In this episode, Tina and Kevin welcome Isabelle Gates and Meigan Whitcomb from the Spacemakers Podcast. This is a great opportunity to listen to two young women who have a incredible insights on the current culture, youth culture, and the next generation. Do we have ears to hear? Do we have eyes to see? Can we make space for our brothers and sisters younger than ourselves? Let's hope we can... they are the future.

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.

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."

In this episode and the next, Tina and Kevin welcome Isabelle Gates and Meigan Whitcomb from the Spacemakers Podcast. This is a great opportunity to listen to two young women who have a incredible insights on the current culture, youth culture, and the next generation. Do we have ears to hear? Do we have eyes to see? Can we make space for our brothers and sisters younger than ourselves? Let's hope we can... they are the future.

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.

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."

Jack Reese has written one of the most important books of our time and this conversation between Jack, Tina, and Kevin is both sobering and inspiring! The book is "At the Blue Hole - Elegy for a Church on the Edge." Don't miss this one and the next! This is part two - Resources.

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.

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."

Jack Reese has written one of the most important books of our time and this conversation between Jack, Tina, and Kevin is both sobering and inspiring! The book is "At the Blue Hole - Elegy for a Church on the Edge." Don't miss this one and the next!

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.

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."

Today's Episode is "Three Rivers" with Mark Nelson.

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.

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."

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.

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."

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/

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

Transition music by Bobo Renthlei, Out of Your Mind instrumental

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/

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

Transition music by Lola Boom - lead vocal

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"

Kevin Withem interviews Tina Bruner, Executive Director Global Christian Connexion and co-host CGU Podcast, who is in Poland serving refugees fleeing Ukraine. Erik Tryggestad CEO and President of the Christian Chronicle and Andy Fleming have conversations with John Teal about the Ukrainian crisis.

Please help meet the needs with your donations by visiting the following websites. You can find resources at:

The Christian Chronicle:

The Global Christian Connexion (formally the World Convention)

Hope Worldwide

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.