A big thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard & The Christian Chronicle.

We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate

In this "Season Two" series titled "Spiritual Formation" we will explore how spiritual formation (or transformation) is related to unity in the body of Christ. Douglas Foster said to our producer "I'm convinced that being transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another" is the key to forming God's beloved community that is united and caring for all." We plead with you to think about this statement. Spend time pondering it.

In this series we will be speaking with guests that will surely help us grow it our journey to be "transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ." Our first two episodes are with Rhonda Lowry and Jeanie Shaw. May these episodes bless your life and journey!

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 consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate .

Check out the gatherings page at 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].

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

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

A big thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard & The Christian Chronicle.

We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate

In this "Season Two" series titled "Spiritual Formation" we will explore how spiritual formation (or transformation) is related to unity in the body of Christ. Douglas Foster said to our producer "I'm convinced that being transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another" is the key to forming God's beloved community that is united and caring for all." We plead with you to think about this statement. Spend time pondering it.

In this series we will be speaking with guests that will surely help us grow it our journey to be "transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ." Our first two episodes are with Rhonda Lowry and Jeanie Shaw. May these episodes bless your life and journey!

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 consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate .

Check out the gatherings page at 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].

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

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

We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate

This series is titled, "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. And, in this episode, Kevin and Marty Solomon from the Bema Podcast talk about an essay Marty wrote for CGU several years ago. They discuss the Stone Campbell Movement and the core principles that can lead to a better future.

Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time.

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 remember we need your help to pass this ministry on to the next generation of peacemakers. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate - it is tax-deductible.

Check out the gatherings page at 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].

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

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

We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate

This series is titled, "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. And, in this episode, Kevin and Marty Solomon from the Bema Podcast talk about his life and faith journey, Bema, Impact Campus Ministries, and unity.

Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time.

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 remember we need your help to pass this ministry on to the next generation of peacemakers. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate - it is tax-deductible.

Check out the gatherings page at 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].

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

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

We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate

Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. In this episode, Kevin and Tina are back with Dr. Andrew Boakye. In this episode they springboard off of Rethinking Galatians, Paul’s Vision of Oneness in the Living Christ," a book Andy co-authored with Peter Oakes. They discuss how unity is a primary focus in the book of Galatians and for that matter the entire biblical narrative.

Andy is a London born author, historian, and lecturer in Religions and Theology at the University of Manchester. He holds a BA in Theology, a MA in Biblical Studies, and a PhD in New Testament Criticism all from the University of Manchester. His research interests include the origins of Christianity, the Pauline letters, resurrection theology, masculinity studies, intertextuality and the historical Jesus. And some of his most recent work has involved advising Protestant ministers on issues of racial harmony.

Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time.

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 consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate .

Check out the gatherings page at 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].

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

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

We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate

Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. In this episode, Kevin and Tina discuss the concept of deconstruction with Dr. Andrew Boakye. What is deconstruction, what are the origins, and are there healthy ways to be thinking about deconstruction and reconstruction as it pertains to our faith?

Andy is a London born author, historian, and lecturer in Religions and Theology at the University of Manchester. He holds a BA in Theology, a MA in Biblical Studies, and a PhD in New Testament Criticism all from the University of Manchester. His research interests include the origins of Christianity, the Pauline letters, resurrection theology, masculinity studies, intertextuality and the historical Jesus. And some of his most recent work has involved advising Protestant ministers on issues of racial harmony.

Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time.

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 consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate .

Check out the gatherings page at 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].

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

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

If Common Grounds Unity and this podcast is a blessing to you, then please consider donating at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. You will be helping us train and raise up next-generation peacemakers to lead this ministry.

This week Tina and Kevin welcome back John Mark Hicks and continue the conversation about ideas related to “Searching for the Pattern: My Journey in Interpreting the Bible." John Mark is a professor at Lipscomb University and has taught this material for more than 30 years. It is crucial for us to understand that division is most often a result of how we read and interpret the Bible. Are we reading it the way God intended... the way that it works and is meant to be read? This and the next episode is a crucial conversation if we want to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time.

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 consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate .

Check out the gatherings page at 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].

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

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

If Common Grounds Unity and this podcast is a blessing to you, then please consider donating at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. You will be helping us train and raise up next-generation peacemakers to lead this ministry.

This week Tina and Kevin host John Mark Hicks discussing concepts from his book “Searching for the Pattern: My Journey in Interpreting the Bible." John Mark is a professor at Lipscomb University and has taught this material for more than 30 years. It is crucial for us to understand that division is most often a result of how we read and interpret the Bible. Are we reading it the way God intended... the way that it works and is meant to be read? This and the next episode is a crucial conversation if we want to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time.

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 consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate .

Check out the gatherings page at 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].

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

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

If Common Grounds Unity and this podcast is a blessing to you, then please consider donating at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. You will be helping us train and raise up next-generation peacemakers to lead this ministry.

This week Tina and Kevin are back with Rubel Shelly for part two of their conversation about “I just want to be a Christian” which Rubel published in 1984. the book was life and faith changing to so many then, and yet, the book applies today as much as it did then. Rubel has served in vocational ministry, served as a professor and President of Rochester University, and has written extensively. Two recent books are "Divorce & Remarriage: A Redemptive Theology," and "I Knew Jesus before He Was a Christian . . . and I Liked Him Better Then."

Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time.

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 consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate .

Check out the gatherings page at 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].

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

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

This week Tina and Kevin host Rubel Shelly and they are discussing concepts pertaining to “I just want to be a Christian” which Rubel published in 1984. the book was life and faith changing to so many then, and yet, the book applies today as much as it did then. Rubel has served in vocational ministry, served as a professor and President of Rochester University, and has written extensively. Two recent books are "Divorce & Remarriage: A Redemptive Theology," and "I Knew Jesus before He Was a Christian . . . and I Liked Him Better Then."

Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time.

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 consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate .

Check out the gatherings page at 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].

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

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