EPISODE 33 33:25

Teddy Johnson

In this episode of the Kainos Podcast, host Pastor Bryan sits down with Pastor Teddy Johnson—a seasoned worship leader known for his transformative work at Hope Church in Las Vegas. With roots in Camden, New Jersey, Teddy shares his remarkable journey from a childhood steeped in church music to pioneering multi-ethnic worship ministry in one of the most diverse congregations he’s ever witnessed. Listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation about ethnic unity in the church, exploring how a primarily white worship environment can evolve into a vibrant, multicultural community. Pastor Teddy recounts his early days in a “chocolate church” and the personal challenges he faced stepping into leadership roles where he was often the minority, all while nurturing a spirit of inclusion and authenticity. He emphasizes that true unity begins with intentional relationships and courageous leadership—a principle that resonates deeply as Summit Church grows increasingly diverse. The discussion also spotlights the vital role of worship and music in bridging cultural divides and creating spaces where every language and nation is celebrated. This episode also highlights a few upcoming multi-ethnic Kainos cohorts hosted by Send Network, set to empower church leaders and congregations across Atlanta, St. Louis, and New York. Whether you’re a church leader, worship pastor, or simply passionate about fostering unity in today’s diverse mission field, this episode offers inspiring insights and practical wisdom for cultivating a gospel-centered community that truly reflects the beauty of God’s love.

In this episode of the Kainos Podcast, host Pastor Bryan sits down with Pastor Teddy Johnson—a seasoned worship leader known for his transformative work at Hope Church in Las Vegas. With roots in Camden, New Jersey, Teddy shares his remarkable journey from a childhood steeped in church music to pioneering multi-ethnic worship ministry in one of the most diverse congregations he’s ever witnessed.

Listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation about ethnic unity in the church, exploring how a primarily white worship environment can evolve into a vibrant, multicultural community. Pastor Teddy recounts his early days in a “chocolate church” and the personal challenges he faced stepping into leadership roles where he was often the minority, all while nurturing a spirit of inclusion and authenticity. He emphasizes that true unity begins with intentional relationships and courageous leadership—a principle that resonates deeply as Summit Church grows increasingly diverse.

The discussion also spotlights the vital role of worship and music in bridging cultural divides and creating spaces where every language and nation is celebrated. This episode also highlights a few upcoming multi-ethnic Kainos cohorts hosted by Send Network, set to empower church leaders and congregations across Atlanta, St. Louis, and New York.

Whether you’re a church leader, worship pastor, or simply passionate about fostering unity in today’s diverse mission field, this episode offers inspiring insights and practical wisdom for cultivating a gospel-centered community that truly reflects the beauty of God’s love.

About Our Guest

Teddy Johnson is the worship pastor at Hope Church in Las Vegas, NV, where he has made a significant impact over the years. Known for his dynamic leadership and authentic approach to worship, Teddy has served in this role for nearly two decades—evidence of his long-standing commitment to guiding congregants into a deeper worship experience. His background includes studying music education, with roots that trace back to Pennsauken High School and further refined at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, equipping him with the technical and spiritual foundation needed for leading worship. Beyond his role at Hope Church, his influence extends into the broader ministry community; he is recognized as a mentor by fellow worship leaders and is involved with networks like the Experience Conference Ministry Team, where his expertise contributes to shaping worship ministry practices on a larger scale. Teddy Johnson’s ministry is characterized by a passion for authentic worship, a commitment to developing other worship leaders, and a dedication to fostering a worship environment that resonates with both the local congregation and the wider Christian community.

EPISODE 32 48:09

Michael Bethany

Pastor Bryan chats with Michael Bethany (awarding winning Christian singer/songwriter) about creating multicultural worship services and his love for the multiethnic church. We are going to spend our next several episodes diving into worship and what it looks like to lead a multiethnic church service. Worship is a major culture maker within the church of Jesus Christ and we are going to spend all of eternity worshipping our God and that worship will not be homogeneous.

Pastor Bryan chats with Michael Bethany (awarding winning Christian singer/songwriter) about creating multicultural worship services and his love for the multiethnic church. We are going to spend our next several episodes diving into worship and what it looks like to lead a multiethnic church service. Worship is a major culture maker within the church of Jesus Christ and we are going to spend all of eternity worshipping our God and that worship will not be homogeneous.

About Our Guest

Stellar Award nominated songwriter and two-time BMI Christian Song Award recipient (Fred Hammond’s No. 1 Billboard hit “They That Wait” and “Here In Our Praise”), Michael Bethany is passionate about creating multicultural worship experiences that activate an overflow of intimacy with God. His freshman independent album, Yours Forever, debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. His latest Album, “Overflow,” released in partnership with Capital Rethink reached the #1 album on iTunes. Michael’s online worship experiences have received over 20 million YouTube Views and has been featured on prominent industry-leading media outlets like, Daystar Television Network, “The Basement” with Tim Ross, and CCM Magazine. Michael is highly sought after by Christian leaders from around the globe to mentor Worship Pastors, create effective systems for worship Departments, and lead congregations in transformational worship experiences. His executive leadership skills have been utilized to develop systems for multi-Campus Worship Teams, project manage multi-million-dollar production renovation projects, and execute major programming and events. As a creative leadership mentor, Michael founded, “Overflow Culture,” to empower Worship Pastors, Artists and Christian creatives to scale their influence with integrity. A native of St. Louis, MO, Michael now resides in Fort Worth, TX along with his wife, Chavon, and two sons.

EPISODE 31 57:07

Korie Little Edwards & Rebecca Kim

Pastor Bryan speaks with Dr. Korie Edwards (University Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Sociology and leading scholar of race and religion in the United States) and Rebecca Kim (Professor of Sociology and the Director of the Ethnic Studies program at Pepperdine University) about their new book "Estranged Pioneers". Estranged Pioneers reveals how pastors of color are leading the way towards a more united multiracial future.

Pastor Bryan speaks with Dr. Korie Edwards (University Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Sociology and leading scholar of race and religion in the United States) and Rebecca Kim (Professor of Sociology and the Director of the Ethnic Studies program at Pepperdine University) about their new book "Estranged Pioneers".

Estranged Pioneers reveals how pastors of color are leading the way towards a more united multiracial future.

Estranged Pioneers

Korie Little Edwards

Rebecca Kim

About Our Guest

Dr. Korie Little Edwards is a University Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Sociology and leading scholar of race and religion in the United States, with a particular focus on multiracial churches and the black church. She is the author or co-author of numerous books and articles, including The Elusive Dream: The Power of Race in Interracial Churches, the awarding-winning Smart Suits, Tattered Boots: Black Ministers Mobilizing the Black Church in the Twenty-First Century, and Estranged Pioneers: Race, Faith and Leadership in a Diverse World. Little Edwards is also a highly sought-after national and international speaker and co-host of The Elusive Dream Podcast. Rebecca Y. Kim is the Frank R. Seaver Chair in Social Science. She is Professor of Sociology and the Director of the Ethnic Studies program at Pepperdine University. Her MA and her PhD are in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her research focuses on the intersections of religion, immigration, and race relations. She teaches courses on social theory, research methods, and race and ethnic relations.

EPISODE 30 33:52

Derwin Gray

Pastor Bryan talks with Pastor Derwin Gray about how he came to Christ while playing in the NFL and where that journey has brought him. He gives insight into some of the ways he has crossed the racial and political divide in his ministry as lead pastor at Transformation Church, a multi-ethnic church in South Carolina.

Pastor Bryan talks with Pastor Derwin Gray about how he came to Christ while playing in the NFL and where that journey has brought him. He gives insight into some of the ways he has crossed the racial and political divide in his ministry as lead pastor at Transformation Church, a multi-ethnic church in South Carolina. 

Resources:

Building a Multiethnic Church

How to Heal Our Racial Divide

About Our Guest

Dr. Derwin L. Gray and Vicki Gray are the co-founders of Transformation Church (TC), in Indian Land, South Carolina (just outside of Charlotte, NC) where he serves as Lead Pastor and she serves as Executive Director of Spiritual Formation and Staff Health. Dr. Derwin and Vicki met at Brigham Young University where he played football and she threw the javelin on the track team. They have been married since 1992 and have two adult children. After graduating from BYU, Pastor Derwin played professional football in the NFL—five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993–1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ and experienced God’s faithfulness and direction as He moved their hearts to know Him and make Him known. Pastor Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Apologetics. He was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher, Dr. Norman Geisler. In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary. In 2018, he received his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament in Context at Northern Seminary under Dr. Scot McKnight. Vicki has a degree in Clinical Dietetics and International Relations and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership from Wheaton College Graduate School. She has a passion for spiritual formation and leading out of a relationship with Jesus. Vicki oversees the culture and spiritual formation of the TC staff. In addition to his role at Transformation Church, Pastor Derwin speaks at conferences nationwide and is the author of several books, including bestseller The Good Life and Building a Multiethnic Church. Learn more at derwinlgray.com.

EPISODE 29 33:21

Carlos Lollett

Carlos Lollett, pastor of Reality Church in Miami, Florida, gives insight into reaching our Hispanic and Latino brothers and sisters who currently make up around 20% of the total US population today.

Carlos Lollett, pastor of Reality Church in Miami, Florida, gives insight into reaching our Hispanic and Latino brothers and sisters who currently make up around 20% of the total US population today.

Resources:

Harvest of Empire

Being Latino in Christ

Manana

About Our Guest

Carlos moved from Venezuela to South Florida at the age of 13, and served Jesus for many years as a musician. While in college, he met the love of his life, Cassie, and also discovered his desire, gifts, and calling to lead others to discover and grow in relationship with Jesus. They moved back to Miami to start Reality Church after Carlos completed his Masters of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He believes soccer is the greatest sport in the world, with baseball coming in at a close second. Both he and Cassie have a passion to know God and to help others know him.