In this episode of "Around the Block," host Pastor T speaks with Eric and Nana Dolce, who serve at New Macedonia Baptist Church in southeast Washington, D.C. They discuss the importance of engaging with the city and its diverse stories while emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods marked by vulnerability and neglect. 

They emphasize the importance of focusing on the significance of ministering to individuals rather than relying on generalizations or abstractions. While there are general truths, it is crucial not to disengage from showing love and ministering to individuals. It is acknowledged that ministering to generations requires ministering to individuals. Join Pastor T as he explores the gospel ecology of these predominantly black and brown neighborhoods, seeking to understand how the gospel is shaping lives and communities on the block.

[TIME STAMPS]

[00:02:13] Fruitful ministry in making disciples.

[00:06:59] Time of confession and prayer.

[00:11:32] The impact of the city.

[00:16:46] Struggling with church commitment.

[00:21:33] Nana's book and its growth.

[00:23:48] The Seed of the Woman

[00:27:01] Begin by praying.

[00:31:19] God's work through their efforts.

Living in a highly visual and aesthetic-centered culture can cause us to overlook the true essence of individuals. In this episode of Around the Block, host Thabiti Anyabwile sits down with Eric and Nana Dolce, a couple deeply involved in their local church and community. They discuss the importance of having a vision for family and raising children in a Christian home. The conversation also delves into the role of the local church in bringing people together and fostering discipleship.

The Dolce's delve into the subtle impacts of a society that values visuals and aesthetics over character and words. They highlight how easily people can become engrossed in the cultivated imagery of life, missing out on understanding others at a deeper level. Specifically, they discuss the influence of this visual culture on relationships and marriage proposals, noting the prevalence of pornography that dehumanizes individuals and hinders genuine connections and friendship.

They also address the challenges faced by young men and women in this highly visual culture, with men grappling with pornography and women adhering to a checklist of qualities that may not align with biblical values. Ultimately, the episode suggests that living in such a culture can impede the formation of deep connections and a true understanding of others' character.

The core conviction for Christian ministry, as discussed in the episode, centers around two key elements: hospitality and teaching God's word. According to the transcript, these two components are considered foundational to the Christian life and ministry.

[TIME STAMPS]

[00:00:00] Lack of vision for family.

[00:05:09] Cross-cultural ministry experiences.

[00:08:46] Small cultural bridges.

[00:16:45] The changing neighborhood dynamics.

[00:19:31] Lack of vision for family.

[00:24:30] Visual culture and character-centeredness.

[00:28:51] Ministry in the word.

[00:33:09] Unemployed men and community outreach.

[00:36:42] The ordinary means of grace.

In this episode of "Around the Block with Thabiti Anyabwile," Thabiti continues his conversation with Welton Bonner, a former pastor of Greater Love Church in Washington, D.C. They discuss the process of closing the church to focus on prayer, study, and reflection in order to replant it with a stronger foundation. They also touch on the topic of whether having children is required biblically, and the value of church programs like Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. Join them as they explore the gospel ecology in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods and cities, and the work being done to serve and minister in these communities.

TIME STAMPS

[00:02:09] Unity in church planting.

[00:06:13] Taking a programmatic approach.

[00:09:30] Despising small beginnings.

[00:13:30] Can you be a healthy church without a children's ministry?

[00:19:07] Programs not scripturally required.

[00:21:30] Church planning and skipping steps.

[00:25:29] Emergency landing in ministry.

[00:28:39] Confirmation and shutting down services.

[00:33:35] Future plans and church planting.

[00:35:17] Discernment and prayer in leadership.

In this episode of "Around the Block with Pastor T," Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile explores the importance of laying a strong foundation in various ventures. Drawing from his conversation with guest Welton Bonner, they discuss the impact of having fewer expectations and focusing on the growth of faith rather than getting caught up in preferential debates. They also touch on the significance of starting new ventures in an effective manner to avoid potential pitfalls down the line. Join them as they delve into the gospel ecology of the city and the work of the gospel in the community.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:13] People's expectations of church.

[00:07:26] The church landscape when planting.

[00:08:27] Prosperity gospel and easy believism.

[00:12:15] Life-on-life discipleship.

[00:17:00] What you win people with.

[00:22:07] What is best for East of the river?

[00:23:53] Closing the church and hope.

In this episode of Around the Block with Pastor T, we talk to Ernest Clover the Director of the The Dream Center in DC. In distressed and neglected communities, constant exposure to the problems and needs of these communities can lead to fatigue, frustration, and eventually apathy among pastors, Christians, planters, and residents. It can feel like an endless battle against hope. Insert the Dream Center, a place where Hope Becomes a Habit.

The Dream Center, a historic community center, offers various programs and services such as a gym, afterschool programming space, dance studio, classroom, computer lab, recording studio, and even a partnership with Howard University to address opioid addiction in the community. It serves as a bustling hub where children and adults can come together. A place where hope can be felt, not just talked about. 

Pull up a seat and let's talk about how to make hope a habit.

TIME STAMPS

[00:00:00] The Dream Center's Vision.

[00:05:47] The Dream Center's Chalkboard Wall.

[00:08:02] Pursuit of daily blessings.

[00:12:10] Challenging experiences during COVID.

[00:14:07] The blessings of being available.

[00:18:07] Grit in neglected neighborhoods.

[00:20:11] Gentrification and its nuances.

[00:24:00] Opportunity in the neighborhood.

[00:27:00] The importance of hope.

[00:30:06] The importance of biblical illiteracy.

[00:34:01] Running the Dream Center.

[00:35:27] Creating a Parachurch ministry.

[00:38:33] The power of hope.

In this episode of "Around the Block with Pastor T," Pastor T sits down with Pastor Joshua Roulhac to discuss the importance of church planting and revitalization in neglected areas like Congress Heights, DC. They highlight the great need for the gospel in these communities and the lack of churches in these areas compared to others. They also explore the challenges and changes that come with church planting and revitalization, particularly when it comes to smaller churches.  

Maybe our focus should be on better churches, not BIGGER ones? Join Josh and Pastor T as they talk about this.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:10] Overlooking neglected areas in churches.

[00:04:19] Transitioning into a new community.

[00:07:14] Inner city ministry work.

[00:14:21] The resilience of the church.

[00:17:28] Shedding the big church model.

[00:20:33] The significance of small churches.

[00:24:52] Serving black and brown neighborhoods.

[00:26:48] Loving immigrant and refugee neighbors.

In this episode, Pastor T continues his conversation with Pastor Jeremy McClain as they delve into the crucial role of shepherding the community through tragedy and loss as an essential aspect of ministry. They emphasize the active involvement of pastors and churches in the community's rituals and practices for dealing with trauma and loss. By participating in these events, pastors can demonstrate support, solidarity, and provide comfort to those affected by tragedy.

One example discussed is the practice of reading the obituary of a young person whose life was tragically cut short during a church service. This act not only acknowledges the loss but also allows the congregation to grieve and mourn together. It serves as a powerful demonstration of the church's commitment to being present and supportive during difficult times.

The guest also highlights other community rituals, such as vigils and candlelight ceremonies, that bring people together to lament and support one another. These rituals provide a space for individuals to express their grief and find solace in the collective mourning of the community.

Join them as they explore the ways to engage with tragedy and show up for the work of community service.

TIME STAMPS

[00:02:41] Tragedy in our communities.

[00:07:27] Lamenting and seeking justice.

[00:11:32] Community rituals during tragedy.

[00:16:05] Urgency in serving the community.

[00:21:22] Context determines ministry.

[00:23:30] Internal ministry within the church.

[00:27:01] The last word on hope.

In this episode of Around the Block, Pastor T sits down with Jeremy McClain, a pastor and founding elder of Anacostia River Church. The discussion centers around the concept of being an "acceptable outsider" in a community and the importance of entering a neighborhood with love and friendship. Jeremy shares his experiences and insights on building relationships and making a positive impact in the community. Join us as we explore the power of genuine connection and the transformative potential of being an acceptable outsider.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:08] Low-income neighborhoods in DC.

[00:06:00] Resilience in our neighborhoods.

[00:10:06] Becoming an acceptable outsider.

[00:13:24] Living on their terms.

[00:19:14] Priestly work of Christ.

[00:24:35] Fear and community support.

[00:27:28] Fear and strength in community.

[00:30:11] Recovering the priestly aspects.

In this episode of "Around the Block," Pastor T is joined for part 2 of his convo with Ashley Davenport, the Neighbor Outreach Director at Anacostia River Church. They discuss the challenges of ministering in inner city neighborhoods marked by tragedy and loss. The conversation explores how to care for oneself while engaging with suffering, how to lament and continue, and how to let lament and sorrow shape ministry expectations. Tune in to hear their insights on ministering in the midst of grief and sorrow.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:19] Ministering in the midst of grief and sorrow.

[00:07:32] Learning to lament and grieve.

[00:09:22] Dealing with grief and trauma.

[00:14:31] Rhythms and practices in the church.

[00:18:45] Realistic expectations in urban ministry.

[00:22:11] Revolutionary patience and commitment.

[00:24:22] Long-term commitment in church planting.

[00:29:17] Revolutionary patience and hope.

In this episode of Around the Block, host Pastor T sits down with Ashley Davenport, the neighbor outreach director at Anacostia River Church. They discuss the importance of "neighboring well" and how it is crucial for building relationships and incarnating the gospel in their community. Ashley shares her experiences in different high schools, highlighting the racial segregation and stratification present in her city. They also touch on the significance of rooting themselves in the neighborhood and learning the local cultures to effectively serve their mission. Tune in to gain insights on building community and embodying the gospel in your own neighborhood.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:05] Racial segregation in high schools.

[00:07:22] Losing kids at a high rate.

[00:08:29] Racial segregation in Topeka.

[00:12:22] Celebrating diversity in schools.

[00:14:41] Understanding different perspectives.

[00:19:09] Southeast DC's diverse community.

[00:23:37] Outreach and community engagement.

[00:25:40] A community that's already working.