This is part 1 of a 3 episode series. 

Part Episode 1: Personal Journey & Church History

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Today’s episode will help us understand the journey, challenges, and vision of Black Christian leaders as they build community, overcome obstacles, and create a more inclusive future for their churches.

This episode centers on a hosted gathering of African American members of Christian churches, led by Lamont Francis, senior pastor of Delta Bay Community Church. The session’s primary aim is to foster a nationwide network and fellowship among Black Christian leaders, addressing both the challenges and opportunities unique to their communities.

Lamont Francis opens by sharing his personal journey, beginning with his upbringing in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. Raised by a single mother in a lower socioeconomic environment, Francis’s early life was marked by resilience and faith. His academic path took him from the projects to Pepperdine University, where he experienced a significant cultural shift and met his first Black professor, Dr. David G. Holmes. This mentorship inspired Francis to consider ministry, though his initial ambitions were in media and entertainment.

Francis recounts his formative years in ministry, starting in Bakersfield, California, where he learned humility and servanthood by performing tasks like driving the church van before being allowed to preach. This experience taught him the importance of knowing and serving the congregation before assuming leadership. Eventually, he returned to the Bay Area, taking on ministerial roles in small congregations and navigating the complexities of church leadership as a young, unmarried man.

A pivotal moment in Francis’s journey was his congregation’s displacement due to racial tensions and resistance to integration within predominantly white Churches of Christ. After being asked to leave a shared church space, his group moved through various temporary locations before ultimately purchasing the very building from which they had been expelled. This full-circle moment underscored both the challenges and triumphs of Black congregations seeking stability and autonomy.

The episode delves into the broader context of Black churches within the Restoration Movement, highlighting the isolation and legalism experienced within the Churches of Christ. Francis describes the difficult decision to leave this fellowship, motivated by a desire for greater inclusivity, growth, and freedom in worship practices. The transition to the Independent Christian Church was facilitated by connections with leaders like Gary Shear and organizations such as the Solomon Foundation, which provided support and a sense of belonging.

Francis also addresses the lack of representation and support for Black congregations at national Christian conventions, such as ICOM, and the need for spaces where their voices and histories are recognized. He recounts efforts to build networks and host rallies focused on urban service and fellowship among Black Christians, though these initiatives faced challenges and eventual decline.

A recurring theme is the importance of documenting and preserving the rich history of African American involvement in the Restoration Movement, particularly within Independent Christian Churches. Francis calls for the creation of resources, websites, and books to ensure this legacy is not forgotten.

The episode concludes with a vision for the future: building a nationwide fellowship that honors the past while addressing contemporary needs, fostering unity, and creating opportunities for growth and leadership among Black Christian communities.

This audio comes from one of RENEW.org’s National Gatherings. Interested in joining one of our events? Check out upcoming events here: https://renew.org/resources/events/ 

Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 

Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. 

In this talk, a graduate of Harding School of Theology reflects on his journey. He discusses the challenges of applying biblical teachings in a multicultural and ecumenical world. Highlighting the importance of surrendering to Jesus and the spirit of humility and gentleness, he shares personal experiences and interactions with pastors from various denominations. The speaker emphasizes the need for compassion and respect in theological discussions, aiming to build bridges between different Christian tribes while holding firm to the teachings of faith, repentance, and baptism.

00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements

01:37 Theological Reflections and Personal Stories

03:23 Challenges in Interdenominational Relationships

06:44 Jesus' Teachings on Humility and Gentleness

09:38 Surrendering Outcomes to God

11:54 Restoration Theology and Baptism

16:18 Partnerships and Unity in the Christian Community

18:13 Concluding Prayer and Final Thoughts

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Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. 

Today’s episode will help us thrive in our calling by learning from personal experiences on understanding burnout, maintaining health, and multiplying our unique gifts without burning out.

In the episode titled "Thrive in your Calling: Multiplying Disciples without Burning Out," the speaker, Christian, begins by expressing gratitude for participating in the workshop, emphasizing its purpose is to help attendees orient themselves towards where they want to go. He introduces his family and their extensive experience leading churches and doing missionary work around the world. 

Christian shares his unique and tumultuous life story, detailing how his early life as a refugee and his diverse experiences across various countries shaped him. He describes significant hardships, such as being in a concentration camp, experiencing poverty, and undergoing multiple relocations. Despite these challenges, he pursued education in economics and a successful career in music, eventually becoming a pop star. However, at the height of his success, he faced clinical depression, which led him to Christianity. His conversion prompted a dramatic career change to ministry work, where he found new purpose and fulfillment. He later experienced a midlife crisis which forced him to recalibrate and reassess various aspects of his life, leading to a significant revival in his professional and personal life.

The episode transitions to his wife, Deb, who shares her perspective on their life in Russia, dealing with her health issues exacerbated by the climate, and experiencing burnout. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and spiritual health, sharing practical steps she took to manage her wellbeing and avoid burnout. Deb outlines the stages of burnout, explaining the emotional and physical symptoms of each phase, and underscores the importance of rest, margin time, and maintaining a healthy routine.

Christian then introduces three key shifts for thriving in one's calling without burning out. The first shift involves moving from survival mode to a state of clarity, creativity, and resilience, emphasizing the need to switch from fear-based living to one fueled by God's love and power. He illustrates this point using the relationship between Paul and Timothy, highlighting the importance of recognizing and nurturing one's specific gifts.

The second shift focuses on identifying one's unique strengths and turning them into undeniable authority. Christian stresses that many ministry leaders lose their individuality by conforming to general roles, and he uses the parable of the talents to illustrate the necessity of multiplying one's gifts rather than burying them. He warns against rationalizations and excuses, urging leaders to take responsibility for their unique contributions.

The final shift is to multiply one's gifts before multiplying disciples. He explains that effective discipleship stems from leaders who have developed and scaled their unique gifts. This involves creating systems and frameworks that allow their influence to be replicated and extended beyond their immediate reach. He underscores the potential for modern technology to vastly expand one's impact.

The episode includes a testimonial from Greg, a ministry leader who experienced significant personal and professional transformation through Christian's coaching program. Greg highlights the positive changes in his marriage and ministry, attributing them to the reframing and intentionality fostered by the program.

Christian concludes by offering further resources and support for those interested in deeper involvement, including a coaching cohort and an intensive workshop aimed at providing practical steps for implementing the discussed shifts. He encourages attendees to invest in their personal development to sustain their calling and avoid burnout.

This episode comes from one of RENEW.org’s National Gatherings. Interested in joining one of our events? Check out upcoming events here: https://renew.org/resources/events/ 

Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 

Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology: https://renew.org/ 

The Power of 'Why': Renewing Our Focus on Discipleship and Church Planting

In this episode, we explore the crucial questions of 'What, How, and Why' for organizational effectiveness, drawing insights from Simon Sinek's 'Start with Why'. The episode delves into historical examples like Samuel Pierpont Langley and the Wright Brothers to illustrate the importance of having a clear ‘why’. The central message emphasizes that churches should focus on disciple-making, following Jesus' Great Commission. It discusses the importance of unity, momentum, and maintaining the core mission of making disciples who make disciples, ultimately leading to church planting movements. It underlines the importance of aligning with biblical teachings and values while stressing the urgency of reaching the lost, reflecting the heart of God.

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction: The Three Essential Questions

00:32 Simon Sinek's 'Why': A Tale of Two Teams

04:05 The Core Mission: Disciple Making and Church Planting

07:06 The Importance of Obedience and Unity

09:51 Momentum and Alignment in Church Growth

12:15 Guardrails and the Heart of God

17:18 Urgency in Disciple Making

22:37 Conclusion: Embracing God's Heart

Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 

Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. 

Today’s episode will help us gain a comprehensive understanding of the end times, including key theological concepts, personal anecdotes, and essential teachings, while emphasizing the urgency of discipleship and the eternal implications of our earthly choices.

In this episode, Anthony Walker, a minister from the Highway 231 South Church of Christ in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, provides a comprehensive teaching on the end times, also known as eschatology. The session begins with Walker introducing himself and setting the expectation that this teaching will cover a broad spectrum of information, though only a portion may be addressed due to time constraints. He emphasizes the availability of a free ebook on renew.org and a podcast named "Scripture in Black and White" as additional resources for those interested in a more in-depth exploration of the topic.

Walker delves into his personal history, recounting how the death of his father when he was a young child influenced his lifelong quest to understand life, death, and the end times. He shares poignant memories of grappling with the concept of death from an early age, and how his grandmother's profound yet simple theological guidance shaped his initial understanding of eschatology.

Transitioning into the core teachings, Walker outlines the importance of distinguishing between essential, important, and disputable teachings within Christian doctrine. Using examples from both personal anecdotes and scripture, he explains that while some aspects of eschatology may be open to interpretation, there are fundamental elements that are universally accepted among Christians. These essentials include the belief in Christ's second coming, the resurrection of the dead, and God's final judgment.

Walker breaks down what happens after death, referencing terms like "Sheol" from the Old Testament and "Hades" from the New Testament, to describe the intermediate state of the dead. He uses the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to illustrate the dichotomy between paradise (a place of comfort for the righteous) and Hades (a place of torment for the unrighteous). He addresses common questions about the afterlife, such as whether souls are inherently eternal and what happens immediately after death.

The session also covers the second coming of Christ, highlighting that it will be visible, sudden, and unexpected, bringing glory to Christ and reuniting Christians. Walker discusses the resurrection of the dead and the final judgment, noting that it will be comprehensive and based on Jesus’s teachings. He emphasizes that everyone will face judgment, and it will be both fair and final.

Walker stresses the importance of living with an awareness of God’s sovereignty and holiness. He points out that while God's love and grace are immense, His justice demands accountability. He vividly describes the horrors of hell as an irreversible punishment for those who reject Christ's atonement, contrasting it with the eternal joy and presence of God in heaven.

In conclusion, Walker calls for an urgent commitment to discipleship, warning against complacency and underscoring the eternal implications of our earthly choices. The episode serves as both a theological exploration and a heartfelt appeal for believers to live in alignment with God’s will, while also providing practical resources for further study on the end times.

This audio comes from one of RENEW.org’s National Gatherings. Interested in joining one of our events? Check out upcoming events here: https://renew.org/resources/events/ 

Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 

Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology: https://renew.org/ 

The Power of Relational Discipleship: A Call to Follow Jesus' Model

In this compelling talk, Jim Putman emphasizes the importance of relational discipleship, insisting that making disciples isn't just about imparting teachings – it's about forming transformative relationships. By examining Jesus' approach to disciple-making, which included personal relationships and modeling behavior, the speaker argues for a restoration of the church’s methodology to align with that of Jesus. The script underscores that true discipleship embodies love and relationship, challenging modern churches to adopt a more hands-on, relational approach to cultivate spiritually mature disciples who can change the world.

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:46 The Core Mission of the Church

01:51 Jesus as the Ultimate Disciple Maker

02:17 The Importance of Relational Discipleship

03:38 Defining Spiritual Maturity

04:36 The Greatest Commandment: Love and Relationship

06:04 The Role of the Church in Building Relationships

09:07 Jesus' Methodology vs. Modern Church Practices

14:33 The Wrestling Analogy for Discipleship

19:46 Conclusion: Building a Winning Team

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Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. 

Today’s episode will help us understand the transformative power of incorporating prayer and fasting into our spiritual practices, leading to deeper personal and communal spiritual growth.

In this episode titled "Prayer and Fasting Ministry in Your Church," the speaker passionately emphasizes the importance of incorporating prayer and fasting into the spiritual practices of a church community. The presentation begins with a warm welcome and a logistical check to ensure everyone has necessary materials. The speaker highlights the significance of starting their time together with prayer, asking for God's presence and blessings on their discussions about spiritual disciplines, particularly prayer and fasting.

The speaker shares personal insights and experiences, underscoring the transformative power of spiritual disciplines when integrated into everyday life. Emphasis is placed on prayer as a critical component of spiritual growth and ministry effectiveness. The speaker recounts how consistent prayer can lead to significant changes, both personally and within a church community. Anecdotes are shared to illustrate how prayer and fasting are frequently practiced by those who seek a deeper relationship with God and those who wish to bring about meaningful changes in their ministries.

The narrative transitions into an examination of the frequency and importance of prayer in Jesus' life, highlighting that Jesus often retreated to solitary places to pray, showing the importance of finding time and space for uninterrupted communion with God. The speaker stresses that effective prayer requires dedication, discipline, and a genuine desire to communicate with God.

Moving to the topic of fasting, the speaker defines fasting and describes it as abstaining from food or drinks (or other significant activities) for a designated period to focus on spiritual growth and God's purposes. The speaker clarifies fasting can extend beyond abstaining from food to include activities such as solitude, demonstrating that the essence of fasting is dedicating time to spiritual pursuits and seeking God's guidance.

The speaker outlines various types of fasting observed in the Bible, including normal fasting (abstaining from food and drinking only water), partial fasting (abstaining from certain types of food), and absolute fasting (no food or water). They also discuss individual, group, and national fasts, emphasizing that fasting can be a powerful communal activity for a church.

Practical advice on starting a fasting practice is provided, advising beginners to start small, such as fasting through one meal, and gradually extending the fasting period as they grow more comfortable. The speaker also offers guidance on planning, communicating with family, and ensuring fasting does not negatively impact health.

Throughout the episode, the speaker highlights that fasting should be coupled with prayer, reading scripture, and reflecting on one’s spiritual journey. They also remind listeners that God is pleased when His followers make sacrifices through fasting, underscoring the spiritual benefits and joys that come from engaging in these disciplines.

In closing, the speaker encourages the audience to persist in their practices of prayer and fasting, promising that these disciplines will lead to personal and communal spiritual growth. They conclude with a heartfelt prayer, blessing everyone in the group and their respective ministries, stressing that through prayer and fasting, believers can draw closer to God and experience His power in transformative ways.

This audio comes from one of RENEW.org’s National Gatherings. Interested in joining one of our events? Check out upcoming events here: https://renew.org/resources/events/ 

Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 

Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology: https://renew.org/ 

The Importance of Baptism in Christian Faith: A Biblical Perspective

In this episode, we dive into the significance of baptism in Christian doctrine, drawing from the life of Jesus and the teachings in the Gospel of Luke. The speaker emphasizes the biblical and historical aspects of baptism, exploring how current practices and understandings may deviate from original texts. Through references to Greek terminology, early translations, and theological implications, the discussion sheds light on the necessity of immersion as the intended form of baptism. The episode also connects baptism to the broader promise of blessings through Abraham, highlighting the continuity from Old Testament promises to New Testament fulfillment.

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Biblical Teachings

01:07 The Context of Luke 7:11-35

02:06 John's Baptism and Its Significance

03:39 The Great Commission and Modern Misinterpretations

05:59 Historical and Theological Perspectives on Baptism

08:06 The Greek Lexicon and Biblical Translation

11:19 Theological Aspects of Immersion

13:15 Paul and Peter's Understanding of Baptism

15:09 Connecting Gentile Christians to Abraham's Promise

18:03 Conclusion: The Global Significance of Baptism

Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 

Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. 

Today’s episode will help us understand how structured internships and residencies can develop effective leaders for new church plants, ensuring sustainable growth within church communities.

In this episode titled "Internships and Residencies," Sean Cronin, the training lead at Passion for Planting, and Patrick Ferguson from New Life Christian Church, discuss the importance of internships and residencies in fostering leadership development within church communities. Sean opens by welcoming attendees to the workshop, sharing the mission of Passion for Planting, and introducing Patrick, who will cover internships while Sean will address residencies.

Sean highlights the significance of leadership development, emphasizing the critical need to support young leaders through structured programs like internships and residencies to address the ongoing demand for church plants. He cites statistics that illustrate the decline of churches in the United States, juxtaposed with growing population rates, underscoring the urgency to equip new leaders to plant churches.

Patrick delves into the nature of internships at New Life Christian Church, emphasizing investment in personal development and ministry skills rather than viewing interns as free labor. He describes the recruitment process, which is largely relational and involves tapping into networks, colleges, and references from former interns. Once recruited, interns are matched with roles within the church that align with their interests and strengths, ensuring a beneficial learning experience. An intern coach provides guidance, spiritual development, and organizes group activities, fostering a supportive community.

Sean returns to outline the residency program created in 2015, designed for future church planters. This program spans nine months and includes weekly Zoom meetings and two onsite intensives to provide comprehensive training, vision clarification, and strategic planning. Various stories of past residents, from diverse backgrounds and experiences, illustrate how the residency prepares participants for successful church planting. Sean emphasizes the collaborative nature of the residency, where participants share insights, support each other, and learn from experienced leaders.

The discussion also tackles the crucial qualities to look for in potential church planters, such as humility, teachability, and leadership skills. Sean advises hosting "I see in you" conversations to identify and encourage potential leaders who may not recognize their own calling to ministry. He stresses the importance of formal assessment and training to ensure church planters are adequately prepared for the challenges ahead.

Questions from the audience are addressed, clarifying the actionable steps for different scenarios, whether for ongoing internships or potential residents. For instance, it is noted that residency programs are typically post-college and last nine to twelve months, whereas internships are generally over the summer. Patrick explains how the program involves personalized support, with each intern or resident being provided a coach and clear pathways for development.

The episode wraps up with Sean inviting interested parties to an upcoming webinar and a lunch meeting to learn more about the renew movement, a network initiative aimed at empowering churches to plant new congregations. The Q&A session provides further insights into practical details, program structure, and how churches can support aspiring leaders through well-structured internships and residencies.

Overall, this episode offers a detailed exploration of how strategic programs can nurture leadership within the church community, ensuring the growth and sustainability of new church plants.

This audio comes from one of RENEW.org’s National Gatherings. Interested in joining one of our events? Check out upcoming events here: https://renew.org/resources/events/ 

Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 

Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. 

Embracing a Third Culture Church: Navigating Post-Christian Society with Christian Ray

Join Christian Ray, as he dives into the concept of a 'third culture' church. Drawing from his personal journey from post-communist Russia to leading a vibrant church in America, Christian explores the importance of cultural flexibility in today's post-Christian world. He shares compelling stories and biblical insights on how the church can influence the changing culture by going where people are, loving the 'wrong crowd,' and embodying the transformative power of truth. Discover how to maintain a dynamic, multi-cultural faith community that reflects the diverse society around us.

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Speaker Background

00:47 Understanding Post-Christian Culture

02:56 The Concept of Third Culture

03:41 Personal Journey and Cultural Flexibility

05:17 First Culture vs. Second Culture

07:16 The Call for a Third Culture Church

10:01 Examples of Third Culture in Action

13:53 Challenges and Personal Stories

17:28 Conclusion: Embracing Third Culture