During this episode, our host, Danny Brister, Jr., interviews Dr. Adrienne Starks of STREAM Innovations and Brittany Hogan of Empowered To Conquer alongside special guest host Kevin Moore of Mission Increase of Central Alabama.

They discuss the realities of being a Black executive director of a nonprofit in the south.

Brittany Hogan - https://www.empoweredtoconquer.org/

Dr. Adrienne Starks - https://streaminnovations.org/

Kevin Moore - https://missionincrease.org/central-alabama/

Earlier this year, I interviewed Churck Mingo and Dr. Troy Jackson about their book Living Undivided: Loving Courageously for Racial Healing and Justice. They addressed how pursuing racial healing remains a paramount concern, especially for the church and the believer. The conversation offers an enlightening dialogue with two champions of justice and racial reconciliation. These community leaders have committed themselves to "Living Undivided," an initiative that aims to bridge the racial divide and foster a society grounded in justice, mercy, and humility.

Chuck Mingo's evolution from the corporate world to pastoral ministry was not merely a career transition but a leap into the mission of mending the racial fissures within our communities. Troy Jackson's profound engagement with civil rights history led him from scholarly endeavors to the frontline of activism. The episode vividly portrays their combined efforts and provides a roadmap for others seeking to navigate the tumultuous waters of race and reconciliation.

I waited until the launch of the We The American Series to share this episode because I wanted to offer it as a way for us to navigate our divided culture while also seeking to understand our past. Chuck and Troy take us through the complexities of race and history, emphasizing the power of personal reflection and the importance of recognizing the truths that have shaped our local communities. Their narratives, woven with vulnerability and victory, mirror our own paths toward greater understanding and commitment.

At a moment when the call for racial justice is more audible than it has been in the last 50 years, the episode underscores the critical role of the church in this conversation. Through moving anecdotes, such as a mother's concerns for her child's faith amidst the church's perceived silence on racial matters, the episode highlights the urgent need for spiritual leaders to advocate for justice and live out Jesus' vision of justice, mercy, and righteousness. It culminates with an exhortation to embrace the teachings found in "Living Undivided" and to join Chuck and Troy in their quest to repair the tapestry of our fractured world.

The episode encourages us to connect with the stories of racial formation that surround us, urging us to either challenge or elevate these narratives. It brings to light the necessity of confronting our nation's historical relationship with race, especially during times of national reflection, while not neglecting to acknowledge instances where progress has shone through.

As the episode progresses, it delves into the critical urgency of addressing racial injustice and the church's integral role in this endeavor. Chuck and Troy discuss the implications of the church's silence on racial issues, the idolatry of Christian nationalism, and the distractions that deter us from our mission. They stress the importance of self-care and community support in preventing burnout and reiterate the spiritual practices that sustain our efforts toward a more equitable society.

In conclusion, the episode is not just an auditory experience but a call to action. It invites listeners to engage with the content and the authors, urging them to become part of the ongoing movement toward racial justice and healing. By providing a candid look into the lives and work of Chuck Mingo and Troy Jackson, the podcast serves as a beacon of hope and a guide for those yearning to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Act Justly Love Mercy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Have you ever wondered how one man's spiritual journey can transform his life and resonate deeply with a broad audience? Join us as we chat with Trey Ferguson, the author of Theologizin’ Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Wholly. Trey takes us on his profound faith journey—a striking blend of skepticism, curiosity, and the unyielding power of faith in an often unfriendly world. Discover how these experiences coalesce into Theologizin’ Bigger, a concept that encapsulates his spiritual awakening and offers a fresh perspective on living an authentic, invigorated life.

In this episode, Trey shares the challenges of writing a book that speaks to the essence of faith, capturing the hearts of diverse readers ranging from middle-aged white women to people of varied cultural backgrounds. We explore the importance of authenticity and the impact of his parents' unwavering support in fostering his confidence. Furthermore, Trey sheds light on the obstacles faced by Black Christian nonfiction authors in the publishing industry and his decision to opt for a hybrid publishing model.

This episode is a rich tapestry of faith, identity, and resilience, offering valuable insights into navigating the complexities of spirituality and representation in today's world.

From Trey’s website about the book:

“Prophets are rare in our culture and poets are needed in this challenging contemporary moment. Trey Ferguson is a poet and a prophet for such a time as this. ”—Otis Moss, III, Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, and author of Dancing in the Darkness

Faith can get messy. Whether we’re talking about personal beliefs or the ideologies that end up shaping our institutions, there’s a lot to wade through. As people drifting through—and sometimes away from—faith communities reexamine their convictions, there’s more desire than ever to live freely and to grant our curiosity an audience.

In Theologizin’ Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Wholly, pastor, podcaster, and public theologian Trey Ferguson encourages you to re-engage your imagination, and to construct theologies that speak to our current contexts, just as people of faith have done throughout history.

With personal stories and some lo-fi truth-telling, Ferguson leads us through topics like how we read the Bible, our inherited traditions, the shame and confusion we experience, and a faith that can shape tomorrow. Ferguson writes, “Theology requires imagination. The ability to imagine is part of what makes us human. And salvation is, in part, a rehumanization project.”

You don’t have to ignore your nagging doubts and honest questions. You don’t have to check any part of yourself at the door. You can find the faith to live freely and love wholly. When you’re Theologizin’ Bigger, you get to decide where the crown goes.

Order your copy today: Theologizin' Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Wholly