Welcome to season two of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Kevin Withem and Tina Bruner are kicking off the season with a series titled “Lessons Learned from Mars Hill” where we will be hosting a panel discussion with Dr. Alicia Crumpton, Ben Brewster, and Kevin Holland. Our goal is to discuss themes arising from Christianity Today’s “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast.”

Our intent is to discuss some common issues that may arise within congregational life and leadership cultures. We recognize the Mars Hill story to be an extreme example of what can happen. We also understand there is a broad spectrum between healthy congregations and/or leadership cultures - and those which are toxic. Moreover, we acknowledge the various degrees of experiences; some which are extreme and others more subtle or nuanced. All in all, we wish to address some common threats to healthy congregational life, and to unity within the body of Christ.

In the past, we limited episodes to about 30-35 minutes - this series will go a longer. As we engage in this discussion, we encourage listeners to refrain from diagnosing or labeling people or groups of people. We pray this series will be a blessing and a tool that moves us all toward congregational cultures of grace, mercy, and shalom!

Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel.

Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected].

Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate .

Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Clips from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast are used by permission of Mike Cosper. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/

Audio clip from YouTube: Toxic Church Cultures | GRACE Live Conversation | Scot McKnight & Boz Tchividjian - https://youtu.be/OtF_xvpuASo

The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."

Transition music by Cody Martin, "Forever With You instrumental"