Shows
The Underground Sessions PodcastEngaging Muslims with Alfonse JavedIn this episode, Pastor Bob is joined by Pastor Dave for a stimulating discussion with Dr. Alfonse Javed. Our focus is Islam. We cover questions like: what do Muslims believe? How do we share Christ with our Muslim neighbors? And, what are some issues to be aware of? As always, we seek to "equip the saints to engage the skeptics." Enjoy the conversation!Resources: Hearts for Muslims: https://www.heartformuslims.com/Dr. Javed's book, "The Muslim Next Door": https://a.co/d/eysYQlo2025-04-1145 min
Our Urban Voices#118. Christmas is Meaningless Without God's GraceDr Alfonse Javed, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Metuchen, shares a Christmas message on God's Grace on Christmas (Ephesians 2:8-10).What is grace and why do we need to talk about God’s grace on Christmas? What if I told you that the Christmas story is the story of God’s grace and that most people celebrate Christmas without considering God’s grace, the first cause behind Christmas?There is no greater good than telling people what grace is, what it does, and why people need God’s grace. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The Mess...2025-01-1438 min
Our Urban Voices#116. 2024 Countdown #2 - Uncovering Revelation: It's in the Old Testament CodeRev Dr Duane Alexander Miller, an Anglican author, pastor, and professor, discusses interpreting the book of Revelation.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Genre of Revelation and Its ImportanceOld Testament and Revelation linkHost's & Guest's Interpretation ExampleABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller was born in Montana and grew up in Colorado and Puebla (in Mexico). He completed a BA in philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and then an MA in theology at St Mary's University (also in San Antonio). Later, life took him to Jordan where he and h...2024-12-1727 min
Our Urban Voices#103. Uncovering Revelation: It's in the Old Testament CodeRev Dr Duane Alexander Miller, an Anglican author, pastor, and professor, discusses interpreting the book of Revelation.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Genre of Revelation and Its ImportanceOld Testament and Revelation linkHost's & Guest's Interpretation ExampleABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller was born in Montana and grew up in Colorado and Puebla (in Mexico). He completed a BA in philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and then an MA in theology at St Mary's University (also in San Antonio). Later, life took him to Jordan where he and h...2024-06-1826 min
Our Urban Voices#95. What's Needed to Shepherd a Church Through Change?Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY. He shares his journey in shepherding a church through leadership and theological changes.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Preach the WordPatience and GraceApologetics and CareABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the teaching pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in The Bronx, NY. He has lived in various places in the United States and has experienced different denominational theologies. He and his wife, Consuela, have been married 15 years and both have over 20 years in business and m...2024-02-2721 min
Our Urban Voices#94. The Journey from "Truth" to TRUTHPastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY. He shares his journey in discovering the Biblical truths that moved him from denominational theology to denominational theology.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How to Search for AnswersBig God TheologyLetting God be TrueABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the teaching pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in The Bronx, NY. He has lived in various places in the United States and has experienced different denominational theologies. He and his wife, Consuela, have been married 15 years a...2024-02-1344 min
Our Urban Voices#93. Is the House Still on Fire? Jumpstarting the Conversation about Race in the Local American CongregationPastor Isaac Adams explores how the local congregation might faithfully respond to their local community about deep-seated and lingering racial strife. Regardless of the headlines and from a pastoral perspective, he invites Christians to engage in prayerful, truthful conversations about race — gospel hope-filled conversations that glorify God, are for the good of the community and build the church.Isaac Adams offers practical steps and jumpstarts the conversation about race within the local congregation.What You’ll Learn:Why talk about race in a local congregation?Practical tips for pastors to talk about race w...2024-01-1634 min
Our Urban Voices#92. Celebrating Christmas with an Easter PerspectiveDr Alfonse Javed, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Metuchen, shares a Christmas message on Jesus, God's Message of Love.Only by celebrating Christmas with an Easter perspective do we experience how Jesus, God’s message of love is what angels said on the first Christmas, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14, ESV).WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The link between Christmas and EasterJesus is God, King, and LordJesus is God’s message of loveABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Alfonse Javed, the Senio...2024-01-0319 min
Our Urban Voices#91. Churches Embracing Change: It Starts With the LeaderPastor Mark Lee sharing on pastoring a church to change and grow in a culturally diverse community.Churches are declining in the United States. What can be done to replant and grow a declining church?Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is leading his congregation in embracing and engaging the ethnically diverse community around them.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Characteristics and Tenants of Biblical LeadershipPaul's Model for Church LeadersIdentifying and Implementing Change to Reverse Decline in Church AttendanceABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor M...2023-12-1933 min
Our Urban Voices#90. Churches Embracing Change: Ethnic & Cultural DiversityPastor Mark Lee sharing on pastoring a church to change and grow in a culturally diverse community.Churches are declining in the United States. What can be done to replant and grow a declining church?Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is leading his congregation in embracing and engaging the ethnically diverse community around them.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Contributing factors to the decline of traditional American churchesMaking diversity a focal pointChallenges for churches in embracing diversityABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Mark L...2023-12-0533 min
Our Urban Voices#89. The Key to Understanding Prophecy About IsraelDr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum discusses Israelology — a key to understanding prophecy and Jesus' earthly ministry.The systematic study of Israel also provides context for understanding the rapture, end times and Jesus' second coming. Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum unpacks Jesus' example of leadership and what that means for modern day discipleship. Bonus Content: Come and See, Ariel Library ResourcesWhat You’ll Learn:What Israelology is and why it matters in the study of the BibleHow to apply Jesus' example of discipleship What scripture says has to happen before the rapture or Je...2023-11-2131 min
Our Urban Voices#88. A Woman's Place is in the ...Pastor Peter Pendell re-thinks women and their calling and role in complementarian Christian ministry.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Has the evangelical Christian community reflected Jesus' attitude about women?Complementarian vs Egalitarian (definitions, limitations, strengths, and weaknesses)Women in Ministry (ordination, leadership, teaching, authority and headship)ABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Peter Pendell has served in pastoral ministry for almost 50 years. His passion is to help people connect with God and with each other. He has given much prayer, thought, and discussion about the call and role of women in complementarian Christian ministry.R...2023-11-0725 min
Our Urban Voices#87. MALESTROM Part 2: Jesus' Model for Men is CounterculturalMALESTROM: men lose sight of who God created them to be. God's design for men is countercultural.Book Link: Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines ManhoodWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The church has veered off from Jesus' model of manhoodAuthority vs ResponsibilityThe Christian life is bigger than Sunday morningABOUT THE GUEST: Carolyn Custis James is an award winning author who thinks deeply about what it means to be a female follower of Jesus in a postmodern world. Her speaking and writing ministry is dedicated to addressing the deeper needs an...2023-10-2421 min
Our Urban Voices#86. MALESTROM Part 1: Jesus' Model for Men is CounterculturalMALESTROM: men lose sight of who God created them to be. God's design for men is countercultural.Book Link: Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines ManhoodWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Patriarchy as seen in the BibleJesus as the model for manhoodExamples of TransformationABOUT THE GUEST: Carolyn Custis James is an award winning author who thinks deeply about what it means to be a female follower of Jesus in a postmodern world. Her speaking and writing ministry is dedicated to addressing the deeper needs and issues confronting both women and me...2023-10-1031 min
Our Urban Voices#85. Complete Transformation in Addiction RecoveryAlex Willis is the Intake Coordinator for Brooklyn Teen Challenge. His main objective is to introduce broken people to Jesus, get them enrolled into the Brooklyn Teen Challenge program, and help them cultivate a life free from addiction.Brooklyn Teen ChallengeWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:A typical day in the program3 phase approach to recoveryTransition back to societyABOUT THE GUEST: Alex Willis was born and raised in a small town called Shell Lake, WI and served in the United States Marine Corps from 2009 to 2011. He is a full-time student at R...2023-09-2635 min
Our Urban Voices#84. Establishing Legitimacy for MissionariesEstablishing Legitimacy for MissionariesLegality vs Legitimacy of Missionaries in Foreign CountriesSteve Schirmer is the President of Silk Road Catalyst, a ministry family committed to ending gospel deprivation, ensuring all peoples in all places have gospel access. Legitimacy in Missions Matters Book LinkWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Equipping local population and foreign missionariesBalancing Truth vs Safety 8 Steps to establishing legitimacyABOUT THE GUEST: Steve Schirmer is the President of Silk Road Catalyst, a ministry family committed to ending gospel deprivation, ensuring all peoples in all places h...2023-09-1240 min
Our Urban Voices#83. Supporting Our Missionaries Well is Not Just FinancialDavid Thomae, the Director of Mission to the World's Member Care Department shares about caring for our missionaries well.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Proactive ways to support missionariesVarying missionary needs in urban or rural contextsHow to build relationships of careABOUT THE GUEST: David and Jan Thomae work with Mission to the World’s Member Care Department, supporting and encouraging MTW’s efforts to care well for every missionary.David and Jan joined Mission to the World in 1988 and have experience ranging from rural Africa to urban Europe, including more than 10 years...2023-08-2928 min
Our Urban Voices#82. Rediscovering the Early Church's Vision for Global MissionsPastor Matt Burden on rediscovering the early church's vision for global missions and what today's church can learn from that.His new book is Missionary Motivations: Challenges from the Early Church IN THIS PODCAST,How did the New Testament churches do missions?New Testament Missiology and Impact on the 21st Century ChurchPractical EvangelismMatthew Burden is an author, pastor, and scholar, currently serving a church in eastern Maine. His research focuses on the intersection of church history and missiology, with a focus on understanding the missional ideas that motivated previous generations of...2023-08-0145 min
Our Urban Voices#81. Innovative Funding Options to Support Global MissionsTim Welch — a veteran missionary — has researched some of the inventive ways missions is funded in the Majority World. For decades, he served with SIM in Cote d'Ivoire. But, he makes a case for missionaries relying on more than once source of funding. He outlines several ways churches around the world fund missions from his recently released book, New Funding Models for Global Mission.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:5 reasons the Western models of funding missions don't work in the Majority World5 innovative models that make missionary support accessible in the Majority WorldHow raising missions support impa...2023-07-1849 min
Our Urban Voices#80. Unreached People Groups in North American CitiesBud Houston, a Hub Leader for Global Gates, shares his passion to reach unreached people who are living in cities in Canada and the USA. He offers four action steps, a starting point for urban churches and organizations to get involved. He is also the Director of Research for UPG North America and host of the Let’s Talk Diaspora Podcast.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:About the two basic types of people who migrate to the USA and CanadaAbout the resources available at UPG North America for churches and organizations Four tips for urban churches to start en...2023-07-0427 min
Our Urban Voices#79. Churches Can Keep NYC Kids Out of Foster CareMark Atkinson serves as the Area Director for Care Portal in NYC which helps churches serve vulnerable children and families in their own communities. Young people who've been in foster care are at high risk of being trafficked, incarcerated, homeless and having their own children go into foster care. Plus, only 8% are likely to graduate from high school in four years. Hear how you can use CarePortal to disrupt the broken foster care cycle and support healthy loving families.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How the foster care system feeds cycles of incarceration, homelessness and generational...2023-06-2031 min
Our Urban Voices#78. Decoding Cities and Stewarding the Gospel among Urban Dwellers - Part 2Tiffany Owens Reed unpacks how suburbs, towns and cities can impact their inhabitants. She talks about how understanding the way a city works can impact ministry, allowing churches to better serve their congregants and steward their neighborhoods. She also reveals how churches can better reflect the incarnational gospel where life happens in the daily interactions among residents. Check out her free resource City Discoveries Toolkit.Part 2 of 2WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The historical backdrop of redlining in American citiesThe importance of knowing the local story and what can be changed nowHow pastors are...2023-06-0644 min
Our Urban Voices#77. Decoding Cities and Stewarding the Gospel among Urban DwellersTiffany Owens Reed unpacks how suburbs, towns and cities can impact their inhabitants. She talks about how understanding the way a city works can impact ministry, allowing churches to better serve their congregants and steward their neighborhoods. She also reveals how churches can better reflect the incarnational gospel where life happens in the daily interactions among residents. Check out her City Discoveries Toolkit.Part 1 of 2WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Four dynamics that are unique to metro areasHow understanding the design of a community can empower ministryHow a ministry of proximity can be impactful...2023-05-2337 minOur Urban Voices#76. Social Media as a Way to Communicate the GospelJosh Collins serves with Global Gates. Having completed social media training just before pandemic-related lockdowns, he was prepared to communicate the gospel online. He shares some of the big differences between social media outreach and being in person.Plus, he offers ways you or your church can meaningfully communicate the gospel on line.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Three things Christ-followers can do and one thing not to do when sharing the gospel onlineTwo of the biggest challenges of ministry in cities like NYCAbout the difference in disciplining a new believer from an online connection2023-05-0939 min
Our Urban Voices#75. Unity Across Denominations, Punjabi Christians Sing PsalmsDr. Yousaf Sadiq shares the uniqueness of the Punjabi Psalms -- a successful example of contextualizing scripture for a culture with strong oral traditions. Collectively known as Zabur, these songs are an interdenominational source of strength. They unify Punjabi Christians who are often persecuted as a religious minority in Pakistan.Dr. Sadiq has a new book, The Contextualized Psalms (Punjabi Zabur): A Precious Heritage of the Global Punjabi Christian Community. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why the Punjabi Psalter was well received after the Urdu Psalter was notA South Asian perspective on Jesus meeting the woman...2023-04-251h 13
Our Urban Voices#74. Ways for Christians to Engage Culture in Multireligious SettingsDr. Bill Merrifield worked cross-culturally in Beirut, Lebanon for 17 years while his family grew. Considering how faithful Christians can think critically and engage the culture without compromise, he breaks down different ways that honor the gospel. He currently serves as the Vice President of Engagement for IDEAS. Dr. Merrifield maintains a blog where he recently shared a vision for transformation in the midst of brokenness. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The importance of unearthing your own cultural assumptionsHow Christians can think critically and be faithful in multireligious settingsA vision for transformation, standing firm in the cultural currents2023-04-1127 min
Our Urban Voices#73. The Gospel and the LGBTQ+ Community—Going Beyond Theological DebatesElizabeth Black is the co-founder of Kaleidoscope, a ministry dedicated to “Providing LGBTQ+ people opportunities to engage with tangible expressions of Christ” and joining the Spirit of God where He is already at work among LGBTQ+ folks in NYC. She shares some surprises and challenges in reaching out to the LGBTQ+ community, contextualizing the gospel message and the vital role of the local church.21% of Gen Z adults (aged 18-26) self-identify as not being heterosexual; and NYC has the largest population of LGBTQ+ folks in the country, many of whom move to metropolitan areas as a sanctuary. 2023-04-0447 minOur Urban Voices#72. Hospitality and Showing the Love of JesusRebeca Castillo felt at home the first time she traveled to the Middle-East. Considering the differences in social customs, she looks at the importance of Christ-followers offering and receiving hospitality, building deep relationships, sharing their lives in the Lord and how to start.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How to share hospitality inside and outside of your homeWhat Jesus said to His disciples about being a good guestFour common mistakes to avoid when hosting MuslimsABOUT THE GUEST: Rebeca serves domestically and abroad; she regularly ministers through hospitality.SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:2023-03-2837 min
Our Urban Voices#71. Why Did Jesus Die – Debating the Atonement FaithfullyBrad Vaughn (formerly Jackson Wu) breaks down how the interpretation of Jesus’ atonement impacts an individual, the church and perceptions of God’s character. Understanding the atonement can be heavily influenced by culture, worldview and holding metaphors more closely than scripture itself. Brad shares from his recently published a book, The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Where to look for greater understanding about Christ's atonementAbout the influence the Western church has in some traditional culturesAbout the impact of culture and worldview on understanding atonementABOUT THE GUES...2023-03-2129 min
Our Urban Voices#71. Why Did Jesus Die – Debating the Atonement FaithfullyJackson Wu breaks down how the interpretation of Jesus’ atonement impacts an individual, the church and perceptions of God’s character. Understanding the atonement can be heavily influenced by culture, worldview and holding metaphors more closely than scripture itself. Jackson shares from his recently published a book, The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Where to look for greater understanding about atonementAbout the influence the Western church has in some traditional culturesAbout the impact of culture and worldview on understanding atonementABOUT THE GUEST: Jackson (Ph.D., SEBTS...2023-03-2129 minOur Urban Voices#70. Experiencing Christ's Presence with International Muslim StudentsMost recent years, about 1 million international students come to the United States to study. Elizabeth Wolf discovered a heart for Muslims while serving abroad. Today, she serves among international students on an urban campus in the United States. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:About some differences in reaching out to Muslim students in Gen ZWhat it means to give students opportunities to experience Christ’s presence Where and how to take the first step in international student ministryABOUT THE GUEST: Elizabeth is a small-town girl doing ministry in a big city as campus min...2023-03-1430 min
Our Urban Voices#69. Recovering a Missionary Perspective on the American ChurchSeven years on the mission field gave Dr. Matthew Bennett the opportunity to see the American church with fresh perspective. As a missionary and professor at Cedarville University, he invites American evangelicals to look at the American church like someone on the outside looking in. Without the sentiments or idealizations that can come with familiarity, he shares a Hope for American Evangelicals: A Missionary Perspective on Restoring Our Broken House.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why it’s important to survey the broken places in American churchesThe gospel and the implications of not understanding the worldview of your ne...2023-03-0746 min
Our Urban Voices#68. Ending the Cycle of Financial Debt--It's not about the MathZamary Texeira found a path to financial freedom. She shares insights and offers advice for anyone who wants to get out of debt and stop the cycle from continuing in the next generation. She is now a Ramsey preferred coach, encouraging others on their own path to financial freedom. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:What needs to happen before you call a financial coachWhy financial freedom is not about the mathHow fear and shame work against financial freedomABOUT THE GUEST: I love teaching, encouraging, and leading people to improve their lives, so they c...2023-02-2828 min
Our Urban Voices#67. Interfaith Relations and Loving the CommunityPastor Ramny Perez prioritizes the gospel, discipling congregants and loving the local community well. He shares how following Jesus' example and upholding the integrity of the gospel lead to loving the community and building interfaith relationships in NYC. Ramny Perez is the Lead Pastor of Fordham Community Church in the Bronx, New York. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How to build interfaith relationships and not water down the gospelHow service and a traditional Christian witness lead to loving the local communityAbout taking the first step in community buildingABOUT THE GUEST: God has given R...2023-02-2132 min
Our Urban Voices#66. Telling the Truth about Neighbors without DoorsAs the Director of City Relief and overseeing eight outreaches a week in NYC, Josiah Haken shares his informed perspective about people made in the image of God and who happen to be homeless. Noting that eleven is the average age of a homeless person in America, he pushes back on four common lies and offers practical ways that congregations can help. He is the author of Neighbors without Doors.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:About four common lies about homeless people and homelessness in AmericaOne simple step that churches can do to helpThe mistake that...2023-02-1426 min
Our Urban Voices#65. Peacemaking and Forgiveness in the Real WorldJonathan Bornman talks about modern day peacemaking in the real world. Who would ask for a cup of coffee when they are greeted with the words "your blood is permissible to me"?Founder of Dove Tail Productions, Jonathan Bornman is a producer and and makes documentaries about non-violent conflict resolution, like the soon to be released film, Unexpected Peace: In Search of the Common Good.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:About Pacifist Islamic Communities in NYC and West AfricaAbout the Fruit of Peacemaking in Indonesia, 20 Years after Seeds were SownHow Forgiveness and Peacemaking are Related2023-02-0738 min
Our Urban Voices#64. Urban Missions for 2023: Encouraging Urban Missions to Muslims: Common Mistakes and a Way ForwardSeth Bouchelle highlights how the command to love our neighbor and the great commission fuse in modern urban settings. He challenges assumptions about cross cultural ministry and the examples modeled by Jesus. Seth is the co-author of Mosaic: A Ministry Handbook for a Globalizing World and the author of Lost Faith: A Practical Theology for Post-Christendom Ministry.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How studying Islam could be a stumbling block in building relationships with Muslim peopleAbout the impact of honor-shame dynamics The importance of not curbing your assumptionsABOUT THE GUEST: 2023-01-3134 min
Our Urban Voices#63. Urban Ministry for 2023: At the Table with Muslims and Christians—Conversation without Compromise, the Al-Ma’idah InitiativeJames Rayment unpacks what how Muslims and Christians can have conversation without compromise and build relationships despite fundamental disagreements. These dialogues stand in stark contrast to perennial accusations of cancel culture in America. James Rayment pushes back on some common misconceptions that Protestants have about Muslims, outlining four steps that churches can take to get to know Muslim people in their neighborhoods. The Al-Ma’idah Initiative hosts events and trains churches to do the same; it is an unapologetically Christian organization. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How Food Can Be a Catalyst for Relationship Bu...2023-01-2427 min
Our Urban Voices#62. Urban Ministry for 2023: Four Ways Christian Women Can Overcome Fear and Befriend Muslim WomenRuth Ripken shares why its so important for Christian women to be the ones to reach out to Muslim women with hospitality plus 4 ways to overcome fear and love their neighbors well.With 35 years of experience in missions, she has lived in several countries in Africa, learned about different cultures, ministered to believers in persecution and participated in relief efforts with her husband Nik Ripen. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:About the importance of hospitality in relationships with Muslim womenFour ways to get over the ‘fear factor’ and not be afraid to say or do the wron...2023-01-1737 min
Our Urban Voices#61. Urban Ministry for 2023: Where Politics Fail a Christian Response to Muslim ImmigrationDr. Matthew Kaemingk separates the Christian response from the political rhetoric that can dominate the conversation about Muslim immigration in America. Looking at Jesus’ example and with practical examples from around the globe, he looks at failures and successes of Christians loving their Muslim neighbors well despite fundamental religious differences. Dr. Kaemingk is the author of Christian Hospitality and Muslim Immigration in an Age of Fear.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How Politics Fail to Support a Christian Response to Muslim ImmigrationAbout Christians Being a Good Host and a Good GuestWhy Christians Should Care ab...2023-01-1030 min
Our Urban Voices#60. How Can Your Church Thrive in the New Year?Pastor Mike Rubino, Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Bible Church, saw the congregation grow from 40 people to 400 people. The fruit of revitalization was plain to see, soon after the church started down that road. Pastor Mike now works with many other congregations — offering a bird’s eye view of local congregations and a simple roadmap to a thriving body of Christians. Pastor Mike Rubino shares that journey and practical steps that any congregation can follow in his soon to be released book, The Revitalize Roadmap.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:4 Simple Steps to Begin Revitalization in a Cong...2023-01-0341 min
Our Urban Voices#59. Most Popular of 2022: The Men We Need—Adulting, Gardening, and Defending Against IntrudersBrant Hansen compares toxic masculinity to what it actually means to follow Jesus. Moving from generational trauma to generational hope, he shares his discoveries about mentoring, adulting, and fatherhood as a man in today’s culture. How can a man defend his family against harmful intruders and cultivate a life where the people around him can thrive?Brant Hansen's most recent book is The Men We Need: God's Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How fake things, like pornography, can disrupt adulthoodHow to...2022-12-2726 min
Our Urban Voices#58. Most Popular of 2022: Skiing in a Saree: How South Asian Dance Builds Community and Connects CulturesDivya Maiya gives us a peek into the world of South Asian dance. She is the co-founder of the South Asian Arts and Theater House — SAATH — based in Minneapolis, MN. More than Bollywood and Bhangra, she looks at how dance can be a fun way to build community across and beyond the South Asian diaspora. And, she talks about breaking stereotypes, appreciating cultural traditions and the motivation for her own #SareeAdventures. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:About the Roots of Various of South Asian DancesHow Dance Can Tell the History and Culture of a PeopleHow Dance Can...2022-12-2032 minOur Urban Voices#57. Most Popular of 2022: Lies We Believe—Healing Trauma in the Lives of Christian and Muslim Women through Arts Ministry and TruthJami Staples discovered a unique approach to reveal lies and trauma that often ensnare Christian and Muslim women—same lies, different contexts. Through the Truth Collective, Christian women are empowered to see themselves through God’s eyes—with inherent value—and be empowered to heal from trauma. Then, Christian women can be free to humbly and boldly engage Muslim women who share similar experiences.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why it’s important for Christian women to have access their own transformation testimonyHow a “both – and” ministry can minister to both Christian women and to Muslim womenHow unheale...2022-12-1329 min
Our Urban Voices#56. Most Popular of 2022: Not the Same Heaven – Exploring Sin, Forgiveness, Atonement & Paradise in the QuranDr. Matt Bennett unpacks sin, forgiveness and atonement – comparing the Biblical and Quranic views. In a conversation between Muslims and Christians, the same word can communicate very different ideas. Those unexplored differences can become obvious in how the afterlife is described. How is the Quran’s Paradise understood in comparison to the Bible’s description of Heaven?WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:6 key questions for Christians to understand a Quranic view compared to the Biblical view, including the meanings of sin and forgivenessHow Quranic concepts may have impacted Arabic-speakers whether or not the community is Mus...2022-12-0632 min
Our Urban Voices#55. Celebrating Christmas as a Religious Minority in DjiboutiRachel Pieh Jones discusses four common questions about Christmas from Muslims in her community and she offers ways American Christian families can grow closer to Jesus by learning from the global Christian community. Rachel offers tips for families about how to make new Christmas traditions, all while she sheds light on her family's experiences celebrating Christmas where Christians make up less than 1% of the country, Djibouti. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Four Questions that Muslims and Other Non-Christians May Have about ChristmasAbout Finding Commonality in What the Quran Says concerning the Birth of JesusTips for Families...2022-11-2927 min
Our Urban Voices#54. Shared Experience: Helping Muslim Refugees Heal from TraumaThe Power of Proximity Series: Steve Moses shares examples, how to spot symptoms of trauma, how to help Muslim refugees who may be affected by trauma and the critical roles of joy and listening well. He outlines seven keys to begin the process of healing from trauma. What You’ll Learn:When suffering becomes trauma and who is affected by it?What are the symptoms of trauma?About seven effective steps that are part of the process to heal from traumaAbout the Guest: Steve Moses has worked with and lived among Mus...2022-11-2236 minOur Urban Voices#53. Near Culture Missions: Africans Bringing the Gospel to Metro NYCThe Power of Proximity Series: Pastor Daouda Zongo discusses the roles of prayer, healing and deliverance in evangelism to communities in metro NYC. He highlights ministry to French-speaking West African immigrants and recommends two initial steps for a church to begin an outreach ministry. What You’ll Learn:About the role of healing and deliverance in evangelismAbout the role of prayer in Jesus’ NameThe two, initial steps to begin evangelism outreach in churchAbout the Guest: Pastor Daouda serves as the Senior Pastor of Centre Chretien Eau Vive (Living Water Christian Center), a chu...2022-11-1526 minOur Urban Voices#52. Near-Culture Missions: Latinos, Muslims and the GospelThe Power of Proximity Series: Laura, a mobilizer in South America unpacks five cultural similarities between Latinos and Middle-Easterners that can be crucial in near-culture missions. She discusses the difference between understanding a language and understanding a culture and the responses she gets when she talks to churches about bringing the gospel to Muslims.What You’ll Learn:Five meaningful cultural similarities between Latinos and Middle-EasternersAbout missions trends in Latin AmericaAbout the difference between understanding culture versus understanding languageAbout the Guest: Laura is originally from Latin America. She went to...2022-11-0826 min
Our Urban Voices#51. The Gospel still Works amid Violence in a Post-Christian CityAdam Muhtaseb shares his unique perspective having been raised Muslim, becoming a Christian in his teens and being a pastor and church planter in partnership with his wife. The family moved to Baltimore because they saw the brokenness of this often violent, transient, post-Christian city in America.What You’ll Learn:How the family of a Muslim background believer may react to a new found faith in ChristHow practicing Islam compares to consumer driven ChristianityThe challenges and opportunities of ministry among a transient populationAbout the Guest: Adam grew up in a Mus...2022-11-0124 min
Our Urban Voices#50. Where Politics Fail—a Christian Response to Muslim ImmigrationMatthew Kaemingk separates the Christian response from the political rhetoric, fearfulness and romanticism that can dominate the conversation about Muslim immigration in America. With examples from around the globe, he looks at failures and successes of Christians loving their Muslim neighbors despite fundamental religious differences. Matthew Kaemingk is the author of the book: Christian Hospitality and Muslim Immigration in an Age of Fear.What You’ll Learn:How Politics Fail to Support a Christian Response to Muslim ImmigrationAbout Being a Guest instead of a HostWhy Christians Should Care about Bans on Hijabs2022-10-2531 min
Our Urban Voices#49. Don't Forget Religion: The Middle East and JournalismJayson Casper takes us into the world of journalism as a Middle Eastern correspondent for Christianity Today. Currently based in Lebanon, he shares insights about the region’s traditional Christian churches and how Christians in the Middle East are personally affected by what are foreign politics in America. What You’ll Learn:Some ways Muslims and Christians relate to one another in the Middle East About the Orthodox and Coptic Christian communities An inexpensive way to ‘travel’ to the Middle EastAbout the Guest: Jayson Casper reports at the intersection of religion, politics...2022-10-1834 min
Our Urban Voices#48. How Churches Can Disciple Former Muslims: Obstacles and LessonsDuane Alexander Miller shares frequent obstacles and lessons learned to better disciple new believers from a Muslim background. In Madrid, Spain — as an Anglican pastor, he co-founded an Arabic fellowship for new believers from a Muslim background. He shares insights from that fellowship, typical western churches and years of international ministry experience in countries like Turkey, Jordan and Kenya. What You’ll Learn:How Western churches can adapt to better disciple new believers from Muslim backgroundsThe benefits of 'stop light' discipleshipHow God is fulfilling the promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s seed2022-10-1121 min
Our Urban Voices#47. Why Do Muslims Become Christians? Five Common ReasonsDuane Alexander Miller shares five common motivations that draw Muslims to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the church’s role during this unprecedented time for Muslim ministry.He is an Anglican pastor serving in Spain. He provides insight about shari'a law and calls from within the Muslim community for its own theological reformation. What You’ll Learn:Five Reasons that Often Lead Muslims to Consider the Gospel of Jesus ChristThe Role of the Church in Welcoming Muslim ImmigrantsHow an Non-Western Worldview of Community Impacts New Believers from a Muslim BackgroundAbout the...2022-10-0423 min
Our Urban Voices#46. Four Ways Christian Women Can Overcome Fear and Befriend Muslim WomenRuth Ripken shares insights from over 35 years in missions, 4 ways for Christians to overcome fear, why Christian women must be the ones to reach out to Muslim women with hospitality and what it means to love our neighbor well.She is a veteran missionary who has lived in several countries in Africa, learned about different cultures, ministered to believers in persecution and participated in relief efforts with her husband Nik Ripen. What You’ll Learn:About the importance of hospitality in relationships with Muslim womenFour ways to get over the ‘fear factor’ and not be afr...2022-09-2738 min
Our Urban Voices#45. Grieving Lost Community: Pastoring through GentrificationShould a church move when many of its congregants no longer live nearby? What should a church do if it's neighborhood experiences drastic change?While economic and demographic changes are clearly visible in a gentrifying neighborhood, the unseen effects of trauma on those originally in the community are often overlooked. Dr. Mark Strong shares how pastors can help their churches process, grieve, and move forward despite the significant impact gentrification has left on their community.Dr. Strong also reveals how to decide where a church building should be located and how to have...2022-09-2054 min
Our Urban Voices#44. Nurturing Jesus’ Heart for Muslims in Jesus’ Church — an Advocate to Love Muslims in AmericaPastor Alfonse Javed looks beyond his personal experiences to Jesus’ heart for Muslims and His heart for the nations living in our communities. Christ’s command is straight forward, “love your neighbor.” But fear, presumption, or cultural differences may get in the way. Then what?Special Guest Host: Chris Clayman, co-founder of Global Gates Network and Heart for MuslimsWhat You’ll Learn:Where to start if your congregation isn’t interested in reaching out to MuslimsWhat to do about fear, presumption or indifference when they are stumbling blocks to reaching out to Muslims i...2022-09-1338 min
Our Urban Voices#43. A Christian Persecuted in Pakistan — an Advocate to Love Muslims in AmericaPastor Alfonse Javed shares experiences that reveal the need to love our enemies, support religious freedom, find common ground and love our neighbors well.He grew up in a Christian family in a Muslim-majority country, Pakistan. Then in America, he was shunned as though he were Muslim. Special Guest Host: Chris Clayman, co-founder of Global Gates Network and Heart for MuslimsWhat You’ll Learn:What It Was Like as a Christian Growing Up in Pakistan — a Muslim Majority CountryHow Urban Missions is Impacting Global MissionsAbout the Importance of Finding Common Ground to R...2022-09-0648 min
Our Urban Voices#42. Crossing the Line: Cricket’s Influence in India and BeyondPreity Upala calls all sports fans and geopolitical observers to consider cricket’s importance in India and the world. Though a holdover of British colonialism, Indian cricket is now a dominating force in the world's second most watched sport. Preity, a sports analyst, former investment banker, former Miss India International and geopolitical expert, examines cricket as a source of domestic economic empowerment, global prestige, and international soft power. What You’ll Learn:How India’s cricket teams impact cricket globallyHow cricket plays into India’s soft power in international politicsAbout the domestic economic impact of crick...2022-08-3041 min
Our Urban Voices#41. Encouraging Urban Missions to Muslims: Common Mistakes and a Way ForwardSeth Bouchelle highlights how the command to love our neighbor and the great commission fuse in modern urban missions. He challenges assumptions about cross cultural ministry, the examples modeled by Jesus and effectively reaching out to Muslims. Plus as a peek in to the world of missions, he explains why being a missionary is a lot like being a standup comic. What You’ll Learn:How studying Islam could be counterproductive in building relationships with MuslimsAbout the importance of honor-shame dynamics in outreach to MuslimsHow being a missionary is similar being a stand-up comedian2022-08-2333 min
Our Urban Voices#40. Encouraging Urban Missions: Answers Every Christian Needs to KnowSeth Bouchelle breaks down the obstacles that often intimidate Christians — preventing them from sharing their faith effectively, as a missionary or in a personal setting. As a church planter, missionary, and trainer who works with urban and diasporic churches, he also looks at the unique aspects of this ministry and how missionaries can better prepare for it.What You’ll Learn:A main reason Christians don’t share their faith in their personal circlesSome key distinctives of urban cross-cultural ministryWhat missionaries need to understand in order to be effective in diasporic ministryAbout...2022-08-1624 min
Our Urban Voices#39. Living Purposefully: Testing the Practices that Shape Daily LifeDr. Dru Johnson explores the inescapable impact of ordinary and extraordinary routines. With examples ranging from tooth brushing to baptism, he encourages everyone to "examine our ritual lives."Those examinations can deepen our understanding about the traditions that define life and religion — the ways in which individuals and communities are different and similar. What You’ll Learn:Where to find rituals in everyday lifeThe importance of identifying why rituals are taughtHow Christians can learn from the traditions in other denominations and other religionsAbout the Guest: Dr. Dru Johnson is an As...2022-08-0940 min
Our Urban Voices#38. Making Orphanages Obsolete: Recovering Family-Based Care for Vulnerable ChildrenElli Oswald reconsiders the ways American churches serve vulnerable children and honor them as image bearers of God. Through the Faith to Action Initiative, she advocates for systemic changes that would make orphanages obsolete around the world. What You’ll Learn :The Research about Orphanages, Family-Based Care and Child DevelopmentThe Risks Involved with Mission Trips to OrphanagesHow Conflicts — Like the War in Ukraine —Affect Children and OrphansAbout the Guest: Elli Oswald is the Executive Director of the Faith to Action Initiative. The organization advocates for family-based care for children and fun...2022-08-0218 min
Our Urban Voices#37. Why Ministry Contextualization Matters: The Robert Katende StoryThrough sports and chess, Robert Katende takes Christ to communities of young people from all religions living in IDP camps and local slums in Uganda.He shares his wisdom on mentoring young people, pastoral calling, effective sports ministry, and the absolute importance of ministry contextualization.Since the true story of one of his students was portrayed in the 2016 feature film, Queen of Katwe, Robert Katende continues to serve in sports ministry, coaching young people in Kampala, Uganda.What You’ll Learn:How sports ministry differs from sports activity programsThe ingredients for an ef...2022-07-2619 min
Our Urban Voices#36. Echoing Hope: Holistic Education in Uganda and around the WorldWill Lenzen Jr. is the founder of Echo. Beginning in Western Uganda, holistic education is making a difference one child and one family at a time through Echo. Echo’s model is sustainable and community building. It is a simple, replicable system, based on research, local children’s needs and measured growth.What You’ll Learn:Some of the practicalities of starting an international not-for-profitAbout the impact of holistic education and removing barriers to schoolingThe importance of understanding children’s needs in different communitiesAbout the Guest: Will Lenzen Jr. is the Fo...2022-07-1928 min
Our Urban Voices#35. Does Culture Limit Some People from Fully Understanding the Bible?Jackson Wu exposes how the plain text of scripture may be misunderstood, dismissed or amplified depending on one’s cultural lens. He looks at the pitfalls of presumption and filtering ancient text with modern eyes. Providing specific examples, he considers ways that Christians can revisit scripture bring it into better focus and not overlook how radical Christ’s cross really is. What You’ll Learn:About the characteristics of honor-shame culturesHow culture filters someone’s understanding of scriptureHow missions and outreach may be adapted for an honor-shame cultural contextAbout the Gues...2022-07-1230 min
Our Urban Voices#34. The Power of Social Media: Young Believers Growing OnlineNaga Palepu thought he was the only Christian that had been born Hindu. Amid persecution from his family, he expressed his pain by recording a TikTok video and it went viral. The response to the video was the catalyst for an international, virtual community known as Hidden Christians. Here, young believers can still grow in faith and build friendships despite the threat of persecution.What You’ll Learn:Why some believers from a Hindu or Muslim background may not have access to brick-and-mortar churchesHow social media is introducing young people to Christ al...2022-07-0525 min
Our Urban Voices#33. Journeying with Jesus: A Spiritual Pilgrimage through the Psalms of AscentDr. Fred Farrokh breaks down the when, what, and why of Hajj, the pilgrimage of Muslims traveling to Mecca. He looks at the significance of pilgrimages in the Hebrew scriptures and in light of the New Testament. Dr. Fred Farrokh has served as a missionary for decades and currently trains other missionaries internationally. He is a Christian from a Muslim background. Bonus Content: Journey with Jesus: A Spiritual Pilgrimage through the Psalms of Ascent - Free DownloadWhat You’ll Learn:The significance of Hajj in Muslim religionHow pilgrimage differs for...2022-06-2832 min
Our Urban Voices#32. Rethinking God’s Plan – Across the Street and Around the WorldLori Rogers pushes back on the idea that ‘missions’ is something that is only done overseas.With the Momentum Yes free, online, video series — Christians take a fresh look at God’s plan for the nations — discovering their place in God's story. Lori considers the dynamic and practical implications for the church when the nations are regarded in the light of God's love.Bonus Content: Momentum Yes - Session 1 - Sneak Peek What You’ll Learn:About God’s love for the world revealed throughout scriptureAbout the benefits of group studyH...2022-06-2126 min
Our Urban Voices#31. The Men We Need—Adulting, Gardening, and Defending Against IntrudersBrant Hansen compares toxic masculinity to what it actually means to follow Jesus.Moving from generational trauma to generational hope, he shares his discoveries about mentoring, fatherhood, and adulting as a man in today’s culture. How can a man defend his family against harmful intruders and cultivate a life where the people around him can thrive?What You’ll Learn:The value of a man having a vision for his lifeWhat it means to tend God’s Garden in today’s world About the impact of one-month-mentorshipsAbout the Guest: 2022-06-1426 min
Our Urban Voices#30. Urban Ministry, Gentrification, Justice, and a Faithful WitnessPastor Justin Adour looks at opportunities and potential blind spots when church planting in a neighborhood that is being gentrified. He also considers the church’s hesitancy to confront issues relating to justice and how that reluctance could overshadow a church’s testimony of Jesus.Almost three years ago—he and his wife, Angela, co-founded Redeemer East Harlem which is part of the family of Redeemer Presbyterian Churches in New York City. Located in the heart of what is traditionally known as Spanish Harlem, the community around the church is experiencing rapid gentrification.What Y...2022-06-0739 min
Our Urban Voices#29. The Second Coming, Israelology, Discipleship, and the Life of JesusDr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum discusses Israelology — a key to understanding prophecy and Jesus' earthly ministry.The systematic study of Israel also provides context for understanding the rapture, end times and Jesus' second coming. Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum unpacks Jesus' example of leadership and what that means for modern day discipleship. Bonus Content: Come and See, Ariel Library ResourcesWhat You’ll Learn:What Israelology is and why it matters in the study of the BibleHow to apply Jesus' example of discipleship What scripture says has to happen before the rapture or Je...2022-05-3131 min
Our Urban Voices#28. Skiing in a Saree: How South Asian Dance Builds Community and Connects CulturesDivya Maiya gives us a peek into the world of South Asian dance. She is the co-founder of the South Asian Arts and Theater House — SAATH — based in Minneapolis, MN. More than Bollywood and Bhangra, she looks at the communities touched by South Asian dance. And, she talks about breaking stereotypes, appreciating cultural traditions and the motivation for her own #SareeAdventures. Divya Maiya looks at how dance can be a fun way to build community across and beyond the South Asian diaspora.What You’ll Learn:About the Roots of Various of South...2022-05-2432 min
Our Urban Voices#27. So You Want to Start a Ministry to Muslims?Dr. Fadia Farag unearths some of the reasons Christians are hesitant to reach out to Muslims and Muslims are hesitant to follow Christ. Reflecting on more than ten years of experience with the Brooklyn Arab-American Friendship Center in NYC, she considers why it’s important for the church not to ignore Muslims in our communities or to be fearful of ministering to them.Dr. Fadia looks at some of the practicalities of ministry and provides tips on how to start an outreach where you are. What You’ll Learn :About overcoming obstacles that...2022-05-1724 min
Our Urban Voices#26. Getting Unstuck — Is Your Church Healthy, Growing, or Declining?Tony Morgan, Founder of the Unstuck Group breaks down some fundamentals of a thriving church for this season of ministry.Evangelism, making disciples, growing deeper in faith — the mission of the church remains the same. But, do more activities really mean more disciples? And, what about virtual services after the pandemic?Tony Morgan challenges listeners to consider whether their congregation is declining and what to do about it.What You’ll Learn:What thriving churches look like during this seasonAbout the lingering impacts of the covid pandemic on local congregationsWhat an effective disc...2022-05-1035 min
Our Urban Voices#25. Leadership Development, Mentoring, and Service – Pioneering in Areas of NeedChris Coppernoll shares about leadership development and leaning into the needs of others. He gleans from personal experience, life on campus, in church, the marketplace and ministry abroad.He breaks down the role of mentorship in effective leadership development.Chris talks about ministry in Pakistan, working in the Christian music industry and a scriptural response to America’s racial conflicts. Bonus Content: HOW TO FORGIVE RACIAL VIOLENCE | Going Forward When You Can't Go BackWhat You’ll Learn:Ways to support leadership growth within a churchAbout modern-day peonage, debt...2022-05-0337 min
Our Urban Voices#23. At the Table with Muslims and Christians—Conversation without Compromise, the Al-Ma’idah InitiativeJames Rayment unpacks what it means to have conversation without compromise and build relationships despite fundamental disagreements. Through the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, Muslims and Christians are able to engage, cultivate mutual respect, and build genuine friendships. The organization is unapologetically Christian. These opportunities to dialogue stand in stark contrast to perennial accusations of cancel culture in America.James Rayment pushes back on some common misconceptions that Protestants have about Muslims and outlines how churches can take the first steps in getting to know Muslim people in their neighborhoods. Bonus Content: How Can...2022-04-2627 minOur Urban Voices#24. How Can Christians Reach Out to Muslims During Ramadan?James Rayment reveals how Ramadan is one of the best times for Christians to reach out to Muslims in their community. But, where can you or your church begin?As an unapologetically Christian organization, the Al-Ma'idah Initiative starts with lots of prayer and a table of food. And, it’s not too soon to plan for 2023 when Easter, Passover, and Ramadan will overlap for the second year in a row. James Rayment discusses the significance and the connections between prayer, hospitality, Ramadan, and revelations of Jesus. This is a special Ramadan episode, from a webinar th...2022-04-2631 min
Our Urban Voices#22. Mitch Glaser Reflects on Prophecy, the Messiah, and Covid’s Lasting Impact on Ministry at Chosen People MinistriesDr. Mitch Glaser looks at the challenges, opportunities, and surprising areas of fruitfulness for present-day outreach to Jewish people around the world. He reflects on decades in ministry, experiencing antisemitism, unity, prophecy, politics, virtual evangelism, and virtual discipleship. Dr. Mitch Glaser serves as the President of Chosen People Ministries. Before the most recent wave of Covid-19 subsided in New York City, the pandemic’s lasting impact on the ministry had already become apparent. What You’ll Learn:About present-day areas of fruitfulness for Jewish outreachAbout innovative outreach programsHow Isaiah 53 is a significant Mess...2022-04-1948 min
Our Urban Voices#21. Pastoring a Multi-Ethnic Church: Overcoming Language Barriers and Fighting Persecution Back Home in MyanmarPastor Peter Lwin grew up in Myanmar and migrated to America after grade school. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has been plagued by civil wars and religious persecution for decades. Then, in 2020 there was a military coup that upended the country’s democratic elections. Many of the young people at Calvary Burmese Church had a loose connection to their family’s culture and homeland. Both literally and figuratively, the generations didn't speak the same language.Pastor Peter is a Youth Pastor. He shares about the challenges in bridging that gap, the grace needed to do so a...2022-04-1247 min
Our Urban Voices#20. Pastoral Leadership — Is It Character, Calling, Qualifications, or Aspiration?Pastor Bobby Jamieson sketches a map for the pastorate: character, competencies, qualifications, heart, and hiring process. For a church’s search committee, he pushes back on some common ideas about ministerial qualifications that are not found in the Bible. For someone hoping to be a pastor or an elder, he discusses ways to nurture a desire to serve. In practice, Pastor Bobby offers insight into the ministry of a large, urban congregation in the nation’s capitol where there are lots of opportunities to ‘love across lines of difference'.What You’ll Learn...2022-04-0533 min
Our Urban Voices#19. A Palestinian Sniper Turned Peacemaker; Tass Saada Discovers Christ’s Love for Muslims, Jews and ChristiansTaas Saada was born in Gaza to a Muslim family. While working in America, a simple ‘thank you’ from a customer touched the heart of this man who was trained as a Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) sniper. The customer would become a friend and eventually share the gospel with Tass, years later. Pressed on all sides, he had been an enemy of Christians and Jews. Then as a follower of Jesus Christ, he was no longer welcomed in Mosques and his family tried to kill him. But, the Prince of Peace had other plans for Tass...2022-03-2942 min
Our Urban Voices#18. Is the House Still on Fire? Jumpstarting the Conversation about Race in the Local American CongregationPastor Isaac Adams explores how the local congregation might faithfully respond to their local community about deep-seated and lingering racial strife. Regardless of the headlines and from a pastoral perspective, he invites Christians to engage in prayerful, truthful conversations about race — gospel hope-filled conversations that glorify God, are for the good of the community and build the church.Isaac Adams offers practical steps and jumpstarts the conversation about race within the local congregation.What You’ll Learn:Why talk about race in a local congregation?Practical tips for pastors to talk about race w...2022-03-2234 min
Our Urban Voices#17. Lies We Believe—Healing Trauma in the Lives of Christian and Muslim Women through Arts Ministry and TruthJami Staples discovered a unique approach to reveal lies and trauma that often ensnare Christian and Muslim women – same lies, different contexts. Through the Truth Collective, Christian women are empowered to see themselves through God’s eyes—with inherent value—and be empowered to heal from trauma. Then, Christian women can be free to humbly and boldly engage Muslim women who share similar experiences.Jami looks at how arts ministry, virtual tea parties and relationships are vital parts of this ministry. Bonus Content: Your Identity in Christ - According to the Bible2022-03-1529 min
Our Urban Voices#16. Answering God's Call to Afghanistan – One Woman Shares Jesus’ Story in a Dangerous Place - Part 2Kate McCord lived in Afghanistan for 9 years after the fall of the Taliban in the early 2000’s. Today, the Taliban rules Afghanistan again. In this Best of Heart for Muslims Edition, her story provides a glimpse of Afghans who endured Taliban rule. Kate's story gives voice to their stories—a powerful reminder to look beyond the statistics and consider people who bear God's image.During Kate's time there, Afghanistan was a danger zone for women and foreigners. But this American woman shared Jesus’ story with Afghan women, women who became friends.This episode is the...2022-03-0824 min
Our Urban Voices#15. Answering God's Call to Afghanistan – One Woman Shares Jesus’ Story in a Dangerous Place - Part 1Kate McCord lived in Afghanistan for 9 years after the fall of the Taliban in the early 2000’s. Today, the Taliban rules Afghanistan again. In this Best of Heart for Muslims Edition, her story provides a glimpse of Afghans who endured Taliban rule. Kate's story gives voice to their stories—a powerful reminder to look beyond the statistics and consider people who bear God's image.During Kate's time there, Afghanistan was a danger zone for women and foreigners. But this American woman shared Jesus’ story with Afghan women, women who became friends.This episode is the...2022-03-0125 min
Our Urban Voices#14. Are Apostles and Pastors the Same? What Are Their Roles in Church Planting and Global Missions?JD Payne challenges Western convention and reframes the lens through which church planting is typically viewed. He has served as a pastor and an academic. Over the years, he has also mentored and coached many church planters. So at home or abroad, what is the best model for a healthy church? JD Payne reconsiders church planting and missions around Biblical examples instead of a cultural or pastoral orientation. What You’ll Learn:The example of missions and church planting in the New Testament compared to a modern American modelHow calling an...2022-02-2238 min
Our Urban Voices#13 Are God and Allah the Same? A Christian Midwesterner’s Reflections on Her Journey in East Africa, in Muslim Majority CountriesRachel Pieh Jones’ family has fled violence and her faith has been challenged while her family has been in East Africa. Living as a foreigner and religious minority in Djibouti, the move was necessarily a journey away from the familiarity of the Midwest and the comfort of Christian community. On this path of discovery, some of Rachel’s most closely held beliefs were questioned and re-examined. What You'll Learn:About culture and lifestyle in DjiboutiHow ancient Christian practices and liturgies can be powerful About Islam’s impact on everyday life in Muslim majori...2022-02-1534 min
Our Urban Voices#12. Fire on Three Sides — a Palestinian Pastor Reflects on the Lord’s Faithfulness in the midst of PersecutionPastor Hanna Massad voices a perspective seldom heard in America; he is both an evangelical Christian and someone who calls Gaza home. Pastor Hanna shares about Jesus’ faithfulness amid three distinct sources of persecution and about the Christian Mission to Gaza. The ministry serves Christians and Muslims in Gaza as well as those in need, Iraqi refugees and Syrian refugees in Jordan. What You'll Learn:How and why, despite very real danger, Pastor Hanna loves those who persecute him About three sources of persecution for Christians in Gaza The value of America Ch...2022-02-0828 min
Our Urban Voices#11. Not the Same Heaven – Exploring Sin, Forgiveness, Atonement & Paradise in the QuranMatthew Bennett unpacks sin, forgiveness and atonement – comparing the Biblical and Quranic views.In a conversation between Muslims and Christians, the same word can communicate very different ideas. Those unexplored differences can become obvious in how the afterlife is described. How is the Quran’s Paradise understood in comparison to the Bible’s description of Heaven?Takeaways:What are the meanings of sin and forgiveness in the Quran compared to the BibleHow Quranic concepts may have impacted Arabic-speakers whether or not the community is MuslimHow Christians can offer better explanations and increase unders...2022-02-0132 min
Our Urban Voices#10. So You Want to Be a Pastor in New York City?Pastor Michael Herbert shares about the attitude, expectations and gifting that contribute to a thriving ministry for pastors and church planters in New York City.Episode Summary:Pastor Michael Herbert is the son of Caribbean immigrants. After becoming a follower of Jesus, he was led into serving as a pastor and in cross-cultural ministry. Today, he serves as the Pastor of the English Congregation of the Chinese Evangel Mission Church of Queens and as the Dean of the New York School of the Bible (NYSB). He shares insight about cross-cultural ministry, urban ministry and pastoring...2022-01-0431 minOur Urban Voices#9. Consumer Christianity InterruptedDr. Ron Walborn serves as the Dean of a seminary in the heart of New York City, where the goal is to prepare the hearts as well as the minds of students.Episode Summary:Dr. Ron Walborn serves as the Dean of Alliance Theological Seminary that recently relocated all campus activity to New York City's downtown where students can engage an international community. He is committed to preparing servant leaders for the future, not the past. He discusses the importance of incarnational discipleship.Scripture Related to the Episode:Luke 9:23...2021-12-2832 min
Our Urban Voices#8. What about Biblical Justice in New York City?Shirley Annan serves as the chair of Spark of Justice, the social justice ministry of Bethel Gospel Assembly, an evangelical church in Upper Manhattan, NYC.Episode Summary:Shirley Annan serves as the Ministry Coordinator and Chair of Spark of Justice for a New York City, evangelical, Pentecostal church. She talks about the needs of the church’s neighborhood, the ministry of reconciliation, and looks at social justice through the lens of Biblical justice. Scripture Related to Episode:Proverbs 31:8-9Topics Discussed:How does Spark of Justice (SOJ) ministry wo...2021-12-2137 min
Our Urban Voices#7. Off & On Campus: Global Missions in Local CommunitiesValerie Althouse, D. Min., provides insight about how campus ministry adapted during covid19 restrictions, mobilizing the church’s multi-cultural, multi-ethnic urban residents as local missionaries and reaching unreached people groups scattered throughout American towns and cities. She desires to connect missional believers to serve and reach students and individuals who come from an international community.Episode Summary:Valerie Althouse, D. Min., serves as the Northern Mid-Atlantic Area Director for International Students Inc (ISI), a trainer, an emotional intelligence coach and an adjunct professor for Alliance Theological Seminary (ATS) in the areas of Missions and Evangelism. She...2021-12-1437 min
Our Urban Voices#6. Now is the Season for Resilient Disciples in American CitiesPastor Walter Sotelo shares about the challenges of church planting in New York City and the privilege of engaging the lost in a modern day Babylon that has a global influence. He has served in New York City for over 25 years as a pastor, mobilizer, church planter and more recently he has seen the need to be a peacemakerEpisode Summary:Pastor Walter Sotelo shares about the challenges of church planting in New York City, casting vision within a new church plant and his hope for the church in America’s cities. Currently, he serves as...2021-12-0741 min
Our Urban Voices#5. A Harlem Church Addresses Needs in Its Changing NeighborhoodPastor Mimsie Robinson offers insights about a traditionally African-American, Harlem church in the face of a changing neighborhood, immigration, gentrification, crime and injustice. He is a native New Yorker and native Harlemite who serves as the Missions Pastor of Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City.Episode summary:Pastor Mimsie Robinson serves as the Missions Pastor of Bethel Gospel Assembly which is a traditionally African-American, Pentecostal congregation in Harlem, in New York City. He shares his unique perspective as the church's neighborhood experiences change, gentrification, crime, injustice and a wave of ne...2021-11-3038 min
Our Urban Voices#4. Global Missions from a Large Multi-Ethnic Urban Congregation in BrooklynPastor Jerry discusses the church as a missionary sending agency, benefits of short-term missions, and founding an international organization that holistically serves the poor and persecuted through relief, medical care, development and training.Pastor Jerry began his career as a computer programmer; he founded a not-for-profit and worked on Wall Street as he served at Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, a multi-ethnic congregation in the heart of downtown Brooklyn in New York City. Later, he joined the church’s staff full-time, overseeing missions.Episode summary:Pastor Jerry serves as an Associate Pastor at Brooklyn Tabernacle Chu...2021-11-2339 minOur Urban Voices#3. What Happens When Churches Focus on Community or Sundays?George Russ shares his bird’s eye view of approximately 250 Baptist churches in metro New York City that have been impacted by COVID-19, recent racial justice movements, immigration and more.He serves a diverse group of Baptist churches in New York City, helping them to stay on mission and multiply.Episode Summary:George Russ, a native New Yorker, serves as the Executive Director of the Metro NY Baptist Association, a diverse family of approximately 250 metro churches that share the vision of the great commission—to make disciples of all the nations. He oversees the o...2021-11-1638 min