EPISODE 22 29:01

David L. Eastman

Pastor Bryan talks with David L. Eastman about his newest book Early North African Christianity and the deep rooted history of Africa being the very center of Christianity.

About Our Guest

David L. Eastman is Joseph Glenn Sherrill Chair of Bible at the McCallie School and Visiting Scholar in the Program in Classical and Mediterranean Studies at Vanderbilt University. He is a social historian of early Christianity. His research interests lie in biblical and post-biblical narratives concerning the apostolic biographies with particular interest in martyrdom narratives. He is the author of Early North African Christianity (2021) The Many Deaths of Peter and Paul (2019) The Ancient Martyrdom Accounts of Peter and Paul (2015) and Paul the Martyr: The Cult of the Apostle in the Latin West (2012).

EPISODE 21 46:25

Dr. Korie Edwards

Pastor Bryan hosts Dr. Korie Edwards as they discuss her book The Elusive Dream: The Power of Race in Interracial Churches as well as her research and writings on multiethnic churches.

About Our Guest

Dr. Korie Little Edwards is a 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 of numerous books and articles, including The Elusive Dream: The Power of Race in Interracial Churches and Smart Suits, Tattered Boots: Black Ministers Mobilizing the Black Church in the Twenty-First Century. Little Edwards is also a highly sought-after national and international speaker and co-host of The Elusive Dream Podcast.

EPISODE 20 39:10

Rich Villodas

Pastor Bryan hosts Rich Villodas as they discuss Rich’s book The Deeply Formed Life and growing the multiethnic church.

Discussion Questions

1. Consider the following: What is the gospel, and what is the primary fruit of it?
2. Rich talked about six layers of conversation and action—theological, historical, sociological, political, ecclesiological, and formational. How can these perspectives help you to better serve your people and community?
3. Have you heard of the concept of family systems? How could it contribute to your ministry? Take some time and reflect on the ways you’ve been formed, considering them in light of the gospel.

Resources

The Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus

Good and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World

About Our Guest

Rich Villodas is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large multiracial church with more than seventy-five countries represented in Elmhurst, Queens. He enjoys reading widely, preaching and writing on contemplative spirituality, justice-related matters, and the art of preaching.

EPISODE 19 46:18

John Mark Comer

Pastor Bryan hosts John Mark Comer as they discuss how emotional health and healing from trauma is an essential part of discipleship with Jesus.

Discussion Questions

1. Emotional health is not a Christianized way to feel happy all the time; it’s about becoming familiar with what’s happening on the inside of your heart. And it’s impossible to become a loving person without becoming emotionally healthy. Have you ever considered this? What’s one way you can grow in emotional health this week? 
2. The goal is not to be a perfect church, but a healthy church—one where people can heal and grow. What ministries or resources do you have for each category? How can you better care for people with this in mind?
3. How have you seen political idolatry or enmeshment in your context? How does the gospel challenge that?

Resources

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

About Our Guest

John Mark Comer is the founding pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon. He’s also an author and is currently starting a nonprofit called Practicing the Way, whose aim is to create resources for discipleship and formation in local churches in post-Christian contexts.

EPISODE 18 38:20

Vance Pitman

Pastor Bryan hosts Vance Pitman as they discuss Vance’s new book, The Stressless Life, and growing a multiethnic church.

Discussion Questions

1. Stressors are inevitable; stress is depending on ourselves rather than the Lord. What is one situation in which you need to depend on the Lord rather than yourself?
2. Church planting starts with the community, not the church service. How can you better reach those in your community with the gospel?
3. Leadership should be a reflection of our fellowship. Is this true of your church or ministry? If so, how can you showcase the gospel through that? If not, how can you take steps to make this so?
4. Ask God to change your heart and show you the beauty of his multiethnic family through his Word. Ask him to give you someone with whom you can pursue a multiethnic friendship.

Resources

The Stressless Life

Hope Church

About Our Guest

Vance Pitman is the founding pastor of Hope Church Las Vegas and the incoming president of Send Network, the largest church planting network in North America.