A historic black church in the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana has been sold to a developer that plans to convert it to a hotel. While many churches are closing their doors to Christian ministry, many are being repurposed for secular development. Although churches are tax exempt non-profit corporations, their presence in many cases hamper true development for many urban neighborhoods. Is this good for the church and communities they once inhabited or is a trend showing the decline of the church as a profitable entity for community development and empowerment? Join Pastor Neal for discussions on this and other topics of the day.

Several US States have some form of religious freedom/liberty bills as law on their books. These laws were set in place to prevent the government from infringing without compelling interests and if it had to do so, to do so in the least infringing way. But as the LGBT community gained more influence and eventually won the right to marriage, many states have passed laws to protect the interests of Christians who feel persecuted into forced service to LGBT and others against their religious beliefs. Should Christians be the voice of the oppressed and are such laws biblically justified? Join Pastor Neal for this and other topics

Creating disciples was the ministry Christ commanded for all of his followers. While men may be members of a local church, they may not be the men or the disciples they want to be. Dr. Joe Martin, autjhor, speaker, and educational consultant, and founder of Real Men Connect (RMC) joins Pastor Neal to discuss how good men can become great men through mobilizing, mentoring, and multiplying godly men across the country. To learn more about the work of Dr. Martin and RMC visit their website www.realmenconnect.co

Last week gospel music star James Fortune pled guilty to domestic assault charges against his wife. This was the second time he was brought up on said charges yet some gospel music leaders and pastors took the initiave to restore him to ministry after the first time. This news came after The Atlantic printed an article stating that the church helps black men be better men. Is the black church doing enough to address the issues of domestic violence among women and men in it's pews? What more can be done to be proactive and prevent things such as what happened to Mr. Fortune? Tune in with Pastor Neal to discuss this and other topics of the day.

The church is known as being a hospital for the sick, a house of hope for the desolate, and a safe place for many. Incidents of violence and spiritual abuse within the church walls are becoming more prominent. Two separate incidents in black churches this weekend have once again placed unwanted attention on black churches. One pastor was gunned down by his own brother during the worship service, and another pastor locked out his entire congregation. What can the church to be more proactive regarding church leadership abuse and endangerment? How culpable are members in ensuring the integrity of their church leadership? Join Pastor Neal for these and other topics on Zera Today

It is no secret that people are leaving the organized church in record numbers. There are a number of reasons for this but many are beginning to question their faith and belief systems. Author and documentary film maker Jeremiah Camara has chronicled this issue across the country. His documentary "Contradiction" addresses the issue of the over saturation of churches in black neighborhoods is contributing to the socioeconomic conditions that plague many of those same neighborhoods. Camara is also the author of the books "Holy Lockdown" and "Doubting Thomas." Jeremiah joins Pastor Neal to discuss these and other areas of doubt and faith concerning Black America.

Blacks have spent centuries attempting to measure up to western Christianity's religious standards. Black preachers heralded high moral standards and strict religious observances that kept the idea of "heavenly rewards" ever before the eyes of their members. Has this desire for religious and holy legitmacy and legacy contributed to the black church's current condition of carnality and withdrawal. What role does black gospel music and preachers have in reaffirming the contemporary religious struggle in the black church? Join Pastor Neal for this and other topics of interest

It's Black History Month and many will be honoring our ancestors who impacted American life. For most this creates a dissonance between being African American, black, and American. It also is a time when confirmation bias is at its most complex in the black church tradition. Confirmation bias is a term most people are not familiar with but operate in everyday. There are things that we believe that no one can dissuade us from believing. Many times we surround ourselves with others who share similar beliefs, ideals, or values. The church is in the business of confirmation bias, but are preachers using it to reinforce negative ideas and practices. How does confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance work in today's preaching and church experience? Join Pastor Neal for this and other great topics.

Today Pastor Neal discusses the latest headlines in the world of Christianity and faith.

Everyone has lapses in judgment and moral failings that dot their religious existence. For centuries, believers lacked the power to be transparent about personal struggles. The ongoing verbal assualts between Supt. Earl Carter and Bishop Charles Blake in the COGIC faith, and Pastor Leandria Johnson's persicope misadventures are only a couple of the public examples of the dissonance of holiness and carnality in the church. What can be done when pastors and church leaders breach their call to sanctification and holiness? How can the ideas of sanctification and holiness be promoted in ways that are empowering and not condemning?