Podcasts about institutional church

Karl Vaters interviews Sam Peters about the microchurch model, and more specifically, what are the minimum aspects that need to be in place for a church to be a church?If you're serving a small church that's considering if you have a viable path forward, the microchurch model is worth considering, and Sam offers some help for thinking about it in fresh, new ways.Sam Peters is a church consultant, and the author of several books, including Small Church, Big Opportunity; BIG Faith: Six Key Factors that Grow Your Faith in God, & Rebuilding Stronger: Navigating the Post-Pandemic Landscape of Worship.Links:SmallChurchCoaching.comLinkTreeYou can follow Sam on Facebook and X Bonus videoThe Limitations of the Institutional Church in Reaching the CommunityKarl Vaters interviews Sam Peters about some of the limitations that are now coming to light about the institutional church model (building, salary, etc.) that we've both spent our lives in. The challenges we talk about include:1. Physical and Financial Constraints: Many churches invest most of their resources into maintaining buildings and programs rather than directly engaging the lost. This is especially difficult for smaller congregations.2. Passive Churchgoers Instead of Active Disciple-Makers: Institutional churches can unintentionally foster a consumer mindset, where members attend services but are not equipped to lead or disciple others.3. Limited Reach Beyond Church Walls: Most churches expect people to come to them rather than embedding the Gospel in everyday life and relationships.4. Slow Adaptation to Cultural Shifts: In an age of rapid change, large churches with complex structures often struggle to pivot quickly to meet new challenges and opportunities.5. Overemphasis on Sunday Gatherings: The primary focus in many churches is the Sunday experience, but disciple-making happens most effectively in smaller, relational environments.To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner, or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter.

Karl Vaters interviews Sam Peters about the microchurch model, and more specifically, what are the minimum aspects that need to be in place for a church to be a church?If you're serving a small church that's considering if you have a viable path forward, the microchurch model is worth considering, and Sam offers some help for thinking about it in fresh, new ways.Sam Peters is a church consultant, and the author of several books, including Small Church, Big Opportunity; BIG Faith: Six Key Factors that Grow Your Faith in God, & Rebuilding Stronger: Navigating the Post-Pandemic Landscape of Worship.Links:SmallChurchCoaching.comLinkTreeYou can follow Sam on Facebook and X Bonus videoThe Limitations of the Institutional Church in Reaching the CommunityKarl Vaters interviews Sam Peters about some of the limitations that are now coming to light about the institutional church model (building, salary, etc.) that we've both spent our lives in. The challenges we talk about include:1. Physical and Financial Constraints: Many churches invest most of their resources into maintaining buildings and programs rather than directly engaging the lost. This is especially difficult for smaller congregations.2. Passive Churchgoers Instead of Active Disciple-Makers: Institutional churches can unintentionally foster a consumer mindset, where members attend services but are not equipped to lead or disciple others.3. Limited Reach Beyond Church Walls: Most churches expect people to come to them rather than embedding the Gospel in everyday life and relationships.4. Slow Adaptation to Cultural Shifts: In an age of rapid change, large churches with complex structures often struggle to pivot quickly to meet new challenges and opportunities.5. Overemphasis on Sunday Gatherings: The primary focus in many churches is the Sunday experience, but disciple-making happens most effectively in smaller, relational environments.To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner, or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter.

In this conversation, Scot McKnight explores the deconstruction movement happening in the church today. Scot argues that this deconstruction is a prophetic work of the Spirit, calling the church back to a more faithful following of Jesus. Scot shares his own personal journey of shedding aspects of his fundamentalist upbringing to find a more Jesus-centered faith. He unpacks how the "I Am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John are key for deconstructors who are seeking to rediscover the true center of Christianity. We also discuss the surprising research showing that the majority of those going through deconstruction are not abandoning their faith, but rather searching for a church that better reflects the teachings and person of Jesus. Scot offers wisdom on navigating disagreements and maintaining unity amidst this transformative movement. If you or someone you know is wrestling with doubts and disillusionment with the institutional church, this conversation offers hope and guidance for finding your way back to the heart of the gospel. Scot McKnight (PhD, University of Nottingham) is a world-renowned speaker, writer, professor, and equipper of the Church. He is a recognized authority on the historical Jesus, early Christianity, and the New Testament. His books have been translated into Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Portuguese. He is the author of The Jesus Creed, The Blue Parakeet, The King Jesus Gospel, Revelation for the Rest of Us, numerous commentaries, and is now writing a sixteen-volume series of reflections called The Everyday Bible Study.Scot and Tommy's Book:Invisible JesusJoin Our Patreon for Early Access and More: PatreonConnect 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, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcastConsider 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 belowFriar TimeThrough meaningful interviews and heartfelt conversations, Friar Time, hosted by Fr....Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Episode 75 Institutional Church Versus Personal Faith   With Roy Troyer

In this episode of 'Creations Paths,' Charlie, a non-binary Christopagan Druid, and their husband discuss the distinction between 'Druidry' and 'Druidism' and delve into the importance of accurately naming spiritual practices. Inspired by Christopher Hughes' book on Druidry, they explore the concept of coining new terms such as 'Christery' and 'Christianry' to better reflect the active practice of faith. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the power of language in spirituality and how it shapes our understanding and engagement with faith. Thank you for Liking and Subscribing to this podcast Thank you for sharing this episode with your loved ones, friends and community Thank you for Tips or Donations: https://ko-fi.com/cedorsett https://patreon.com/cedorsett Substack: https://www.creationspaths.com/ For all of the things we are doing at The Seraphic Grove go to Creation's Paths https://www.creationspaths.com/ For Educational Resource: https://wisdomscry.com Creation's Paths Podcast: http://www.creationspaths.com/podcast Church of the Oak Podcast: http://churchoftheoak.com/ Hallowstead Podcast: http://hallowstead.com/ Social Connections: BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/creationspaths.com Threads https://www.threads.net/@creationspaths Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creationspaths/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Faith and Works 01:03 Exploring the Concept of Druidry 02:09 The Power of Words in Spirituality 03:41 Coining New Terms for Faith Practices 06:08 Christianity vs. Christanry 12:33 Reconnecting with the Roots of Faith 13:13 The Argument and Restrictions 13:47 Early Christianities and Gnosticism 14:39 Institutional Church and Pagan Influences 15:45 Diverse Christian Practices 16:24 Council of Nicea and Canon Formation 18:39 Christianity in China 20:11 Core Beliefs and Personal Practice 21:06 New Terminology for Faith 22:58 Engage with Us and Support

If you would like to support our ministry: https://crosstocrown.org/partners/ What Is New Covenant Theology? An Introduction — https://crosstocrown.org/product/what-is-new-covenant-theology/ Featured playlist: The Church (That Meets in My Home) — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Yobt1jZDd9Zzn8Ufa-BNciyYv04Cl6m My books: Exalted: Putting Jesus in His Place — https://www.amazon.com/Exalted-Putting-Jesus-His-Place/dp/0985118709/ref=tmm_pap_title_0 God's Design for Marriage (Married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-Married-Amazing/dp/0998786306/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493422125&sr=1-4&keywords=god%27s+design+for+marriage God's Design for Marriage (Pre-married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-What-Before/dp/0985118725/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top crosstocrown.org @DougGoodin @CrossToCrown

If you would like to support our ministry: https://crosstocrown.org/partners/ What Is New Covenant Theology? An Introduction — https://crosstocrown.org/product/what-is-new-covenant-theology/ Featured playlist: The Church (That Meets in My Home) — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5Yobt1jZDd9Zzn8Ufa-BNciyYv04Cl6m My books: Exalted: Putting Jesus in His Place — https://www.amazon.com/Exalted-Putting-Jesus-His-Place/dp/0985118709/ref=tmm_pap_title_0 God's Design for Marriage (Married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-Married-Amazing/dp/0998786306/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493422125&sr=1-4&keywords=god%27s+design+for+marriage God's Design for Marriage (Pre-married Edition) — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Design-Marriage-What-Before/dp/0985118725/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top crosstocrown.org @DougGoodin @CrossToCrown

       Almost everyone associates ‘church' with the institutional church system –that conglomerate of church buildings, pastors, denominations, worship service, that is ubiquitous ink Western society. But is that what Christ created?  Join with me as I tell my story.        Dave Kahle is a B2B sales expert, and a Christian Business thought leader.  He has authored 13 books, presented in 47 states and 11 countries and worked with over 500 sales organizations.  In these ten-minute podcasts, his unique blend of out-of-the-box thinking and practical insights will challenge and enable you to sell better, lead better and live better.        Subscribe to these ten-minute helpings of out-of-the-box inspiration, education and motivation. Subscribe to Dave's Newsletters Check out the website The Good Book on Business The Heart of A Christian Salesperson Is the Institutional Church Really the Church?    

Declaring the Finished Work (DTFW) - Exhortation, conversation, wor ship, prayer, proclamations, declarations and decrees in the Finished Work of Christ Jesus. Our mission is to spread the Good News and encourage people by showing there is rest in God's goodness and love. A love beyond understanding and a love that will never leave or forsake us. The work He began in us, He will perfectly complete. WCS BROADCAST SCHEDULE: “Challenged To Change” 1st & 2nd Wednesdays @ 7 pm; "Declaring The Finished Work" 1st & 2nd Thursdays @ 12 Noon; "Friday Night Joy" 1st, 2nd & 4th Fridays @ 7 pm; "Bread Of Life" 3rd Sundays @ 7:00pm;  WEEKLY PRAYER:  “Mid-Day Glory Prayer”  Wednesdays @ 1:00pm - Dial-in  (267) 807-9605 Access Code: 732-499# (Listen later @ 267-807-9608 Access Code 732-499*)   MONTHLY BROADCASTS: “Bold And Beautiful” 2nd Saturdays @ 10:00am; “Kingdom Principles 1st Sundays @ 7:00 pm; "R3 "Real Life, Real Men, Real Talk 2nd Sundays @ 7:00pm; “Marriage Takeover” 4th Sundays @ 7:00 pm   ALL TIMES EASTERN STANDARD

Declaring the Finished Work (DTFW) - Exhortation, conversation, wor ship, prayer, proclamations, declarations and decrees in the Finished Work of Christ Jesus. Our mission is to spread the Good News and encourage people by showing there is rest in God's goodness and love. A love beyond understanding and a love that will never leave or forsake us. The work He began in us, He will perfectly complete. WCS BROADCAST SCHEDULE: “Challenged To Change” 1st & 2nd Wednesdays @ 7 pm; "Declaring The Finished Work" 1st & 2nd Thursdays @ 12 Noon; "Friday Night Joy" 1st, 2nd & 4th Fridays @ 7 pm; "Bread Of Life" 3rd Sundays @ 7:00pm;  WEEKLY PRAYER:  “Mid-Day Glory Prayer”  Wednesdays @ 1:00pm - Dial-in  (267) 807-9605 Access Code: 732-499# (Listen later @ 267-807-9608 Access Code 732-499*)   MONTHLY BROADCASTS: “Bold And Beautiful” 2nd Saturdays @ 10:00am; “Kingdom Principles 1st Sundays @ 7:00 pm; "R3 "Real Life, Real Men, Real Talk 2nd Sundays @ 7:00pm; “Marriage Takeover” 4th Sundays @ 7:00 pm   ALL TIMES EASTERN STANDARD

Matt and Josiah get into the weighty topic of bullying and harassment in the church. Josiah draws upon the experience a friend of his went through with bullying and harassment at a church.

Pastor Steve discusses the dissenting groups that serve as forerunners of the Protestant Reformation- Petrobrusians, Waldensians, Lollards, and Hussites.

Pastor Steve discusses the dissenting groups that serve as forerunners of the Protestant Reformation: Petrobrusians, Waldensians, Lollards, and Hussites.

Pastor Steve finishes his lecture on the Eastern Church and then begins to discuss the heretical dissenters against the institutional church.

By far the most difficult part of our work is the long tail of victim assistance, restoration, discipleship, and transition to survivorship and reintegration. Statistics are not on our side. Thankfully, it's not about statistics.

This week Mark welcomes David Justice, the co-host of the "Drive Time Friday Show," to talk about his own journey to "come out of her," and, in particular, the "Institutional Church." There were a few technical problems, but hopefully you'll find his journey interesting, and of value as they talk about so many things that Scripture has warned us about, and that are so clearly in progress now.

The culture in our World is deconstructing everything. Movements are emerging in many sectors that reject institutions and all they stand for. However, the multiplying discipleship and church movements have a different message for institutional leaders. Let's talk about it.*** Show Notes and Resources ***

Is progressive Christianity really gaining momentum? Is there hope for institutional mainline denominations? In this episode Joe takes a second crack at deconstructing evangelistic paradigms in favor of a more authentic, contextualized type of faith community.

Is this a helpful statement? Is it a Roman Catholic idea? Is it even biblical? Today I want to share with you a provocative statement made by none other than the Protestant Reformer, John Calvin. Today we're doing a little church history, some interaction with Ephesians 4, and an overall increase (hopefully) in our appreciation for belonging to both Jesus Himself, and His church. Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode and want to support the show, consider becoming a Patron!

Jon weighs in on a concerning problem. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"Over the past year, I've engaged in an ongoing conversation with a forty-year-old clergyperson struggling with institutional religion. Like many other pastors, he's grown weary of church work. COVID certainly didn't help. However, he felt close to burnout even before the pandemic arrived. It wasn't just routine congregational pettiness, conflict, and criticism that troubled him. “I can put up with church crap,” he told me. “But I can no longer tolerate the disconnect between Jesus and the institutional church. They don't remotely resemble each other anymore. I'm not sure they ever did.” Several months ago, he resigned from his church, left vocational ministry, and took a job as a social worker. He also quit going to church and doubts he'll ever return. He explained his life-altering decision by saying, “I've finally come to the sad conclusion that if I want to authentically follow Jesus, I have to leave organized religion.” Being in the church has been like staying in a long-term abusive relationship. The problem is I love the girl so much. At least I think it's love. Maybe it's infatuation. Perhaps it's Stockholm syndrome. I'm not sure. Anyway, I stayed because I had this stubborn hope she would change. I dreamt of being the valiant hero who came along, swept her off her feet, and dramatically transformed her into the stunning princess she was meant to be. Unfortunately, nothing I did seemed to work. Over the years, things just seemed to get worse. Time after time she abused me. She verbally assaulted me. She tried to control me. She manipulated me. She gaslighted me. She stabbed me in the heart with a rusty and serrated knife. But like a lovesick idiot, I kept coming back. I thought, “Maybe tomorrow it will be different. Maybe tomorrow she'll love me for who I am, in all my theological quirkiness.” But she didn't. And after some reflection, I finally came to the realization we needed a break. (p. 15) In his best-selling book, If God Is Love Don't Be a Jerk (WJK, 2021), well-known blogger John Pavlovitz speaks openly about his disappointment and disillusionment with institutional religion in America, especially in the evangelical sector: “I am sickened by this thing claiming to be Christianity. . . this monstrosity. . . would be unrecognizable to him. . . . Sadly, the American Church has in many ways become the greatest argument for someone not becoming a Christian, for rejecting organized religion and never looking back” (pp. 136–37). In the introduction to her most recent book, Freeing Jesus (Harper One, 2021), Diana Butler Bass puts a provocative spin on the theme of leaving church. She tells about a religious experience she once had while looking at an image of Jesus at the Washington National Cathedral. As she knelt at the marble altar, prayed, and gazed at a massive icon of Christ, she heard the voice of Jesus say to her, “Get me out of here.” Diana's husband still laughs about “that time Jesus asked you to spring him from the slammer.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/support

Sermon Series: "For God Alone" on Sunday morning, 11 September, 2022. Bible reading 2 Corinthians 9:5-8.

11.09.22 The tithe doesn't exist! What?!?! Here is a conversation about money and how the Church has financially abused many people throughout history... So why should we give?  The Lord bless you and keep you.

A lot has changed for me over the last week. The Holy Spirit has revealed so much to me in such a short amount of time and I've been at a loss for words. On Friday night I had a supernatural encounter with God that I can't explain. But when God reveals things to you, you can't unsee them. Over the last year in particular, I've been praying for God to teach me more; show me more; take me deeper. That has been my constant prayer and plea to God.One year later, God has answered my prayers. But not in ways that I could have ever expected or imagined. I had no idea that this was the answer I was fervently praying about, which is why I've been so shook. One thing I've learned over the last few years, but even more so over the last few days, is that God is even bigger than I thought. The supernatural encounter I had with the Holy Spirit on Friday night rocked me for about 18 hours straight. I couldn't stop crying. I don't even know why I was crying. Like I said, I can't explain it. I'm sharing this because my ministry is going to change. My relationships are going to change. Since I have been public about my faith, I've always been intentional about living my faith out loud and sharing what God shows me and puts on my heart. I don't plan on changing that. I understand now that the reason God had to burn things out of my heart and out of my life was so that I could have a purified heart more sensitive to His voice. More sensitive to the spiritual realm. More sensitive to the Kingdom work that needs to be done. God has revealed Himself to me on a much deeper level; one that I didn't know existed. One that I've never learned about in the church. He continues to blow my mind. I also learned over the last week exactly why I've felt this pull to leave the institutional church. Many people aren't going to agree with me or understand why I'm no longer going back to church. I'm being called elsewhere, and it means absolutely nothing to me what anyone has to say about it. My eyes are still on the Lord, and my feet are following. The thing is, I'm not the only one. God is removing many people from the institutional church, and it is for a very specific purpose. I will be sharing more about this in my next podcast episode. Another thing—I recently had a door closed in my face; one that I've been praying for over the last year. I'm still not sure if it's a hard “no” from God, but it's definitely a hard, “not yet.” But when one door closes another one opens. On Friday night, God both closed a door and opened one, all in the same day. That was not a coincidence. I've received a lot of clarity on the direction God is leading me. I can't unsee it. I can't look back. I'm sharing this with you now because as I move forward, many of you aren't going to understand. Many of you aren't going to like me. I expect that and I'm ready for the direction God is taking me. As I learn more about the direction I'm going, I promise that I will be inviting you to come along for the ride. Everyone is invited, but the path is narrow and only few find it. God will only take you as deep as you want to go. Your growth with God is dependent on YOU and how willing YOU are to surrender to Him, obey Him and be disciplined by Him. God has Kingdom business that He is calling each and every one of us to be a part of. Yet, too many Christians are still wearing their swimmies, afraid to swim to the deep end. God isn't going to force you to grow if you don't want to. If you want to stay in your comfort zone, that's on you. If you want to make excuses for not having enough time for Him and His Word, that's on you. But I'm telling you, once God takes you to the deep end, there's no coming back to shore. There's no coming back to anything that this world has to offer. Contact me: stephanie@promise-perspective.comSupport the show

Declaring the Finished Work (DTFW) - An hour of exhortation, conversation, worship, prayer, proclamations, declarations and decrees in the Finished Work of Christ Jesus. Our mission is to spread the Good News to the lost, encourage the believer in the fearlessness we have in Christ, thereby helping us find rest in God's goodness and love. A love beyond understanding and a love that will never leave or forsake us. The work He began in us, He will perfectly complete. WEEKLY BROADCASTS: “His Abounding Grace” Tuesdays @ 7 pm; ”Challenged To Change” Wednesdays @ 7 pm; "Declaring The Finished Work" Thursdays @ 12 Noon; "Friday Night Joy" 1st, 2nd & 4th Fridays @ 7 pm; "Bread Of Life" 1st & 3rd Sundays @ 7:00pm;  WEEKLY PRAYER:  “Mid-Day Glo ry Prayer”  Wednesdays @ 1:00pm - Dial-in# (267) 807-9605 Access Code: 732-499# (Listen later @ 267-807-9608 Access Code 732-499*)   MONTHLY BROADCASTS: “LifeLine" 1st Mondays @ 7pm; “Adoration” 3rd Mondays @ 7 pm; Spiritual Nuggets of Truth" 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 8 pm; “Matters of The Heart” 3rd Fridays @ 7pm; “Bold And Beautiful” 2nd Saturdays @ 10:00am; "R3 "Real Life, Real Men, Real Talk 2nd Sundays @ 7:00pm; “Marriage Takeover” 4th Sundays @ 7:00 pm       ALL TIMES EASTERN STANDARD

Declaring the Finished Work (DTFW) - An hour of exhortation, conversation, worship, prayer, proclamations, declarations and decrees in the Finished Work of Christ Jesus. Our mission is to spread the Good News to the lost, encourage the believer in the fearlessness we have in Christ, thereby helping us find rest in God's goodness and love. A love beyond understanding and a love that will never leave or forsake us. The work He began in us, He will perfectly complete.WEEKLY BROADCASTS: “His Abounding Grace” Tuesdays @ 7 pm; ”Challenged To Change” Wednesdays @ 7 pm; "Declaring The Finished Work" Thursdays @ 12 Noon; "Friday Night Joy" 1st, 2nd & 4th Fridays @ 7 pm; "Bread Of Life" 1st & 3rd Sundays @ 7:00pm;  WEEKLY PRAYER:  “Mid-Day Glo ry Prayer”  Wednesdays @ 1:00pm - Dial-in# (267) 807-9605 Access Code: 732-499# (Listen later @ 267-807-9608 Access Code 732-499*)  MONTHLY BROADCASTS: “LifeLine" 1st Mondays @ 7pm; “Adoration” 3rd Mondays @ 7 pm; Spiritual Nuggets of Truth" 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 8 pm; “Matters of The Heart” 3rd Fridays @ 7pm; “Bold And Beautiful” 2nd Saturdays @ 10:00am; "R3 "Real Life, Real Men, Real Talk 2nd Sundays @ 7:00pm; “Marriage Takeover” 4th Sundays @ 7:00 pm       ALL TIMES EASTERN STANDARD

Episode summary    I am thrilled to be creating this special Live Stream Pride 2022 Broadcast with my gay brother and spiritual teacher David Devoré.   David is a gay thought leader, coach, yogi, and inspirational speaker. He is the creator of the “Gay Spirit Guys” Facebook group, where he's leading a movement to support the evolution of gay consciousness by the power of radical self-love, self-compassion, and self-awareness- healing.   He's on a mission to heal the pain and shame of internalized homophobia, so we can bring light to the gay community and heal external homophobia in the world.   In this special live Pride event, David and I decided to have some fun and expose the false narratives of the Institutional Church.   We both grew up within the Christian-Judaeo institutional church. In this conversation, we are including all religious power structures created by humans to disempower people with their beliefs, judgments, and opinions about who goes to heaven or hell.   Jesus was a revolutionary leader teaching a radically different path to the Kingdom of Heaven, that ended up costing him his life.   The problem began with the formation of the institutional church when the founders decided to make Jesus more divine than human, and Mary Magdalene a prostitute and created a litany of beliefs, judgments, and opinions to bring you closer to God.   None of this nonsense is true! We will suggest if you want to have deeply loving and intimate sex Jesus style, enter the Kingdom of Heaven, by emptying your mind and opening your heart, and unlocking the gate to your exciting raw creative sexual energy within you.   Knowing the truth, Jesus was a bisexual, is incredibly spiritually and sexually liberating. Let this scripture from The Secret Gospel of Mark wash over you.   “The young man looked at Jesus, loved him, and begged to be with him. Then they left the tomb and went into the young man's house. Six days later, Jesus gave him an order; and when evening had come, the young man went to him, dressed only in a linen cloth. He spent that night with him because Jesus taught him the mystery of God's domain.” The Secret Gospel of Mark, Chapter 1: 8-12   Please tune in Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at 1:00 PM EDT / 8:00 PM EAT to our live stream to hear David Devore and me engage in this lively and liberating topic! We are streaming live on my personal Facebook, LinkedIn profile, and YouTube Channel.   Please join David Devore in his community Facebook Group: GAY SPIRIT GUYS - a tribe of gay men living on purpose; https://www.facebook.com/groups/gayspiritguys Please join our private Facebook Group Community; Financial Heart Space for LGBTQ+ Leaders and Change Agents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/financialheartspace

Climbing Sycamores... a new feature on the Victory Podcast. Email questions to: bsadler@victoryofthelamb.com Opening Music: "My Name (Hello)" by Andrew Lynch

Climbing Sycamores... a new feature on the Victory Podcast. Email questions to: bsadler@victoryofthelamb.com Opening Music: "My Name (Hello)" by Andrew Lynch

Mike Adams is a former pastor of 25 years, and now he is the host of the UnSunday Show Podcast, and previously the host of the Grace Cafe.  Mike is speak with and listen to and in this episode, we thoroughly enjoyed discussing some of the following topics:   1. The difference between church and ekklesia? 2. Church as we know it today… how different is it in format from what we see in the New Testament?  3. Top-down authority structure and how is this a hindrance to the expression of Christ in us? 4. What does the word overseer mean in the NT? Is there an implication of real authority here? 5. Is there such a thing as the “position of the pastor” in the “church”. You can find more of Mike's content at https://unsunday.com______________________________________________________________________________________Follow The Gospel Perspective Podcast at these locations: Website: https://www.thegospelperspective.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegospelperspectiveInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.gospelperspective/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheGospelPerspectiveFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1941163146052288Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxLcYSd4qfY1x5ODR1uSl-A

In this episode I speak with activist Evvie about their experiences in the Church of Christ. Evvie talks us through their activist work, parentification, and homeschooling during their younger years in CoC, racism and lack of acceptance around the LGBTQIA+ community, advocating for their siblings, and striving for their own further education. Appearing at 2022's ICSA conference, Evvie is a true inspiration to survivors of high-demand religious groups.https://www.emergentphoenixrising.com/ICSA 2022 Conference - https://www.icsahome.com/events/conferenceannualCult Vault Shop - cultvaultpodcast.com/shopCrimecon UK 2022 - https://www.crimecon.co.uk/Ally Awards - https://www.cultvaultpodcast.com/about-3Get In TouchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodTumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/cultvaultReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thecultvaultSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/cultvaultpodcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Most of us can readily identify with having a love-hate relationship with the Institution of the Church. Gil Rendle's latest paper, Jacob's Bones: On the Church's Institutional Future, addresses our ambivalence head-on and offers a distinction that is a gamechanger. He states, “Institutions are not organizations that house values. Institutions are values and disciplines that need organizations to bring their gifts to the people.” Listen to this week's episode of Igniting Imagination as we dig deeper into this conversation with Gil. We hope it sparks a new imagination in you around the vital work of identifying the core truths, values and practices that reside at the center of what it means to be the Church today.   QUOTES “We still have this internal knowledge that there is something of great purpose in what we're doing by forming a family. There is something of great purpose in what we're doing in forming a marriage or in being part of a religious community or seeking democracy or wanting to serve the common good. This is going back to fundamentals that reside pretty deep in us.” -Gil Rendle [31:55] “The younger an institution is or the younger an expression of an institution is, the  easier it is because the closer it lives to its purpose.” -Gil Rendle [32:59]   TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Intro [01:06] The purpose of talking about purpose [05:10] Meet Gil Rendle [06:24] Host's reactions to this conversation [11:32] About Jacob's Bones: On the Church's Institutional Future  [15:17] Institution as a construction of a social reality [19:43] Problem-solving instead of discernment [24:31] How leaders shift from problem-solving mode to discernment mode [30:08] What we're experiencing [34:47] What giving Gil hope for the future of the Church [37:32] Outro   RESOURCES & RELEVANT LINKS Read Gil Rendle's publication “Jacob's Bones: On the Church's Institutional Future” for free on our website here. In the intro, Blair references this article from Fortune: 2022 Will Be A Year of Continuing Transformation by Alan Murray and David Meyer Read Lisa Greenwood's monograph about God's Mixed Ecology: The Changing Spiritual Landscape here. New Feature: Transcripts for this Season's Episodes We will have transcripts for each of our episodes this season. Visit our website to download this week's transcript. We hope these additional resources will help you share these conversations with your friends, colleagues, and leadership teams to spark the spirit within you, your organization, and “ignite imagination!” This podcast is brought to you by the Leadership Ministry team at TMF and Wesleyan Investive. Leadership Ministry connects diverse, high-capacity leaders in conversations and environments that create a network of courage, learning, and innovation in order to help the church lean into its God-appointed mission. Subscribe to our Leadership Ministry emails here. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts / iTunes?   Gil Rendle's Bio Dr. Gil Rendle is a retired Senior Vice President and part-time consultant with The Texas Methodist Foundation in Austin, Texas and an independent consultant working with issues of change and leadership in denominations. Rendle has an extensive background in organizational development, group and systems theory, and leadership development. He has consulted with congregations on planning, staff and leadership development, and issues of change. He is well known for his work with middle judicatory and national denominational offices and staff as they wrestle with denominational and congregational change. He is the author of ten books, a contributor to four books, and the author of numerous articles and monographs. His most recent books include Journey in the Wilderness: New Life for Mainline Churches (2010) and Back to Zero: The Search to Rediscover the Methodist Movement (2011) both published by Abingdon Press and Doing the Math of Mission: Fruits, Faithfulness and Metrics (2014) and Quietly Courageous: Leading the Church in a Changing World (2018) both published by Rowman & Littlefield. Rendle is a resident of Pennsylvania where he lives with his wife, Lynne.

Today we conclude our discussion of whether or not the whore of Babylon/Babylon the great - the evil entity that all of Heaven rejoices when it is burned - is actually the institutional church of today. Also: What will Jesus be like when He returns?

Today we read a very unnerving chapter that discusses the downfall of Babylon the Great/The Whore of Babylon, and consider whether or not this refers to those who call themselves the church today.

Today we conclude our discussion of whether or not the whore of Babylon/Babylon the great - the evil entity that all of Heaven rejoices when it is burned - is actually the institutional church of today. Also: What will Jesus be like when He returns?

Today we read a very unnerving chapter that discusses the downfall of Babylon the Great/The Whore of Babylon, and consider whether or not this refers to those who call themselves the church today.

Pastor Enderle and Pastor Ruddat attended the same summer quarter course (in fall) from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary on discipleship. A book from Thom Rainer posits that one way to address the church membership losses that christian churches are experiencing is to revisit what does it mean to be a church member, so we review the book from a Lutheran perspective. Pastor Will Harley also joined us this week, and helped keep the conversation moving. Passages read from the Evangelical Heritage Version. CHAPTER FOUR – I WILL PRAY FOR MY CHURCH LEADERS Ephesians 6:18-19 CHAPTER FIVE – I WILL LEAD MY FAMILY TO BE HEALTHY CHURCH MEMBERS Matthew 5:43-48 Deuteronomy 4:1-10 resources we mentioned: WELS FAMILY DEVOTIONS (https://wels.net/serving-you/devotions/family-devotions/) "WELS family devotions" are devotions delivered to your email that has age appropriate discussion questions for the family. Also on an audio format. Lutheran (not WELS) resources: Family Style Theology, a podcast by a mom for moms and their kids. (https://www.1517.org/podcasts/family-style-theology) Hidden Streams, is a devotion and study of the Psalms. (https://www.1517.org/podcasts/hidden-streams) CHAPTER SIX – I WILL TREASURE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP AS A GIFT Ephesians 2:8-10 This podcast is also featured on https://www.raisedwithjesus.com/podcast/ (https://www.raisedwithjesus.com/podcast/) "Raised with Jesus" is a daily WELS podcast where the life of Jesus meets yours. Special Guest: James Enderle.

I received a note from David, one of the listeners to this podcast, who asked for my take on Timothy as a pastor and how the function of modern church pastors differs from the function of their New Testament counterparts. I flipped the order of this to talk about the differences first and then next week, I'll be taking a look at Timothy while continuing to build on the differences. Comparing the differences between how modern institutional church pastors function and the function of pastors in the New Testament is like comparing apples to oranges. One of these is not like the other. So let's talk about it.

If you read church news or online blogs, it's easy to get disillusioned: there's so much bad news. Combine this with a bad experience with Christians or a church and it's no wonder that over 50% of Americans no longer affiliate with a Christian denomination. After all, the church seems to have proven itself to be full of hypocrisy and self-aggrandizing. But, did you know that the criticism leveled against the modern church were first leveled against us by the Bible? The readings from these past few Sundays serve as a warning for us today that we have to walk the Way or else we'll become just like the religious authorities of Jesus's day who turned the Temple into a den of thieves. The Bottom Line: The Good News is that even when institutions go bad, the message of Christ's resurrection still breaks out!

Part 2: On this episode Jeremy and Noah Smith, Communications Director at OM, discuss the current state of the church. Has the current model of church brought us new issues? Are we growing organizations or growing people? Jeremy and Noah jump into scripture to dig up some solutions.

Welcome to episode 8 of The UnSunday Show. My wife joins me in this episode from our old Ekklesia Podcast as we talk about our journey out of the institutional church and the events and circumstances surrounding it. We both hit a wall of performance about 10 years ago within the institutional church environment that resulted in a crash and burn for each of us from performance-based Christianity. We tried to stay within other modern church settings for a few years but became increasingly uncomfortable in that setting as time went on and our eyes were opened wider to a different reality, increasing our inability to stay there. We finally left that environment about 4 years ago and have discovered a more genuine and authentic experience of ekklesia outside those walls.  If you find yourself on a similar journey of leaving the modern church setting, we hope you find encouragement in this episode.  -Mike

Richard and Gunnar debunk some popular myths that claim the organized church model is a good way to do church.

Our Scripture verse for today is Psalm 1:1-2 which reads: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." Our History of Black Americans and the Black Church quote for today is from Lee June, a professor at Michigan State University and the author of the book, "Yet With A Steady Beat: The Black Church through a Psychological and Biblical Lens." He said, "Within the 'Black Church' and depending on the denomination, the ritual of baptism is performed differently. For some it is done by total immersion and others practice 'sprinkling.' Some baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while others baptize in the name of Jesus only. But regardless of the specific practice, this act has tremendous spiritual and psychological significance to the one being baptized as well as upon the congregation. In baptism, one experiences identification with Jesus Christ, a movement from being a 'sinner' to becoming a 'saint.' It is a washing away of sins, a cleansing, and is part of becoming a new person in Christ." In this podcast, we are using as our texts: From Slavery to Freedom, by John Hope Franklin, The Negro Church in America by E. Franklin Frazier, and The Black Church In The U.S. by William A. Banks. Our first topic for today is titled "The Christian Kongo" from the book, "From Slavery to Freedom" by John Hope Franklin. The kingdom of Kongo in West Central Africa was founded in the fourteenth century. It was unique for its voluntary conversion to Catholicism, which occurred after the Kongolese king Nzinga a Nkuwu asked Portuguese priests to baptize him in 1491. He adopted his baptismal name João I and established trade and religious relations with Portugal, allowing Portuguese merchants and priests into his kingdom. However, in Kongo, Africans and not the Portuguese controlled the church, and thus Catholic worship melded indigenous religious beliefs and practices with Christianity. ... Our second topic for today is "The Institutional Church of the Free Negroes, Part 8" from The Negro Church in America by E. Franklin Frazier. He writes: The Free Negroes Establish Their Own Churches (Continued) With the division of congregations came the development of a distinct religious observance combining elements of African ritual, slave emotionalism, southern suffering, and individual eloquence. Working-class Baptist and Methodist church services fused African and European forms of religious expression to produce a unique version of worship that reflected the anguish, pain, and occasional elation of nineteenth-century black life in the United States. ... Our third and final topic for today is from "The Black Church in the U.S.: Its Origin, Growth, Contributions, and Outlook" by Dr. William A. Banks. Today we are continuing with part 5 of Chapter 3: "Reaction -- 1820 to 1865" EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE CIVIL WAR By the 1850s, cotton had become king, accounting for nearly half of the total value of our exports. And the black man who worked the cotton had become a great divider of men. Things were heading toward a climax in the 1850s and, as time wore on, turbulence increased. Deciding which states would become free of slavery was a problem. Slave owners and abolitionists were at each others' throats. The novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, by H. B. Stowe appeared in 1352 and had a tremendous impact against slavery. The Dred Scott decision of the Supreme Court was handed down in 1857. Scott, taken to free territory by his master, filed a lawsuit for his freedom, but the court denied it, claiming he could not sue because he was not a citizen. ...

Our Scripture verse for today is Colossians 1:9 which reads: "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." Our History of Black Americans and the Black Church quote for today is from Lee June, a professor at Michigan State University and the author of the book, "Yet With A Steady Beat: The Black Church through a Psychological and Biblical Lens." He said, "Although what is called the ‘Black Church' is still the most powerful institution within the Black community, there is a need for some midcourse corrections. Though there are many encouraging signs, the dangers are there also. Our challenge in the years ahead is to continue to maximize the resources that will advance Christ's church as a whole." Our first topic for today is titled "The New World Experience" from the book, "From Slavery to Freedom" by John Hope Franklin. As Van Sertima has ably pointed out in his book, They Came Before Columbus, peoples of African descent arrived in the United States before Christopher Columbus allegedly discovered America. It should also be noted that there were Africans who were on the same ship with Columbus during his exploration. The fact remains, however, that most African Americans arrived in the United States as slaves, and a few arrived as indentured laborers. In the early 1400s, the Portuguese began to make their way along the west coast of Africa. It was Portugal that led Europe in its search for an all-water route to the East—India, China, and the East Indies. ... Our second topic for today is "The Institutional Church of the Free Negroes, Part 7" from The Negro Church in America by E. Franklin Frazier. He writes: The Free Negroes Establish Their Own Churches After Richard Allen and Absalom Jones organized the Free African Society, they differed as to whether Negroes should model their church organization after the Methodist or after the Protestant Episcopal Church. Allen was of the opinion that the Methodist form of worship was more suited to the religious needs and form of worship to which the Negroes had become accustomed. As a consequence of this difference between Jones and Allen, Jones organized the African Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Thomas but the majority of the Negroes who had seceded from the white church followed Allen. ... Our third and final topic for today is from "The Black Church in the U.S.: Its Origin, Growth, Contributions, and Outlook" by Dr. William A. Banks. Today we are continuing with part 4 of Chapter 3: "Reaction -- 1820 to 1865" NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES AND SLAVERY Not only were scriptures cited in an attempt to support the belief that Negroes were cursed, but they were used to support the very institution of slavery itself. These passages include Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians 3:22-25; 1 Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Peter 2:18-19; and Philemon. ...

Our Scripture verse for today is Matthew 5:14-16 which reads: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Our History of Black Americans and the Black Church quote for today is from Lee June, a professor at Michigan State University and the author of the book, "Yet With A Steady Beat: The Black Church through a Psychological and Biblical Lens." He said, "Both the pastor and the church community have been major contributors to promoting the spiritual as well as the psychological well-being of individuals. While the landscape has changed dramatically over the years, both the church setting and the pastor remain vital to the overall well-being of individuals involved in the church community. It is my belief that the historical 'Black Church' had more of a way-of-life effect on its parishioners than many contemporary congregations do. Further, as individuals began to compartmentalize their lives, some of the natural psychological benefits arising from church involvement started to dissipate. As the deep psychological impact of the 'Black Church' began to be removed from it, its all-embracing benefits also started to wane." In this podcast, we are using as our texts: From Slavery to Freedom, by John Hope Franklin, The Negro Church in America by E. Franklin Frazier, and The Black Church In The U.S. by William A. Banks. Our first topic for today is titled "African Culture and the Diaspora" from the book, "From Slavery to Freedom" by John Hope Franklin. Students of Africa and America have discussed for many years the question of the extent to which African culture was transplanted and preserved in the New World. Of course, a considerable number of students formerly contended that nothing existed in Africa that approached civilization and that there was, therefore, nothing for Africans to bring with them. As evidence to the contrary began to pile up, that position was no longer tenable. Questions still remained as to whether Africans continued to be African in ways other than color and whether any substantial elements of Africa became part of the general acculturative process taking place in America. Sociologists like E. Franklin Frazier and Robert E. Park have failed to see anything in contemporary African-American life that can be traced to the African background. On the other hand, scholars like Carter G. Woodson, Melville J. Herskovits, Lorenzo Turner, John Blassingame, and Albert Raboteau have insisted that the African cultural heritage can still be seen in many aspects of American life today. In the 1960s and 1970s the debate was revived when many blacks and some whites began to insist that a substantial portion of African culture not only survived the Atlantic crossing but has persisted to the present day. Although the controversy continues unresolved, it nevertheless seems possible to make a tentative statement about this important problem. ... Our second topic for today is "The Institutional Church of the Free Negroes, Part 6" from The Negro Church in America by E. Franklin Frazier. // Conflict over the Question of Status (Continued) The question of status was not confined to the South. In the North as in the South a number of Negro preachers had acquired some distinction and had preached to predominantly white congregations. Among these was Lemuel Haynes, the illegitimate child of a Negro and a white woman who was born in Connecticut in 1753. He took the name of a white benefactor who took him in his home when he was abandoned by his mother. Haynes grew to manhood in Massachusetts after having been bound out as a child of five months. It was in the home of the man to whom he was bound out that he first read the Bible and conducted the family prayers. He was licensed to preach in the Congregational Church and serve in a number of churches in New England. ... Our third and final topic for today is from "The Black Church in the U.S.: Its Origin, Growth, Contributions, and Outlook" by Dr. William A. Banks. Today, we are continuing with part 3 of Chapter 3: "Reaction -- 1820 to 1865". THE HAMITIC CURSE One belief held by many during this period was the "Hamitic curse," and Genesis 9:25 was a favorite text of many Southern preachers. A study of Genesis 9:20-27 reveals that it was Ham, the father of Canaan, who saw Noah's nakedness. However, the curse is upon Canaan, Noah's grandson. Because the Bible does not teach that curses fall indiscriminately upon the heads of the innocent, different solutions have been offered as to why Canaan and not Ham was cursed. Some have suggested that the words "his younger son", meaning “the little one,” could refer to Canaan as well as to Ham, thus punishing Canaan for his own sin and not that of his father. One thing is clear: those who talk about the Hamitic curse must remember that Canaan, not Ham, was cursed. If Ham bore blame, we are unaware of his punishment. It is simply prophesied that the moral guilt of Ham would manifest itself in Canaan and his descendants. Thus, first of all, it was Canaan, not Ham, upon whom the curse fell. ...

Our Scripture verse for today is Matthew 19:14 which reads: "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Our History of Black Americans and the Black Church quote for today is from Lee June, a professor at Michigan State University and the author of the book, "Yet With A Steady Beat: The Black Church through a Psychological and Biblical Lens." He said, "The possibility and reality of becoming someone new is offered by Jesus Christ when one is placed in the true church. Second Corinthians 5:17 states: 'Therefore if any man [person] be in Christ, he [or she] is a new creature [creation]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.' This is a profound message of the Gospel and true church. Imagine slaves who were humiliated and treated as less than persons but had within them the message of being a new creation in Christ." Our first topic for today is titled "The African Way of Life -- The Arts (Part 3)" from the book, "From Slavery to Freedom" by John Hope Franklin.  There was usually enough stability within African states and among them to make possible healthy economic development. The division of labor and the practice of specialization in occupations display a remarkable versatility and variety of talents and tastes. The interest in commerce and the understanding of the economic importance of contact with the European and Asian worlds show a realism similar to that of contemporary states in other parts of the world.  Nothing is more impressive in viewing the social institutions of Africa than the cohesive influence of the family. The immediate family, the clan, and the ethnic community undergirded every aspect of life. The rule of discipline enforced in the family was responsible in large measure for the stability that has been observed in various aspects of life. The influence and hold that the patriarch had over the members of the family was largely responsible for the stability that was characteristic of the area. The deep loyalty and attachment of the individual to the family approached reverence and indeed was the basis for most of the religious practices, in which veneration of ancestors played such an important part.  ... Our second topic for today is "The Institutional Church of the Free Negroes, Part 6" from The Negro Church in America by E. Franklin Frazier. He writes: Conflict over the Question of Status  It is apparent then that in the early development of the Negro church on an institutional basis there was the question of the status of the Negro preachers and Negro communicants in relation to the white church organizations. In the South where slavery was the normal condition of the Negro or as the Supreme Court of Mississippi stated that the laws of the State "presume a Negro prima facie to be a slave," it was to be expected that the question of the status of the Negro in the churches should be insistent. In fact, the schism which was created in the various national church organizations over the question of slavery involved the status of the Negro in the Christian churches. After many attempts to reconcile the viewpoint of the southern sections of these church organizations which sought justification of slavery in the Scriptures with that of northern elements who refused to justify slavery on Christian grounds, the Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians split and set up separate organizations. In the South the Negroes continued to join the Methodist and Baptist churches in large numbers and to worship in the segregated sections of the churches of their masters.  ... Our third and final topic for today is from "The Black Church in the U.S.: Its Origin, Growth, Contributions, and Outlook" by  Dr. William A. Banks. Today we are continuing with part 3 of Chapter 3: "Reaction -- 1820 to 1865" A TERRIBLE DEMORALIZING ERA  Under the lax moral life of the plantation, where marriage was a farce, laziness a virtue, and property a theft, a religion of resignation and submission degenerated easily, in less strenuous minds, into a philosophy of indulgence and crime. Many of the worst characteristics of the Negro masses of today had their seed in this period of the slave's ethical growth. Here it was that the Home was ruined under the very shadows of the church, white and black; here habits of a shiftlessness took root, and sullen hopelessness replaced hopeful strife. ...

Our Scripture verse for today is Colossians 2:9-10 which reads: "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:" Our History of Black Americans and the Black Church quote for today is from Lee June, a professor at Michigan State University and the author of the book, "Yet With A Steady Beat: The Black Church through a Psychological and Biblical Lens." He said, “One's worldview has a profound impact on one's psychology of life and one's behavior. The 'Black Church' teaches a worldview. It is Bibliocentric and views life as important, ordained of God, with a future life that is even better. This 'otherworldly' aspect of religion has been misinterpreted by many, including Black writers. Such writers saw the 'otherworldliness' as escapism or as 'opium of the people.' While one must admit that in the practice of Christianity, one can exhibit escapism, true religion/Christianity is both 'this and otherworldly.' Jesus indicated in His high priestly prayer that we are 'in the world but not of the world.' It is the proper understanding of this and other Scriptures that allows one to maintain sanity in the midst of oppression, hatred, discrimination, etc. Without such a view it would have been easy for our fore parents to give up and say, 'What's the use?'" In this podcast, we are using as our texts: From Slavery to Freedom, by John Hope Franklin, The Negro Church in America by E. Franklin Frazier, and The Black Church In The U.S. by William A. Banks.  Our first topic for today is titled "The African Way of Life -- The Arts (Part 2)" from the book, "From Slavery to Freedom" by John Hope Franklin.  The numerous spoken languages found in Africa always constituted a barrier to the development of literary forms. From the Atlantic to Ethiopia, through the heart of the continent, the languages of the Sudanic group are spoken. In the southern half of Africa, Bantu is spoken. There are at least ten Semitic dialects, ranging from the Arabic in North Africa to the Berber dialects heard in the Great Desert. Besides, there are many communal dialects and languages that have no apparent relationship with the principal language groups. Among these are the languages of Suto, Rwanda, and Banda. Thus, where there is so much heterogeneity in the spoken language, even within a relatively small area, the almost insurmountable difficulties involved in the evolution of adequate means of extensive communication become readily apparent.  ... Our second topic for today is "The Institutional Church of the Free Negroes, Part 5" from The Negro Church in America by E. Franklin Frazier. He writes: Andrew Bryan was born a slave in South Carolina and was brought by his master to Savannah. He began with public exhortations and prayer meetings and was soon preaching to congregations of white and black people in Savannah. Bryan was permitted by his master and other whites to erect a church. But considerable opposition developed because it was feared that despite the "salutary" effect of his preaching, the religious gatherings would lead to a slave uprising. Bryan and his brother suffered considerable persecution including whippings and torture. His master came to his defense, and he was permitted to conduct his services in a barn. Through the assistance of influential friends he was able to collect funds in order to purchase a lot upon which he built a church. When his master died, the heirs of the estate gave him an opportunity to purchase his freedom. However, the church remained under the control of the heirs of his master's estate and the worship of the communicants continued to be supervised by whites. As the membership increased, a number of congregations split and new churches were founded. When Bryan died in 1812, he was the acknowledged and respected leader of the religious life of Negroes in Georgia.  ... Our third and final topic for today is from "The Black Church in the U.S.: Its Origin, Growth, Contributions, and Outlook" by  Dr. William A. Banks. Today we are continuing with part 2 of Chapter 3: "Reaction -- 1820 to 1865". RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED Southern states moved rapidly to enact stringent laws. In Mississippi in 1823 it became unlawful for six or more Blacks to meet for educational purposes. Meetings for religious purposes required the permission of the master. Even then a recognized White minister or two reputable Whites had to be present. In Delaware in 1831, no more than twelve Blacks were allowed to assemble later than 12 o'clock midnight unless three respectable Whites were present. No free Black could attempt to call a meeting for religious worship unless authorized by a judge or justice of peace upon recommendation of five respectable White citizens. In many sections of the South Black preachers were silenced and not allowed to preach other than on their own plantations, and then only with their masters' consent.  ...