Inspired by Bishop Marvin Sapp's Controversial Church Donation Tactics, this week on Pass The Mic we are unpacking church traditions that might need to be examined for 2025 and beyond. Whether its 'Preachers with Props', viral church moments, a lack of pastoral vetting, or an excess of gatekeeping, practices across all denominations are not above critique and should be interrogated as to their value in true Kingdom work.
For those that missed it: Gospel legend and bishop Marvin Sapp faced major backlash after a resurfaced sermon clip from the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World convention went viral. In the video, Sapp instructs ushers to close the church doors until each of the 1,000 attendees donates $20, aiming to raise $40,000 on the spot. He even challenges the live stream viewers to do the same and tells pastors on stage to give $100 each.

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Alternate Title: Pass The Bible

Pastor G. Tyler Burns and Dr. Jemar Tisby discuss different approaches to studying the Bible in light of the surprising post-pandemic growth of some church congregations.

With so much conversation about people leaving church, why are some communities growing instead? Could it be their approach to Bible study?

Pastor Burns shares his experience at Rise City Church in Pensacola, where studying scripture in community has helped grow the congregation and foster a communal approach to building a lasting legacy of faith.

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The Roadmap to Ruin explores the threats to American democracy under the current political regime, highlighting dangerous anti-democratic actions and the need for urgent church involvement. Dr. Jemar Tisby calls for the church to awaken, recognize the signs of democracy's unraveling, and mobilize for pro-democracy action to safeguard the future of the nation. This series aims to equip viewers with the knowledge to resist and actively fight for democracy.

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G. Tyler Burns and Dr. Jemar Tisby unpack the fast-growing #TargetFast/#BoycottTarget campaign sparked by the retailer’s rollback of its $2 billion pledge to Black entrepreneurs and other DEI commitments. They trace how Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant’s 40-day “Target Fast” evolved into a nationwide boycott and explore why economic withdrawals work only when they’re paired with proactive redirecting of cash toward Black-owned businesses. Along the way, they share practical ways listeners can swap everyday Target runs for sustainable “buy-Black” habits, highlight tools such as the US Black Chambers’ new ByBlack Product Search, and reflect on the historic theology of conscience-driven consumer action

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In a deeply symbolic Sunday announcement, Bishop T.D. Jakes—globally recognized faith leader, cultural influencer and founder of The Potter’s House—unveiled his plans to appoint Pastors Sarah Jakes Roberts and Touré Roberts as senior pastors of the Dallas-based megachurch.

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It's time. We need to move different.

We started the Pass The Mic podcast late in 2013, now, more than a decade later, the podcast as you’ve known it is coming to a close. This is not so much an ending, but an evolution. We still have several more episodes airing every other week, and after the final episode, Tyler will continue on with the podcast under a new name and with a new exciting focus and Jemar will make occasional appearances.  

This episode is the announcement but not the ending. We’re planning a live, online finale episode later this year that you will all be invited to. 

So stay subscribed and stay tuned. 

Let’s address the natural question: WHY?!? 

First, Jemar, Tyler, and Beau are all good. 

There was no fallout, blowup, or disagreement that led to this decision. 

We are glad to say that closing out Pass The Mic did not come as a result of interpersonal drama or conflict. 

We have been engaged in this conversation for nearly a year. We reasoned together and concluded that this season of Pass The Mic has come to an end. 

Then we gave each other the time and space to process both the bitter and the sweet that comes with such a significant transition.

You’ll hear it on this week’s podcast episode, our genuine love and affection for one another has never been stronger. 

Our deepest thanks for the labor, the wisdom, and the friendship of the whole team both seen and unseen who have made this show possible.

So the shift is not about drama, it is about adapting. 

This decision did not arise from a place of fear or scarcity but of health and growth.

We’ve been saying for several episodes now that we have to move differently. 

The culture is changing. Our political situation is in crisis. The church is being called to witness in a new way. 

Tyler is doing life-shifting work as a pastor, and he has so many more ideas for other projects that he is now free to pursue.

Beau is doing the vital work of storytelling employing imagination to spark conversation and joy. Check out his upcoming show at MidnightHTX.com.

Ryan has a new day job, and is faithfully serving his church community.

Jemar has been sensing the Holy Spirit moving him to do more online teaching and acting as a bridge between academic study and the church practice. Be sure to follow his next project  “The Justice Journey: A Biblical Guide to Making Wrong Things Right.” 

We will, of course, miss Pass The Mic. 

This has been part of our lives for more than ten years. We have had so many laughs, memories, and bonding moments. 

Most importantly, you, our listeners and viewers, have been with us for the journey. 

What we will miss most is the community we’ve formed around the show and the ways you all have encouraged us, challenged us, and loved us throughout this show. 

In times when the broader evangelical and Reformed community rejected us for our commitment to Christ and the blackness he gifted us with, you have been our steady and supportive siblings in the faith. 

Remember to keep listening. We still have more episodes coming, a live finale episode, and a new show by Tyler launching on the same podcast feed. 

With gratitude for what lies behind and expectation for what lies ahead, we say: 

See you soon on the next…?

But Why Tho?We Have to Move DifferentlyThanks to Our Community

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Some Christian influencers have called Ryan Coogler's Sinners 'Anti-Christian Propaganda' but is it? This week on Pass The Mic Dr Jemar Tisby and Pastor Tyler Burns give a full review of Sinners. This is a review filled with heavy SPOILERS so please do not watch unless you are ready to be spoiled.

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Some Christian influencers have called Ryan Coogler's Sinners 'Anti-Christian Propaganda' but is it? This week on Pass The Mic Dr Jemar Tisby and Pastor Tyler Burns give a full review of Sinners. This is a review filled with heavy SPOILERS so please do not watch unless you are ready to be spoiled.

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Look we talk about a lot of heavy topics on this podcast. This week we wanted to a break for some self-care but focusing on the three Gs: Gratitude, Gratefulness, and Giving Flowers. This one might be for us, but we hope you enjoy!

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