What does God's work in Brooklyn, NY have to do with ministry in Hurlock, MD?

Rural and urban ministries do have much in common.  But there are also some significant differences.  What are the unique difficulties and how do we overcome them?

This week's discussion is not really controversial or debatable, but it is difficult.  It's hard to understand and sympathize with those who have experiences with which we are unfamiliar.

David and Patrick are joined this time by the pastor of ACTS Christian Church in New York City: Pastor Jairo Figueroa.  He was born in Nicaragua and migrated to America when he was 11 years old.  He shares with us some of the recent challenges of ministering in New York City during the pandemic, as well as other situations that are common in a metropolitan ministry.

Everybody has something to say.  But some things that are said are just not helpful.  Many times what is said isn't even true.

When it comes to racism and ethnic division, we need conversations that are constructive and honest.  Divisive and deceptive ones will do no good.

In this episode, David and Patrick are joined by Rev. Tony Lawson in an attempt to take on a variety of issues related to the unique perspectives of black and white Christians.  

Rev. Lawson is the pastor of Damascus Road Community Baptist Church in Cockeysville, MD.  He also serves as a councilman for Governor Larry Hogan, as the chairman of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council, and is the first African American President of the Executive Committee.  

Do you like tulips?  How about TULIP? 

T.U.L.I.P. 

T - Total Depravity

U - Unconditional Election

L - Limited Atonement

I - Irresistible Grace

P - Perseverance of the Saints

Who is responsible for my destiny?  Me; or God?

Maybe the best summary is this one: "What's wrong is me, and what's right is Him." - John McArthur 

If there is any question that deserves to be taken up on Grace or Grit, it is this one: did John C. have his act together, or was Jacob A. the man?

Every Christian has a system of assumptions that match closely with the postulations of one or the other of these 2 guys.  Some of us try to claim both; or neither.

On this episode Dave Talley & Patrick Reed are joined (pardon the pun) by Pastor Justin Joiner of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Aroney, AL to discuss one of the heaviest issues around: God's sovereignty & your autonomy. 

How do we live a balanced life?  

Job.  Family.  Church.  Community.  Health.  Fitness.  Hobbies.  Aaaaaa!  How should I prioritize things?

One way of looking at life is by categorizing things as 1. sacred (or spiritual), 2. secular, or 3. sinful?  But is that legitimate?

This discussion might NOT appear to be as controversial as some that we have undertaken, but if you think deeply and practically, this is a real wrestling match for every Christian.

Our guest on this program is Pastor Jeff Minniear.  He has started the Shiloh Baptist Church in Bowie, MD.  It is a multi-ethnic work.  (Psst, he sounds just like Ross from FRIENDS).  Join Dave, Patrick, and Jeff for this significant conversation.

It makes sense that we would be rather defensive about the Bible we read.  After all, it is the vehicle God uses to reveal Himself to us.  But throughout my life I have witnessed considerable tension resulting from the debate over which translation of the Bible is best for the English speaking world of today.  On the one hand, such sensitivity is appropriate.  It is Satan who leads the attack on what God has said.  On the other hand, outrage and dogma have dominated many and (understandably) has done more harm than good.  Then others are so nonchalant about the issue that it begins to merit serious suspicion.  

Jesus Himself warned that many of His supposed followers were insincere and would not make it into His kingdom.  This is sobering news.  It is an issue that deserves careful attention.  Am I & are you fake Christians, or are we the real thing?

Join Patrick Reed and Dave Talley as they discuss the nature of repentance with Pastor Randall Blackmon of the First Baptist Fellowship in Cambridge, MD.  They attempt to unravel what the Bible says about the timing of repentance as it relates to regeneration, but there is so much more that makes it into this important conversation.

Of all the controversies that we could discuss, this one is an internal controversy.  It's an argument that I have with myself almost daily and a dilemma that I've struggled with throughout almost 20 years of pastoral work: what is the proper balance in ministry.  Specifically, how much time should a pastor spend studying, praying and preaching, and how much time should be spent in personal relationship building.  The 2 shouldn't be in competition - or so it would seem.

The late Rev. Tim Gelatt once reminded me that people ARE my ministry.  So, why the tension?  Joining Patrick and I for today's podcast is a true friend in ministry, Pastor Jared Mitchell.  Listen as the three of us wrestle out loud with our own personal issues and struggles in fulfilling our calling.

When it comes to sacred music, should we use the old hymnal & sing along with a piano, or do we build a band & sing the Christian songs from the radio?  Paul admonished us in Ephesians 5:19 to "...speak to yourselves in psalms & hymns & spiritual songs, singing & making melody in your heart to the Lord..."  But what does that look like in 2020?  Or what should it look like?  Joining David and Patrick for this episode is the pastor of White Oak Baptist Church in Stratford, Connecticut - Pastor Richard LeJeune. 

Would you rather be free or safe?  Galatians 5:13 reads like this, "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”  

Dave Talley & Patrick Reed host this pilot episode discussing the proper balance between freedom and safety in the life of a Christian.  Guest Barry Secrest adds his perspective as well.