unbelievable podcasts during August. Our newest podcast 'Unapologetic' offers weekly conversations with leading Christian thinkers, apologists and evangelists. In this episode Justin meets former NFL player Derwin L Gray, who founded Transformation Church in South Carolina and is author of the new book 'How To Heal Our Racial Divide'.   Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 See episodes at our website: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/shows/unapologetic   • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Martin Luther King said that '11 am Sunday is the most segregated hour in America'. Today, most churches are split along black, white or latino lines. Pastor Derwin L Gray, author of 'How To Heal Our Racial Divide', tells Justin Brierely how they have sought to make Transformation Church a truly multi-ethnic community.   For Derwin Gray: https://www.derwinlgray.com   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Phrases such as Critical Race Theory, Black Lives Matter, 'antiracism' and 'white privilege' have become polarising issues in Christian circles. Derwin L Gray shares what he thinks Christians need to understand about racism and the controversy surrounding these terms.   For Derwin Gray: https://www.derwinlgray.com   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Former NFL footballer-turned-pastor Derwin L Gray shares lessons he has learned from leading Transformation Church, the multi-ethnic megachuch he founded, as he continues to open up his book 'How To Heal Our Racial Divide'   For Derwin Gray: https://www.derwinlgray.com   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Derwin L Gray is a former NFL football player who, along with his wife Vicki, founded Transformation Church - a 'multicultural, multi-generational, mission-shaped' church in South Carolina. Derwin tells Justin Brierley how he came to faith during his football career and why he decided to write his latest book 'How To Heal Our Racial Divide' and why we are living in racially divided times.   For Derwin Gray: https://www.derwinlgray.com   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

God's vision for a ‘reconciled, multiethnic family in loving community' is central to the Gospel. Dr. Derwin L. Gray offers grace-filled, convicting and Jesus-centric encouragement as we talk through his newest book – How to Heal Our Racial Divide. As the pastor of Transformation Church, Derwin offers candid and practical suggestions for fellow ministry leaders. We invite you to explore the honesty of Scripture and the encouragement of a fellow brother in Christ through this episode. Show Notes:  For more information about MOPS International, go to www.mops.org Start a MOPS group: www.mops.org/start-a-group Additional Pastor Resources: www.mops.org/pastor-resources Guest: Dr. Derwin L. Gray Follow Derwin on Twitter and IG: @derwinlgray Visit www.derwinlgray.com to engage more about Dr. Derwin Gray's personal work and to purchase How to Heal Our Racial Divide. To learn more about the work of Transformation Church (TC), a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped church visit transformationchurch.tc. 

For the second week in a row we are hanging out with a friend from Charlotte, North Carolina. After graduating from Brigham Young University, Dr. Derwin L. Gray played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). Dr. Gray began his journey with God, experiencing His faithfulness as as Christ moved in his heart to make Him known.Derwin earned a master of divinity degree with a concentration in apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary under the mentorship of the renowned theologian Dr. Norman Geisler. He also earned a doctor of ministry degree in the New Testament in context at Northern Seminary. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the cofounder and lead pastor of Transformation Church (TC), a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped church located in the Charlotte, metro region. He is a popular conference speaker and the author of Hero: Unleashing God's Power in a Man's Heart; Building a Multiethnic Church; The Good Life; God, Do You Hear Me?, Limitless Life, and his new book out TODAY, How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and the First Christians Knew, about Racial Reconciliation.Like many of us, Dr. Gray is weary of the racial divide in our society. He longs to see hurts healed, wrongs corrected, and trust replace distrust.The good news is that the Bible has a lot to say about how to heal our persistent racial divides. In How to Heal Our Racial Divide, Dr. Gray walks us through Scripture, showing us the heart of God—how God from the beginning envisioned a reconciled multiethnic family in loving community, reflecting his beauty and healing presence in the world. This message is central to the gospel itself.Cover to cover, I could not put this book down. After picking up How to Heal Our Racial Divide, you won't read the Bible the same way ever again. You will hear me admit this more than a few times in this conversation with Dr. Gray! There is so much to learn from this eye-opening scriptural journey when we as God's people turn from being color blind and embrace being color blessed.Official show notes available atwww.kohliebrowning.comMusic, "Where the Light Dances" by Yamareewww.instagram.com/yamareeofficial/"Wrong" by Dan Henig"Jindupe" by Lauren Dunski

Looking for a Reformed Church in Orange County? Check out Santa Ana Reformed (a United Reformed Church plant) meeting Sundays at 4:00 PM, with a 5:30 PM fellowship dinner afterwards. Please help support the show on our Patreon Page! WELCOME TO BOOK CLUB! Dr. Derwin L. Gray (DMin., Northern Seminary) is Senior Pastor of Transformation Church in Indian Land, North Carolina. We want to thank Tyndale for help setting up this interview and providing us with the necessary materials to interview Dr. Gray! Purchase the book here: How to Heal our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and the First Christians Knew, about Racial Reconciliation Have Feedback or Questions? Email us at: guiltgracepod@gmail.com Find us on Instagram: @guiltgracepod Follow us on Twitter: @guiltgracepod Find us on YouTube: Guilt Grace Gratitude Podcast Please rate and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you use! Looking for a Reformed Church? North American Presbyterian & Reformed Churches --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gggpodcast/support

Ben sits down with author and pastor of Transformation Church, Dr. Derwin L. Gray to navigate what the Bible says about healing our racial divide and what action we can take to stand for reconciliation in our communities as well as our local church. Like what you hear and want to dig in deeper? Grab a copy of Dr. Derwin L. Gray's new book, How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and the First Christians Knew About Racial Reconciliation. Connect with Dr. Derwin: -Instagram -Twitter -Website -Check out Transformation Church -Purchase his new book, How to Heal Our Racial Divide Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsor: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we're kicking off a new podcast series with our first episode – How to love God in a world that says otherwise. Make sure to subscribe so you won't miss any new episodes. What does it look like to love God? A life of sacrifice? Serving? Tune in as Alexandra Hoover and Pastor Derwin L. Gray talk through what it looks like to truly love God in a world that says otherwise. Make sure to connect with us www.transformationchurch.tc

Racial tension is at a high point. The embodiment of the Kingdom found in the New Testament and lived out through the Church was to be a vision of unity and diversity. The Church in America, unfortunately, has remained one of the most segregated organizations instead of being a vision for unity and diversity. Pastor Derwin Gray and Transformation Church is a shining light of how the Church can be the type of diverse community it was intended to be. Hear about Pastor Derwin's journey of planting Transformation Church, the challenges they faced from being a multiethnic church, and the steps any church can take to become a richer expression of the diverse Kingdom of God. Suggested Resources: Building a Multiethnic Church | Previously released as - The High Definition Leader by Derwin L. Gray (https://amzn.to/3J1Sezv) The Fellowship of Differents by Scot McKnight (amzn.to/2XvuIGa) Follow Pastor Derwin on his website (www.derwinlgray.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Derwin-L-G…/117534411600257) Twitter (twitter.com/derwinlgray) Instagram (www.instagram.com/derwinlgray/)

We all “know” we should pray more, but is it actually making a difference in ourselves and the world around us? Dr. Derwin Gray, founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, joins co-host Scott Young to discuss the prayer that God uses as the foundation on which to build your life. Learn how prayer is the secret place where you find God waiting for you. It's not about “getting stuff” but becoming who you were meant to be. This episode may just transform your prayer life forever.  For Show Notes & Episode Details: https://theinfluencerspodcast.org  Get more inspirational content all week: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theinfluencerspodcastofficial INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/theinfluencerspodcastofficial/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/hearinfluencers Learn more about Dr. Derwin L. Gray and get his latest book, “God, Do You Hear Me?” at https://www.derwinlgray.com/   

Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. He has written several books, most recently God, Do You Hear Me? And the bestselling The Good Life. Gray and his wife Vicki have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, Pastor Derwin played professional football in the NFL—five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993–1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ and experienced God's faithfulness and direction as He moved their hearts to know Him and to make Him known. Pastor Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, with a concentration in Apologetics. He was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher, Dr. Norman Geisler. In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary. In 2018, he received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McNight.God Do You Hear Me Book HereInstagram Follow The Story Box on Social Media► INSTAGRAM ► TWITTER ► FACEBOOK ► WEBSITE SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE! ► Apple Podcast ► Spotify WATCH HERE:► YouTube If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe to YouTube & Apple Podcasts, and leave a 5-star positive rating and review over on Apple Podcasts. Share it around with your friends and family.Support The Show Here:Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thestorybox. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to On the Path, a podcast filled to the brim with encouragement, inspiration, interviews & life lessons to ignite you in your faith, push you to your purpose and challenge you to be exactly who You are called by God to be...a world changer! Get into the classroom of life, as we talk about the things that matter most. Join host Cheryl Nembhard along with incredible Leaders as they share their raw thoughts, feelings & life stories of triumph, tragedy and the big lessons they've learned along the way!This week, we're speaking with Dr. Derwin L. Gray , Lead Pastor of Transformation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina and Author of several best-selling books, as we answer one of life's biggest questions: God, Do You Hear Me?Pastor Derwin discusses his latest book by the same name and reminds us that:Prayer is the secret place where we find God waiting for us.Prayer is the door we enter to discover God's heart of unending grace.Prayer is the home we have always wanted, where we can crawl into our Father's lap and find our purpose.Prayer is not about getting God to give us stuff. It is about becoming who we were made to be: a reflection of Jesus in the world.This conversation is for anyone who's seeking  to  go deeper in their prayer life!! Available on all podcast platforms or WATCH the conversation on my Youtube channel (cherylnembhard).  :)Like, Rate, Review & Subscribe!

It's a uniquely challenging time to imagine a world without barriers, not to mention racial justice and peace. The conflict in our culture seems to get more palpable and explicit every day. Let this week's conversation with pastor, author, and former NFL player Derwin Gray be a seed of hope and a foundation for how we all move forward into compassion and grace. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. He has written several books, most recently the bestselling The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness. Gray and his wife Vicki have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. P.S. We'd like to extend to you a free month of our exclusive Bob Weekly content. All you have to do is click this link and sign up for a month of video teachings and a guided curriculum. Also on the episode: Producer & Co-host: Scott Schimmel The Dream Big Academy Living a focused, engaged life of love, adventure, and impact shouldn't be a mystery. It's what we're all wired for, it's what we all long for. But, it's not the norm. From all the places I've traveled to and the people I've met, I know that most people don't experience that kind of life. They feel... Like they're missing out on a different life, a life that others seem to experience. That it should've all just worked out by now, but it hasn't. Frankly, like they're languishing- and this must be as good as it gets. But, there's so much more... That's why we started putting these digital courses together. I can't travel everywhere, and not everyone can travel to me. But, what if there was a way to share life together and walk through these simple ideas I've been learning? Before, we've released these courses one at a time. Then we'd close the registration. But through the pandemic, we learned that a LOT of people want to keep growing, and they're looking for a framework they can trust. So, we put them all together- 6 interactive digital courses. Two specifically designed to help you identify and unleash your big ambitions. One for budding authors. Another for speakers. A course for your family. A course for your career. With more coming in the future. And, since we already have Bob Weekly as a monthly subscription for exclusive content, we threw that in there, too. The Dream Big Academy is the place to go for people wanting to get serious about the shape of their lives. I'd love for you to learn more- maybe even watch a short webinar we put together that goes into more detail. Sign up for the Dream Big Academy

It's a uniquely challenging time to imagine a world without barriers, not to mention racial justice and peace. The conflict in our culture seems to get more palpable and explicit every day. Let this week's conversation with pastor, author, and former NFL player Derwin Gray be a seed of hope and a foundation for how we all move forward into compassion and grace. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. He has written several books, most recently the bestselling The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness. Gray and his wife Vicki have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. P.S. We'd like to extend to you a free month of our exclusive Bob Weekly content. All you have to do is click this link and sign up for a month of video teachings and a guided curriculum. Also on the episode: Producer & Co-host: Scott Schimmel The Dream Big Academy Living a focused, engaged life of love, adventure, and impact shouldn't be a mystery. It's what we're all wired for, it's what we all long for. But, it's not the norm. From all the places I've traveled to and the people I've met, I know that most people don't experience that kind of life. They feel... Like they're missing out on a different life, a life that others seem to experience. That it should've all just worked out by now, but it hasn't. Frankly, like they're languishing- and this must be as good as it gets. But, there's so much more... That's why we started putting these digital courses together. I can't travel everywhere, and not everyone can travel to me. But, what if there was a way to share life together and walk through these simple ideas I've been learning? Before, we've released these courses one at a time. Then we'd close the registration. But through the pandemic, we learned that a LOT of people want to keep growing, and they're looking for a framework they can trust. So, we put them all together- 6 interactive digital courses. Two specifically designed to help you identify and unleash your big ambitions. One for budding authors. Another for speakers. A course for your family. A course for your career. With more coming in the future. And, since we already have Bob Weekly as a monthly subscription for exclusive content, we threw that in there, too. The Dream Big Academy is the place to go for people wanting to get serious about the shape of their lives. I'd love for you to learn more- maybe even watch a short webinar we put together that goes into more detail. Sign up for the Dream Big Academy

Prayer is the door we enter to discover God's heart of unending grace and the home we have always wanted. The place where we can crawl into our Father's lap and find our purpose. In today's episode we are leaning into a topic that is foundational to our lives as followers of Jesus and that is PRAYER. It's through prayer where we learn to trust that God has immeasurably more for us through His Son Jesus. As I am watching God grow and develop this dream He put on my heart through Rise Collective Women, He continues to teach me so much about the power of prayer and the gift of communicating with Him. If you struggle with prayer, find yourself doubting the effectiveness of prayer, or want to know if God even hears you when you pray, this conversation will encourage you today. Dr. Derwin L. Gray joins the conversation today to talk about what prayer is and to help us lay a theological foundation for our understanding. Dr. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. He has written several books, including the bestselling The Good Life and most recently God, Do You Hear Me?. Links from the show! Derwin's book God, Do You Hear Me? Join the Rise Collective Email List Subscribe to the Podcast Email List Rise Collective House Interest Form

How do we move from a homogenous church or group to one that welcomes full participation of people from different ethnicities? Why is it so important for churches to reflect their communities and be ethnically integrated as a reflection of the full Gospel? What can we do in our small groups to help create safe spaces for people to discuss issues related to ethnicity and socioeconomic differences as part of our discipleship?  Listen as Dr. Derwin Gray envisions and calls churches to "grow out of ignorance, classism, racism, and greed into the flourishing, vibrant, and grace-filled communities of believers that God intended."    Guests:  Dr. Derwin Gray & Kristel Avecedo     Bio: Dr. Derwin L. Gray, a former NFL player, is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church (TC). Transformation Church is a multiethnic, multigeneration, mission-shaped community in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Derwin and Vicki have been married for twenty-eight years and have two adult children. Derwin is the author of Building a Multiethnic Church: A Gospel Vision of Love, Grace, and Reconciliation in a Divided World and the host of Marinate on That Podcast Kristel Acevedo serves at Transformation Church as a Content Creator and also works in small groups ministry. She writes transformational discipleship resources in English and Spanish and is passionate about helping people get connected to God and each other.    LINKS: https://www.derwinlgray.com/ https://www.kristelacevedo.com/ https://transformationchurch.tc/  

Aaron is joined by Dr. Derwin L. Gray to discuss how to build a multi-ethnic church and the lack of diversity in the American church. Link to Dr. Gray's Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400230489?pd_rd_r=c628a90c-0a21-4972-85b8-8455a726f941&pd_rd_w=QSpTl&pd_rd_wg=TJXfc&pf_rd_p=5ae2c7f8-e0c6-4f35-9071-dc3240e894a8&pf_rd_r=JNX972PJVJHWMZ208GEA&ref_=pd_gw_unk

In this episode, Ed and Daniel are joined by Dr. Derwin L. Gray, Lead Pastor of Transformation Church in North Carolina and former NFL Safety. Dr. Derwin L. Gray joins the podcast to discuss his most recent book, Building a Multiethnic Church: A Gospel Vision of Love, Grace, and Reconciliation in a Divided World. Building a Multiethnic Church is an invitation for church leaders to help their congregations embrace Christ’s call to the early church—a call that crosses ethnic and socioeconomic barriers to create heavenly colonies of love, reconciliation, and unity.

In this episode listen to Dr. Hardwick as he delivers a message based on his new best selling book Disability And The Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion (Intervarsity Press Feb 2021)  What people are saying about Disability And The Church "In a time when first-person disability narratives remain hard to come by, Disability and the Church presents a marvelous example of the power of disabled voices in the church. Rev. Dr. Hardwick provides his readers with a powerful message about not only accepting people with disabilities but including them as church leaders. Masterfully interweaving his personal narrative with Scripture and the history of the Christian church, Hardwick offers an insightful look into what it means to pastor a church while on the autism spectrum, as well as practical tips for developing inclusive churches that take the wisdom of disability experience seriously. Disability and the Church is essential reading for church leaders and seminarians who desire to make their places of worship inclusive, diverse, and faithful to God's call by placing disability at the heart of the conversation." -- Devan Stahl, Baylor University "Writing is most beautiful, most authentic, and most life-transforming when authors embody the story they are telling. Dr. Lamar Hardwick inhabits the story he is writing. He writes from a unique vantage point: he has Asperger syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. His autism doesn't define him. Jesus does. Jesus has graced and used his life to teach the church how to love and live more inclusively and generously. God invites us all to his banquet feast of grace. His table is big enough for us all." -- Derwin L. Gray, co-founder and lead pastor of Transformation Church, south of Charlotte, North Carolina, and author of The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness As a seminary student-- and Mom of a son with multiple disabilities, I'm an advocate constantly looking for resources. I've had a lot of clunkers thrown my way. This book was recommended on the disability ministry Facebook page and it does not disappoint! I'm wanting to do a book study with this book when I get a congregation and feel this is the kind of book every pastor should read. Thank you for writing this book! It's exactly the kind of resource I've been looking for! -Amazon Reviewer  You can purchase Dr. Hardwick's new book anywhere books are sold!  https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08CS88LDY&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_6ZJBHNHZHEWW4EADP4NZ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/autismpastorpodcast/support

As the title suggests, this episode is all about the question of multi-ethnicity in the body of Christ. And Dr. Gray is the right person to challenge us in this conversation. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, one of the largest multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped communities in the U.S., located in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina.Dr. Gray is a graduate of Southern Evangelical Theological Seminary and Northern Seminary, where he received his Doctorate of Ministry under Scot McKnight. In addition to his role at Transformation Church, Derwin teaches at conferences nationwide. He is the author of Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart (2010), Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future (2013), Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study (2015), The High-Definition Leader (2015), and The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness (2020).Oh, and Dr. Gray played for 6 years in the NFL, so, yeah, he can kick your butt.Support PrestonSupport Preston by going to patreon.comVenmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1Connect with PrestonTwitter | @PrestonSprinkleInstagram | @preston.sprinkleYoutube | Preston SprinkleCheck out his website prestonsprinkle.comIf you enjoy the podcast, be sure to leave a review.

(00:00-10:33): Brian welcomed guest co-host, Steve Coble to the show! Steve is the Teaching Pastor at Renewal Church of Chicago.  (10:33-21:29): Dr. Michael Youssef, Founder and President of Leading the Way, Founding Pastor of The Church of The Apostles, and Host of Leading the Way, joined Brian to chat about his new book, Hope for This Present Crisis: The Seven-Step Path to Restoring a World Gone Mad.  You can hear Dr. Michael Youssef on Leading the Way weekdays at 8am and 2:30pm on AM 1160 Hope For Your Life.  Learn more about Dr. Youssef's new book at thepresentcrisis.com and ltw.org (21:29-31:42): Brian and Steve chatted about health information from the COVID-19 Prevention Network, and Steve shared about  his experience getting the COVID-19 vaccination (31:42-41:46): Brian and Steve shared their thoughts on Dr. Derwin L. Gray's tweet, “I do not have to speak to every topic or every crisis.” (41:46-51:03): Brian and Steve chatted about the new PBS series, “The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This is Our Song.”    (51:03-1:04:05): Brian and Steve discussed Rev. Dr. Greg Johnson's Christian Citizen article, “Breaking the silence of mental illness.”  Steve also shared about his experience with grief after the passing of his Mom.       (1:04:05-1:13:36): Brian and Steve shared their thoughts on Marianne Garvey's CNN article, “Chris Harrison 'stepping aside' from 'The Bachelor' after controversial interview.”   (1:13:36-1:23:58): Brian and Steve chatted about what makes them hopeful for the church in Chicago.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I welcome guest Derwin Gray. A former NFL star, and now pastor of Transformation Church in South Carolina, Derwin has climbed the ladder of success and discovered the key to finding a kind of happiness the world might promise but can’t deliver. Together we unpack some of the powerful messages in his latest book, “The Good Life.” Also, I’ll share the heart behind my song Brand New, and of course Dad joins me for another edition of Dadvice! Get links, music, and videos talked about in this episode at https://www.matthewwest.com/podcast/27 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Liquid IV: get 25% off any purchase promo code WEST at https://liquidiv.com/ Indeed: get $75 credit to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/West --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community located in Indian Land, South Carolina. Derwin met his wife, Vicki, at Brigham Young University where he played for the BYU Cougars football team. They have been married since 1992 and have two children.  After graduating from BYU, Derwin played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ and experienced God’s faithfulness and direction as He moved their hearts to know Him and make Him known. Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree and in 2015 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary. In 2018, he received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary.  In addition to his role at Transformation Church, Derwin teaches at conferences nationwide, and will be joining us at the Multiply Vineyard Summit in February! He is the author of Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart, Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future, Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study, The High-Definition Leader, and The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness.    In this episode of the How To Plant A Healthy Church podcast, Derwin and our host Michael Gatlin have an inspiring conversation about finding our identity in the Lord and leading from a place of groundedness in the gospel.  Derwin also shares concrete guidelines for building a healthy church and lays down some truth about current situations pastors might find themselves navigating regarding race, politics and generational divides. This episode is fast-paced and packed full of goodness that you’ll want to refer to in the coming year, so pull out a pen and get ready to learn!   Show notes: For more information on the Multiply Vineyard Summit, or to register, go to https://mvsummit.org The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness by Dr. Derwin L. Gray https://amzn.to/2XfoWI3

My guest for The Happy Hour #328 is Dr. Derwin Gray. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the lead pastor of Transformation Church in South Carolina. In today's episode, Pastor Derwin dives into what it really looks like to find true happiness in the midst of tragedy and sin. I love when he says, “The happiness that Jesus wants to give us is not a happiness that’s based on our circumstances. The happiness that Jesus wants to give to us is a happiness of becoming who we were meant to be.” That is such an important reminder. It is easy to think that we will be happy if everything in our life is in line with what the world deems is successful. Pastor Derwin reminds us that happiness is not found in those worldly successes, but rather in fully stepping into our role as Christ followers, and falling deeply in love with who Jesus is.   Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happiness is often a difficult concept to explain, much less achieve. It seems ever out of reach, yet its profoundly subjective in its nature. If we can define what makes us happy, why does it feel so hard for us to obtain it? Much like identity, we often look for happiness in all the wrong places — people, sports, hobbies, or other activities that are full of human beings who are bound to disappoint us at some point.  Have you ever gotten irrationally angry while watching a sporting event? Has your mood been affected by something someone said or did? I think all of us can pinpoint a number of examples where our happiness has been dependent or influenced by worldly things. The key to true everlasting happiness, of course, is through Jesus. Happy are the people who know the joyful show; Lord, they walk in the light from your face. They rejoice in your name all day long, and they are exalted by your righteousness. (Psalm 89:15-16) This year I read the best book I've read, thus far, on happiness — The Good Life by Derwin Gray. This week I was honored to sit down with Derwin and talk about his book and what it looks like to find true happiness through Jesus. In a year where we've experienced a global pandemic, racial injustice, and general loss all around, we are a people searching for happiness. We are searching for the life God has called us to live and to be the person God has called us to be.  Blessed are: -The poor in spirit -Those who mourn -The meek -Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness -The merciful -The pure in heart -The peacemakers -Those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake -You, when others persecute you (Matthew 5:1-2) — The Beatitudes True happiness isn't found in self-serving endeavors that bring glory upon ourselves, but rather it's birthed out of a life that looks to serve God and others first and lower ourselves in reverence to and for God and in favor of our neighbors. As Derwin writes in his book, "to love our neighbors is to love God. To love God requires that we love our neighbors." I invite you to listen this week's podcast episode with Derwin as he explains in greater detail what it looks like to find true happiness through Jesus. As a bonus, he opens up about what he's seen as both a human and a pastor as he's watched the racial injustice play out this year. I am honored to share Derwin's wisdom with you all this week. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Before becoming a pastor, Gray played professional football for the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers. Links: Give Derwin a follow on Twitter (@DerwinLGray) & Instagram (@derwinlgray) Visit his website and buy a copy of his new book "The Good Life" here: https://thegoodlifebook.net/ Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/5900c37e0647/coleclaybourn If you need to get in touch with me, give me a follow on Instagram at coleclaybourn or on Twitter @ColeClaybourn. Check out the podcast Instagram as well — @innohurrypodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you like to live the good life? What does that really look like? How can we bring the good life to others? Friday we visit with former NFL player, Pastor Derwin Gray. Derwin will share about his journey for happiness and what he discovered was the source of true blessing. He'll also show us how we can be agents of peace in our communities, helping to foster healing and flourishing in our embattled cities.

On The Puddcast this week is Derwin L. Gray, pastor of Transformation Church in South Carolina, and author of The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness. We discussed the Beatitudes as an invitation to a life of meaning and purpose, how that intersects with racial justice, how the prosperity message has crippled our witness, and our great need for leadership from those who have pastored on the margins.Order Derwin's book, The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness.Follow Derwin on Twitter and Instagram.Support me and my work at patreon.com/jonathanpuddleOrder my new devotional, You Are Enough: Learning to Love Yourself the Way God Loves You.Find every book or resource I've talked about on my Amazon storefront, in Canada, the United States or the United Kingdom.

- PRAYERS NEEDED: Hundreds of Wildfires are Still Burning Out of Control in Northern California - A Guilty Plea in the Probe of Whether or Not "Russian Interference" Influenced the 2016 Election - but it Turns Out the Guilty Party was NOT a Member of the Trump Administration - JIM DENISON: Religious Liberty - DR. DERWIN L. GRAY: "The Good Life - What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness" - Is Kneeling During the National Anthem Actually a Sign of Disrespect? According to One Legal Analysis, Many Patriotic Americans Actually 'Disrespect the Flag' Every Day without even Realizing It!"

Is your happiness based on situations or circumstances? What if the happiness we're all striving for isn't the happiness we were created for? The sisters are joined by, Dr. Derwin L. Gray, former NFL player, current pastor of Transformation Church, and author of the new national best time seller book, The Good Life. You don't want to miss this impactful conversation!  You can find Derwin at www.derwinlgray.com and www.thegoodlife.net IG: @derwinlgray If you've enjoyed today's episode remember to subscribe in iTunes and leave us a review!

Find out what Jesus teaches about true happiness when you listen to the author of "The Good Life," Dr. Derwin L. Gray. This former NFL player and pastor of Transformation Church in Indian Land, South Carolina, challenges you to study and examine the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. You will begin to live happier as you know the personal character of Jesus, trust Him and then become like Him.

Dr Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina.He’s married to Vicki, They have been married since 1992 and have two adult children, Presley and Jeremiah. After graduating from BYU, he played professional football in the National Football League for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993–1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998).Gray is the author of Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart (2009), Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future (2013), Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study (2015), and The High-Definition Leader (2015). And His newest book The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness.

You don’t want to miss this week’s Doable Discipleship Special with guest and author Derwin L. Gray. Hosts Brandon Robinson and Jason Wieland talk about reconciliation, finding our identity in Christ and what that means historically and how this might apply to the body of Christ today. What is color blind vs. color blessed and so much more. For complete show notes, click HERE

I'm joined by Jason Romano who shares tips on living out a Christian life in the secular world, how we can make forgiveness easier, and much more.-Follow/like the show on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram-Email me: kris@grosslyoverdone.com-Check out more at grosslyoverdone.com-Preorder "The Uniform of Leadership: Lessons on True Success from My ESPN Life"-Purchase "Live to Forgive: Moving Forward When Those We Love Hurt Us"-Check out the Sports Spectrum Podcast-Kyle Korver on the Sports Spectrum Podcast-The Gospel and Race (w/ Derwin L. Gray) from Grossly Overdone

Derwin L. Gray is the founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church (www.TransformationChurch.tc), a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Gray & his wife, Vicki, have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. In 2008, Gray graduated from Southern Evangelical Seminary magna cum laude, with a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Apologetics, where he was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher Dr. Norman Geisler. In 2018, Gray received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McNight. In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary.Get started with online therapy & counseling:Better Help Counseling (10% off your first month): https://betterhelp.com/mosesFaithful (Christian) Counseling (10% off your first month): https://faithfulcounseling.com/brittneyFor a list of specific mental help & crises resources: https://brittneyamoses.com/mental-help-resources/Connect with Dr. Derwin Gray here!Facebook: @DerwinLGrayInstagram: @derwinlgrayTwitter: @DerwinLGrayWebsite: www.derwinlgray.comConnect with Brittney on social media for more:Instagram: @BrittneyMosesInstagram: @ChristianMentalHealthInstagram: @faithmentalwellnesspodcastYoutube: BrittneyMosesFacebook: @BrittneyAMosesTwitter: @Brittney_MosesBrittneyAMoses.comCrisis lines by country: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_linesSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-faith-mental-wellness-podcast-with-brittney-moses. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Racial Injustice, Racism, and Hate many times comes from ignorance. How we navigate through these issues is so important for the Christian community.  Derwin L. Gray is the founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation Church (www.TransformationChurch.tc), a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Gray met his wife, Vicki, at Brigham Young University (BYU). They have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, he played professional football in the National Football League for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998).  In 2008, Gray graduated from Southern Evangelical Seminary magna cum laude, with a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Apologetics, where he was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher Dr. Norman Geisler. In 2018, Gray received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McNight. In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary. Gray is the author of Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart (2009), Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future (2013), Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study (2015), The High-Definition Leader (2015), and The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness (2020). Godfidence- Confidence in who I am in God. Utter reliance on Jesus to do the things He has called me to do. “Let’s get our Boots on the Ground”: Buy the book. Meet with other men and go through the questions. www.Thegoodlifebook.net Have a conversation with someone of color. www.meninthearena.org Men in the Arena Books and Swag Support the Podcast

Hailing from North Carolina, KJ Scriven’s strong but sincere message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ demonstrates that he uses all of his heart, soul, and his guitar to invoke worship and righteous living to all generations. Not only is KJ an artist, but he serves as Worship & Creative Arts Pastor at Transformation Church under the leadership of Pastor Derwin L. Gray. KJ is a Grammy-award winning songwriter and has multiple song placements on national recording artist projects.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/doseoftheghost)

The world is changing, and our guest on this episode of the His & Her Money Show is watching it all go down and offering up some incredible advice. Dr. Derwin L. Gray is a husband, father, pastor, and author who came from a career in the NFL to found Transformation Church, a multiethnic South Carolina based community. Today we're talking about his new book and his thoughts on life in general, from race to the church to what happiness means to each and every one of us. RESOURCES MENTIONED The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness by Dr. Derwin L. Gray  Transformation Church

Everyone wants to be happy. We spend money, time, and energy chasing after “the good life,” and we run ourselves into physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion on the way. But what if the happiness we're all striving for isn't the happiness we were created for?  Pastor of a multi-generational and multi-ethnic church, Dr. Derwin L Gray talks about that in his new book.

I'm joined by Pastor Derwin L. Gray for a conversation on racial injustice, black lives matter, protesting - and how the church should respond.-Follow/like the show on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram-Email me: kris@grosslyoverdone.com-Check out more at grosslyoverdone.com-Purchase Derwin's new book, "The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness"-Listen to last week's episode: my thoughts on George Floyd, racism and the events that have ensued over the past couple weeks

Dr. Derwin Gray joins me on the podcast to discuss biblical happiness and encourage our generation in our steps toward racial reconciliation. He discusses how his childhood, football, and his time at BYU changed his life and prepared him for the role he plays at his church and in our society. His definition of biblical happiness counters what we might typically think it means to be happy and it challenges our self-centered, unfulfilling goals of happiness. A little bit about the guest: Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church. TC is a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community that loves God completely (Upward), ourselves correctly (Inward), and our neighbors compassionately (Outward) located in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. His latest book, The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness releases on June 2nd. Support the podcast through Patreon Join our mailing list Check out our website Resources: The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness by Derwin Gray Transformation Church Pastor Derwin is reading N.T. Wright, watching The Last Kingdom, and is refreshed by fishing on his sabbath day Noteworthy quotes: “Jesus is saying, ‘Hey, build your life on a firm foundation so that when the wind and the rain and the storms come you won’t fall down.’“ - 5:11 “Why is the club diverse but Jesus’ club not diverse and why is racism so taboo in the church?” - 14:23 “We’re no longer dependent upon circumstances to bring us fleeting happiness but instead we have the eternal God who’s always shaping us and molding us and transforming us.“ - 22:43 Questions for consideration: What does happiness mean to you? Does your definition of happiness align with God’s holiness and the beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/emma-koch/support

Racial tension is at a high point. The embodiment of the Kingdom found in the New Testament and lived out through the Church was to be a vision of unity and diversity. The Church in America, unfortunately, has remained one of the most segregated organizations instead of being a vision for unity and diversity. Pastor Derwin Gray and Transformation Church is a shining light of how the Church can be the type of diverse community it was intended to be. Hear about Pastor Derwin’s journey of planting Transformation Church, the challenges they faced from being a multiethnic church, and steps any church can take to become a richer expression of the diverse Kingdom of God. Suggested Resources: The High Definition Leader: Building Multiethnic Churches in a Multiethnic World by Derwin L. Gray (https://amzn.to/2XYWSbS) The Fellowship of Differents by Scot McKnight (https://amzn.to/2XvuIGa) Follow Pastor Derwin on his website (www.derwinlgray.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Derwin-L-G…/117534411600257) Twitter (twitter.com/derwinlgray) Instagram (www.instagram.com/derwinlgray/)

Dr. Derwin L. Gray is a husband, father, former professional football player in the NFL, a renowned author, speaker and leader in the multiethnic church movement. The founder and lead pastor of Transformation Church in Indian Land, SC, he also hosts the Marinate on That podcast. This time with Derwin was a gift to Katie and Susan. Pull up a chair and learn into today’s special guest, Dr. Derwin L. Gray.

Dr. Derwin L. Gray is a husband, father, former professional football player in the NFL, a renowned author, speaker and leader in the multiethnic church movement. The founder and lead pastor of Transformation Church in Indian Land, SC, he also hosts the Marinate on That podcast. This time with Derwin was a gift to Katie and Susan. Pull up a chair and learn into today’s special guest, Dr. Derwin L. Gray.

The Good Life with Derwin L. Gray - Episode 368Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Gray met his wife, Vicki, at Brigham Young University (BYU). They have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, he played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers. In 2008, Gray graduated from Southern Evangelical Seminary magna cum laude with a Master of Divinity, with a concentration in Apologetics. While there, he was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher Dr. Norman Geisler. In 2018, Gray received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McKnight. In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary. Gray is the author of “Hero: Unleashing God's Power in a Man's Heart” (2009), “Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future” (2013), “Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study” (2015) and “The High- Definition Leader” (2015). Book Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/35oQ6Q1 Derwin L Gray Web Site: https://www.derwinlgray.com  ----more--------more----Looking for some more music during your time at home?Also Find Rick Lee James Music on Bandcamp: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.comor on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3abA3po  ----more----  Become A Patron of this Podcast at the Rick Lee James PATREON PAGE: https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=134988&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Frickleejames.com%2F&utm_medium=widget ----more----As Always...Thank You For Listening To Voices In My Head  About Your Host: Rick Lee JamesFor more information on Rick Lee James, visit www.rickleejames.com, or follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Listen to his official podcast at www.voicesinmyheadpodcast.com, and get a daily dose of wisdom from Mister Rogers at @MisterRogersSay.“Welcome To The Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcast” podcast can be heard HERE.Request the “Thunder Radio Special” at www.crwradiopromotions.com. Official Web Site: www.RickLeeJames.comGet Rick Lee James Latest Album: https://fanlink.to/RLJThunderIn partnership with CRW Radio Promotions, singer, songwriter and worship leader Rick Lee James debuts a brand new radio special. The “Thunder Radio Special” can be heard exclusively on James' official YouTube channel or his website. It was also recently added to Spotify and Apple Music. Radio stations interested in airing the “Thunder Radio Special” can contact Kathryn Ambrose at CRW Radio Promotions at kathryn@westarmediagroup.com.----more----For Booking Inquiries  Click Hereor contact Gary StriplingBy Phone: 904.745.9151By Email: gary@themanagementagency.comManagement General Office Hours:Monday – 11Am – 5PMTuesday – 11Am – 5PMWednesday – Office closedThursday – 11Am – 5PMFriday – 11AM – 5PMSaturday – 11AM – 5PM This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rickleejames.substack.com/subscribe

The Good Life with Derwin L. Gray - Episode 368 Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Gray met his wife, Vicki, at Brigham Young University (BYU). They have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, he played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers.  In 2008, Gray graduated from Southern Evangelical Seminary magna cum laude with a Master of  Divinity, with a concentration in Apologetics. While there, he was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher Dr. Norman Geisler. In 2018, Gray received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McKnight. In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary. Gray is the author of “Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart” (2009), “Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future” (2013), “Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study” (2015) and “The High- Definition Leader” (2015).  Book Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/35oQ6Q1   Derwin L Gray Web Site: https://www.derwinlgray.com    ----more---- ----more---- Looking for some more music during your time at home? Also Find Rick Lee James Music on Bandcamp: www.RickLeeJames.Bandcamp.com or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3abA3po    ----more----   Become A Patron of this Podcast at the Rick Lee James PATREON PAGE: https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=134988&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Frickleejames.com%2F&utm_medium=widget   ----more---- As Always...Thank You For Listening To Voices In My Head    About Your Host: Rick Lee James For more information on Rick Lee James, visit www.rickleejames.com, or follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Listen to his official podcast at www.voicesinmyheadpodcast.com, and get a daily dose of wisdom from Mister Rogers at @MisterRogersSay. “Welcome To The Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcast” podcast can be heard HERE.Request the “Thunder Radio Special” at www.crwradiopromotions.com.  Official Web Site: www.RickLeeJames.com Get Rick Lee James Latest Album: https://fanlink.to/RLJThunder In partnership with CRW Radio Promotions, singer, songwriter and worship leader Rick Lee James debuts a brand new radio special. The “Thunder Radio Special” can be heard exclusively on James’ official YouTube channel or his website. It was also recently added to Spotify and Apple Music. Radio stations interested in airing the “Thunder Radio Special” can contact Kathryn Ambrose at CRW Radio Promotions at kathryn@westarmediagroup.com. ----more---- For Booking Inquiries  Click Here or contact Gary Stripling By Phone: 904.745.9151 By Email: gary@themanagementagency.com Management General Office Hours:Monday – 11Am – 5PM Tuesday – 11Am – 5PM Wednesday – Office closed Thursday – 11Am – 5PM Friday – 11AM – 5PM Saturday – 11AM – 5PM

Today we have a chat with SES alum, Dr. Derwin L. Gray, on how his experience at SES has helped shaped his ministry, as well as looking at how the current COVID-19 Pandemic affects us in our ability to minister. Dr. Gray also shares some memories of his mentor Dr. Norman Geisler.

I long for sad things to be untrue one day. I hunger for wrongs to be made right. I thirst for the hurt to be healed and the broken to be fixed. I want decay and death to give way to life and human flourishing. Like you, I’m longing for God’s justice and shalom (peace) to overwhelm our unjust world. And as I long for the brokenness out there to be healed, I also desire the brokenness in me to be healed. Adapted from The Good Life. Copyright © 2020 by Dr. Derwin Gray. Published by B&H Publishers, Nashville, TN. Used by Permission Dr. Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Gray met his wife, Vicki, at Brigham Young University (BYU). They have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, he played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers. In 2008, Gray graduated from Southern Evangelical Seminary magna cum laude with a Master of Divinity, with a concentration in Apologetics. While there, he was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher Dr. Norman Geisler. In 2018, Gray received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McKnight. In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary. Gray is the author of “Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart” (2009), “Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future” (2013), “Crazy Grace for Crazy Times Bible Study” (2015) and “The High-Definition Leader” (2015).

1) Tell us about you!My family and I relocated from Chicago to Charlotte, NC three years ago when I joined P31 and Lysa T’s team as Director of Theology and Research. My wife and I have been married over 10 years and we have three little boys under the age of 8 (Liam, Levi, and Lucas) and we are expecting our 4th, a baby girl any day now! In addition to serving at P31 I also serve my local church, Transformation Church on the preaching team with my Pastor Derwin L. Gray. 2) I sat under one of your teachings at She Speaks 2019 and from that, I have so enjoyed following you on social media. I love the way you teach people how to not only read God’s word but you teach the importance of finding what it truly means in the contexts of the time it was written. So, that's where I want to start first with our conversation today. For those just getting their toes wet in the Bible, can you share a good place is to start when reading scripture? I think for anyone that just gets into the Bible they approach it like any book. You open the first page and start reading. But this gets real confusing real quick when you start in Genesis then you eventually hit Leviticus! I’d recommend starting in one of the Gospels. Personally, I love the Gospel of John and Acts. In the Old Testament, you can start with Genesis and Exodus or Judges. 3) Now that we’ve talked about a good place to start what recourses would you point people to use to give a better understanding of what the text is actually saying! I think this is what trips a lot of people up, we think we know what it means because we look at it through the lens of 2020 and not 2,000 years ago.   I think the crucial first resource is a good study Bible. I love the ESV Study Bible. I also often turn to the Faithlife Study Bible that is free online via an App because of the many infographics and media images that helps us visualize the text and what is taking place. There are some great websites like BibleHub and BlueLetterBible that can get you access to some good commentaries.  4) Now that we know where to start and what good recourses to use, I’d love for you to show us how to actually do this! How would you study John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease”. Before I get into the text I want to be aware of the context:  Historical  Social Literary  I try to start by Bible Study process with these four steps:  Observation Interpretation Application Correlation 5) Now I want to move onto something that stood out to me you spoke on this summer, I wish I could remember your words because they were much more eloquently put, but you shared on why we shouldn’t “cherry-pick” God’s word. At the end of 2019, there was a very controversial circumstance that had Christians feeling at odds with one another. One of the main reasons people felt unsettled was the way the topic was being supported was by one verse in scripture without using any surrounding text around it. Can you share why it’s important for us not to do this as well as why we need to be sure those leading us are looking beyond their views/feelings and actually teach what the word says/means? I’d love to start this conversation by briefly talking about Humble Theology. Its something that I’m really passionate about. I think when we approach the text we need to approach it from a posture of humility and when possible extend grace to others that are trying to work their way through the text the best they can. The main challenge and danger of cherry-picking verses is directly connected to a misrepresentation of the Scriptures and coming to conclusions (Interpretation and Application) that are not implicitly or explicitly in the text. When we cherry-pick verses to validate our agenda’s we get into a lot of danger because we are attempting to be masters over the text, and not be mastered by the text. 6) I remember as a very new Christian I didn’t know how to read God’s word but I read it anyway and I believe God honors that pursuit of our hearts as we’re beginning a relationship with Him, but we can’t stay in that place forever. How can people be encouraged to grow from finding a verse that fits them that day to reading God’s word with a heart open to receive what He’s trying to teach us?  I think this comes with dedication, repetition, and conviction.  Dedication - We need deep devotion when it comes to God’s Word. Without devotion and dedication we will never see progression in our spiritual formation Repetitions - we need to create rhythms of Bible reading that creates routines that lead to spiritual maturity Conviction - We need to approach the text with a conviction that this is the true and authoritative Word of God. 7) Lukewarm faith, these are scary words for Christians. This is something stirring in my heart, and I think we all have a deep desire to live in a world with less lukewarm Christians. We as His kingdom kid’s have to get serious about what the call of a Christian really is. Most know what it means to accept Christ. But for whatever reason, it seems to stop after the honeymoon season. I think it stems from a few things: lack of community, lack of leadership, they either don’t know the word of God, or they feel intimidated by it.  What would you say to someone who feels intimidated by the Bible and how would you encourage them to step out of the shallow waters of lukewarm faith or keep pursuing Christ after the honeymoon phase?  It is maybe helpful to understand where the phrase “Lukewarm” comes from. It’s been popularized by the passage in Revelation 3:16 - If you are Lukewarm you will be spit out. This language comes from the water systems that carried hot water through the Roman empire. But, if the water ran on the pipes too long it would become lukewarm and not useful for it’s intended purpose. Being Lukewarm seems to indicate a situation where you are stuck. I think you hit it when you talked about community and the lack of corporate engagement amongst the people of God. We are living in a culture that is increasingly pursuing autonomy and individuality. However, the Scriptures point not to individualism but a corporate gathering of believers - the Ekklesia or the church. I really think the local church is the key to this issue.  8) The Living With Less Podcast is all about living with less of the things getting in the way of who Christ is calling us to be. If someone asked you what they needed to begin living with less of in regards to this what would it be and why?When I read this question I really just thought about myself. And I think that I need to live with less expectations of my own personal wants and desires and submit myself to the authority and kingship of Jesus. You can find Joel on Instagram at @muddamalle. There you will find so much information that can help you with your walk with The Lord.

One in five people will experience mental illness in their lifetime. As surprising as it may be, spiritual leaders are no exception to this statistic. Leading a church and shepherding God's people can be a stressful and overwhelming endeavor, and it's important that pastors receive care for their mental healthIn this episode, former NFL player and pastor Dr. Derwin L. Gray calls in to discuss mental health and the soul care of pastors with Josh. They discuss stigmas, the need for rest, and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of ministry.On December 6, Dr. Gray will be speaking at our GC2 Summit about Facing Hards Truths & Challenges of Pastoral Ministry: A Conversation on Leadership, Burnout, and Mental Health. If you like this episode, please consider joining us.

Grace is greater than we can imagine or comprehend. But grace is a gift that we can experience. Join Dr. Derwin L. Gray, Lead Pastor, Transformation Church, as he explores the beauty of God’s grace in John 4:1-42.

Pastor Derwin L. Gray is the founding and lead Pastor of Transformation Church (TC), a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, South Carolina, located just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. TC also has two campuses in South Carolina Correctional Institutions, Kershaw and Lee. For three out of the last five years, TC has been recognized by Outreach magazine as one of the top 100 fastest-growing churches in America. In today's episode we discuss how to build a preaching ministry that fosters multi-ethnic ministry. We also discuss reaching different generations. Pastor Derwin has been an influence on my life personally and I'm excited to share our conversation today. Get your notes ready and get ready for the heat!

Join us as we continue in our series “I’ll Be Happy If...”! This weekend Dr. Derwin L. Gray will explain how finances should be used for the glory of God.

Join us as we continue in our series “I’ll Be Happy If...”! This weekend Dr. Derwin L. Gray will show us that our true power is in Christ.

Welcome to Episode 005 of the Ministry Hangout podcast. Listen and access the show notes below or search for Ministry Hangout on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. In this episode, we learn from Josh Surratt, Brandon Cox, and Derwin L. Gray. Josh Surratt is passionate about helping people find God and grow in...

The embodiment of the Kingdom found in the New Testament and lived out through the Church was to be a vision of unity and diversity. The Church in America, unfortunately, has remained one of the most segregated organizations instead of being a vision for unity and diversity. Pastor Derwin Gray and Transformation Church is a shining light of how the Church can be the type of diverse community it was intended to be. Hear about Pastor Derwin’s journey of planting Transformation Church, the challenges they faced from being a multiethnic church, and steps any church can take to become a richer expression of the diverse Kingdom of God. Suggested Resources: The High Definition Leader: Building Multiethnic Churches in a Multiethnic World by Derwin L. Gray (goo.gl/f9C1yB) The Fellowship of Differents by Scot McKnight (goo.gl/61WUrV) Follow Pastor Derwin on his website (www.derwinlgray.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Derwin-L-G…/117534411600257) Twitter (twitter.com/derwinlgray) Instagram (www.instagram.com/derwinlgray/)

Racial tension is as at a high point. The embodiment of the Kingdom found in the New Testament and lived out through the Church was to be a vision of unity and diversity. The Church in America, unfortunately, has remained one of the most segregated organizations instead of being a vision for unity and diversity. Pastor Derwin Gray and Transformation Church is a shining light of how the Church can be the type of diverse community it was intended to be. Hear about Pastor Derwin’s journey of planting Transformation Church, the challenges they faced from being a multiethnic church, and steps any church can take to become a richer expression of the diverse Kingdom of God. Suggested Resources: The High Definition Leader: Building Multiethnic Churches in a Multiethnic World by Derwin L. Gray (https://goo.gl/f9C1yB) The Fellowship of Differents by Scot McKnight (http://goo.gl/61WUrV) Follow Pastor Derwin on his website (http://www.derwinlgray.com), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Derwin-L-Gray/117534411600257) Twitter (https://twitter.com/derwinlgray) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/derwinlgray/)

If you are a church planter, soon to be church planter, or leader of an established church, that is looking for more insight and direction on what God is doing through church planting to reach the lost, then this is the podcast for you!

Derwin L. Gray