Noah interviews Pastor David Swanson on his book Rediscipling the White Church: From Cheap Diversity to True Solidarity.
David W. Swanson is the pastor of New Community Covenant Church, a multicultural congregation in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. He helps lead New Community Outreach, a nonprofit that collaborates with the community to reduce sources of trauma, and speaks around the country on the topics of racial justice and reconciliation.
In episode 30, we dive head first into the recent riots over George Floyd’s death and the national stories of Breonna Taylor and Ahmuad Arbery’s deaths. This episode covers these events, police brutality, racism, and the Church.
A personal friend recently asked an honest question on social media in response to the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery: I hate these meaningless killings…(but) why does it seem like when black men kill white men it’s not as big of a deal?
I’m thankful for my friend who asked this question. It’s so important to be humble and seek constructive conversation, with a heart to learn, when approaching such polarizing subjects as racism, which I appreciate about my friend. I felt like it was a good question whose answer would help bring clarity to people out there who might not understand why stories like Ahmaud’s go viral. So I hope this blog article is helpful in giving some context. I hope it’s done in a non-judgmental way and in a way that people of all skin colors and cultures will find approachable and helpful. I hope it can bring some transformation to individuals and to our country.
When I got married on June 19, 2004, I thought my sexual purity problems were in the rearview mirror for good.
I had been porn-free for over two years, was leading sexual purity small groups, and had regular accountability. I was also reading Christian sexual purity books that told me if I starved my eyes from lustful looks and images, there would be a “sexual payoff” in my marriage. My wife and I were both virgins when we got married, and I was ready for this payoff.
Noah interviews Tyler St. Clair on his church planting journey in the inner city of Detroit, MI. Tyler is the lead pastor of Cornerstone Church Detroit in Detroit, Michigan. He also serves as the network lead for Church in Hard Places in Acts 29’s S. Midwest Network. Tyler talks about dealing with the grind of pastoring and church planting, and the insecurity that most pastors deal with in wanting larger ministries or more recognition. This insecurity is similar to what every person faces in that we all look for something to give us our value, approval, and acceptance…all the things Jesus offers to us in the gospel when we know we our identity as the Father’s beloved sons and daughters.
Listen below or subscribe on iTunes or Google Play Key notes: Beyond the Battle online groups for guys are BACK and launching in late October. Check them out at www.beyondthebattle.net
