Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY. He shares his journey in discovering the Biblical truths that moved him from denominational theology to denominational theology.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How to Search for AnswersBig God TheologyLetting God be TrueABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the teaching pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in The Bronx, NY. He has lived in various places in the United States and has experienced different denominational theologies. He and his wife, Consuela, have been married 15 years and both have over 20 years in business and ministry.SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Matthew 18: 18Matthew 28: 19Acts 2: 38RELATED LINKS:Highpoint Bible ChurchEmail Pastor Buckley TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Pastor Otis (OL) Buckley03:44 - Early years in Chicago04:01 - then the move to Texas04:51 - and then to Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY07:15 - Sabellianism / Modalistic09:20 - Classic Oneness Pentecostalism10:39 - Class on Overview of Hebrew Studies11:18 - Matthew 18 : 1811:34 - Learning a different interpretation12:42 - Have I been wrong all these years?12:57 - What else could I possibly have been wrong about?13:17 - Another connected event14:28 - Matthew 28 : 1914:47 - vs Acts 2 : 3815:33 - God opens OL's eyes to the Trinity16:13 - Are people are going beyond the social issues to wrestling with theology?18:21 - Denominations, Name, Theology, & Social Media20:27 - The need for clear Biblical theology22:47 - God's workings to move OL on the journey23:04 - Every dilemma raises a question23:12 - And every question creates an opportunity to pivot23:49 - Do I really know God the way I think I do?24:37 - Lord, let your Word imposed itself on me.25:37 - Big God theology25:54 - Not compartimentalizing God28:59 - Was this a personal journey of discovery or where there others alongside you?30:52 - Every question drives one to search for an answer30:56 - ...three-fold answer30:59 - ...1. pray31:12 - ...2. search the Scriptures31:25 - ...3. right teaching31:42 - ... and stilling the voices with wrong interpretations of Scripture34:06 - Abandoning the past34:22 - Letting God be True44:31 - End of Part 1DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

Pastor Isaac Adams explores how the local congregation might faithfully respond to their local community about deep-seated and lingering racial strife. Regardless of the headlines and from a pastoral perspective, he invites Christians to engage in prayerful, truthful conversations about race — gospel hope-filled conversations that glorify God, are for the good of the community and build the church.Isaac Adams offers practical steps and jumpstarts the conversation about race within the local congregation.What You’ll Learn:Why talk about race in a local congregation?Practical tips for pastors to talk about race with congregantsA way to distinguish between local needs and the national conversation about raceAbout the Guest: Isaac Adams serves as lead pastor at Iron City Church in Birmingham, Alabama where he lives with his wife and children.He is devoted to racial reconciliation and in 2017, prior to joining Iron City Church, he started United? We Pray. It is a podcast and ministry devoted to “taking racial struggles to the throne of grace”. He is a speaker and author. His most recent book is Talking About Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations. While examining what's at stake, the book provides practical steps and offers the reader a novel way to begin this hard conversation.Isaac Adams is a graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv).Scripture Related to Episode:Ephesians 4: 16; Building Up the Church Micha 6: 8; Do Justice, Love MercyProverbs 4: 5; Answer Not a Fool According to Your Folly Links Related to Episode: United? We Pray Talking about Race: Gospel Hope for Hard ConversationsIron City Church Show Notes:[01:37] Moving Family to Birmingham, AL[05:14] Motivation for United? We Pray[06:24] God and Prayer as Factors in the Struggle -- Francis Grimke[07:03] United? We Pray in Action[09:19] Why Is It So Hard for Christians to Talk about Race in America?[10:30] Not Prophets—Pastors Talking about Racial Conflict [12:59] What about the National Conversation[14:50] Criticism from the Left and from the Right[15:25] Spiritual Warfare[18:12] How is the Church Doing?[20:15] Is the House Still on Fire?[23:35] So, How Do We Have This Conversation?[26:18] More Practical Tips for Pastors to Start Talking about Race[27:43] Idolatry, Diversity and Unity[29:56] When to Be Silent[30:30] Lunch with a Former Bomb Making White Supremacist

Dr Alfonse Javed, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Metuchen, shares a Christmas message on Jesus, God's Message of Love.Only by celebrating Christmas with an Easter perspective do we experience how Jesus, God’s message of love is what angels said on the first Christmas, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14, ESV).WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The link between Christmas and EasterJesus is God, King, and LordJesus is God’s message of loveABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Alfonse Javed, the Senior Pastor of 1st Baptist Church of Metuchen, has planted a church abroad, has been a missions pastor and has served as a missionary in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.Born in Lahore, Pakistan — the son of a pastor — Pastor Javed began serving in church at a young age. He has served as a missionary in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. He has also planted a church in Greece. In the 1990s, a providential relationship formed when Calvary Baptist Church started supporting his ministry efforts; he would later serve as the missions pastor of that congregation. Eventually, in 2009, he moved to New York with a new vision — mobilizing churches to engage Muslims in the NYC metro area.Dr. Javed’s advanced theological training is from the Greek Bible College, Davis College and Liberty University. He has earned three undergraduate, three graduate, and three doctoral degrees. His dissertations have explored various subjects from religious influence on the American school system to evangelism and church planting, to Islamic madrases and the treatment that Muslims students have received in the post 9/11 New York City school system. He maintains a blog, www.alfonsejaved.com, and is the author of The Muslim Next Door: A Practical Guide for Evangelism and Discipleship. Dr. Javed and his wife, Sarah, have four children.SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Revelation 5: 1-7RELATED LINKS:Dr Alfonse Javed's Recent BookOur Urban Voices PodcastFirst Baptist Metuchen WebsiteFather's Love LetterEmail Dr Alfonse JavedTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:33 - Should we celebrate Christmas and Easter?00:59 - Christmas and Easter tells the complete story02:06 - Jesus as the Lion of Judah and the Slaughtered Lamb02:46 - We experience Jesus, God's message of love when we celebrate Christmas with an Easter perspective03:35 - worshiping the Creator God the Father and the Redeemer God the Son04:51 - The Magi brought the message of Easter on Christmas07:22 - Jesus is the Redeemer God09:30 - Jesus is the Royal King11:31 - Jesus is the Rightful Lord13:43 - Are you looking for peace, love, healing, and restoration?14:48 - Jesus is God, King, and LordDID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or...

Pastor Mark Lee sharing on pastoring a church to change and grow in a culturally diverse community.Churches are declining in the United States. What can be done to replant and grow a declining church?Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is leading his congregation in embracing and engaging the ethnically diverse community around them.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Characteristics and Tenants of Biblical LeadershipPaul's Model for Church LeadersIdentifying and Implementing Change to Reverse Decline in Church AttendanceABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is a Graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Mark is married to Minah and they have three adult children– a daughter and two sons.RELATED LINKS:Central Steele Creek Presbyterian ChurchEmail Pastor Mark LeeTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:49 - The group reflects the leader02:01 - Characteristics of Biblical leadership02:18 - Humility, Selflessness, Shepherd's Heart,02:32 - Key in today's church: Willingness to Collaboration04:05 - Willing to listen04:14 - Tenants of biblical leadership04:22 - Paul as an example of leadership04:39 - Humility is a huge part of Christian leadership04:48 - Servant to all people04:55 - A pastor is not going to be liked by everyone in the church05:12 - Maintain spiritual discipline05:36 - Daily habits05:45 - Open to the Holy Spirit05:54 - Willingness and desire to submit to God06:05 - Live among the people06:22 - Rely on and be obedient to the Holy Spirit06:30 - Selflessness and never about personal gain06:58 - Do all church leaders follow the model that Paul has set?07:25 - Greed08:11 - Paul on growing churches in ethnically-diverse communities08:30 - Certain churches have grown in the last 30 years08:43 - Big churches have problems also09:11 - Perseverance for the sake of God's glory09:52 - Opposition and failure is part of ministry10:57 - Expanding our experiences and understanding of other cultures11:02 - Willing and open heart and mind11:32 - Efforts to reach the community13:04 - Online church vs In-Person Church15:04 - Intentionally trying to engage the congregation to join in person18:16 - Steps needed to identify and implement change to reverse decline in church attendance19:01 - We've allowed politics to be an issue19:25 - Make God the priority20:08 - Churches have gone away from Scripture, preaching God, Jesus, the Good News23:33 - Practical things a church can do to incorporate multicultural understanding23:43 - Training within the church24:07 - Cultural intelligence training26:43 - Training brings confidence to talk to people27:08 - Welcome new visitors28:33 - Pastor Mark Lee's email address: [email protected]:12 - Importance of understanding the cultureDID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

Pastor Mark Lee sharing on pastoring a church to change and grow in a culturally diverse community.Churches are declining in the United States. What can be done to replant and grow a declining church?Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is leading his congregation in embracing and engaging the ethnically diverse community around them.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Contributing factors to the decline of traditional American churchesMaking diversity a focal pointChallenges for churches in embracing diversityABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is a Graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Mark is married to Minah and they have three adult children– a daughter and two sons.RELATED LINKS:Central Steele Creek Presbyterian ChurchEmail Pastor Mark LeeTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:53 - Pastor Mark Lee introduction03:55 - Doctoral dissertation is the background of this conversation04:24 - Disturbing trend in traditional American churches04:37 - Biggest trend: membership and attendance below 50%04:56 - Membership and attendance declining for the past 30 years06:07 - Churches can't afford full-time pastors06:43 - These trends are on a national level07:12 - Major contributing factors to these trends08:14 - Refusal to change08:23 - Change to attracting younger families08:42 - Move from a heavily liturgical worship service09:06 - to a more blended worship service09:22 - One of the main reasons is that churches are not willing to change09:35 - Change and adapt10:18 - Change needs to take place10:33 - Homogeneous Unit Principle: helping or hurting church growth?11:45 - Transformation of community demographics12:22 - but, the church did not change with the community changes12:35 - Need to embrace the cultural and ethnic diversity of the community13:09 - Making diversity a focal point13:41 - Tried and True no longer effective13:58 - Churches not just declining, but closing14:47 - Build it and they will come - church was the center of community fellowship15:10 - Families changing time commitments and priorities16:03 - Life is more difficult and faster18:07 - Commitment levels changed19:45 - Today's busy lifestyle20:27 - Challenges for churches in embracing diversity20:41 - Historical perceptions21:20 - Younger families21:52 - Slow process22:28 - Start new church vs Rebuild old church24:37 - Physical church appearance27:58 - Short-term and long-term implications of a church embracing diversity28:07 - Short-term30:16 - Long-term

Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum discusses Israelology — a key to understanding prophecy and Jesus' earthly ministry.The systematic study of Israel also provides context for understanding the rapture, end times and Jesus' second coming. Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum unpacks Jesus' example of leadership and what that means for modern day discipleship. Bonus Content:  Come and See, Ariel Library ResourcesWhat You’ll Learn:What Israelology is and why it matters in the study of the BibleHow to apply Jesus' example of discipleship What scripture says has to happen before the rapture or Jesus’ returnAbout the Guest: In 1943, Arnold was born in Russia into a Jewish family that had fled Poland. After being allowed to go back to Poland in 1945, the family escaped the Iron Curtain with the assistance of the Israeli underground. They spent several years in a British Displaced Persons camp in Germany. While there, Arnold received Orthodox Jewish training from his father. And, the family was befriended by a Lutheran minister. While Arnold was still a boy, the family migrated to New York City. The contact with the Lutheran minister, led Arnold and his mother to the American Board of Missions to the Jews (which would eventually become Chosen People Ministries). Through this ministry, several years later, Arnold came to a saving knowledge of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He was 13 years old. Despite his father’s disapproval and harsh treatment, Arnold’s faith endured. After high school, he enrolled in a Christian college. He would go on to transfer and graduate from Cedarville College and later from Dallas Theological Seminary. He received his PhD from New York University. He is the Founder and Director of Ariel Ministries. The ministry offers intensive Bible teaching from a Messianic Jewish perspective with both in-person and online instruction. Tyndale Seminary students may be able to apply some Ariel coursework toward their degree. The ministry’s online library has resources available in English, Afrikaans, French, Hebrew, Hungarian and Russian.Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum wrote the groundbreaking book, Israelology: the Missing Link in Systematic Theology. He is a prolific author. He has written several Bible commentaries including a recently published commentary on the book of Isaiah. He has authored or co-authored many books including The Feasts and Fasts of Israel: Their Historical and Prophetic Significance and Footsteps of the Messiah. Scripture Related to Episode:Matthew 12-13; Jesus Shifts Ministry Focus to His DisciplesZechariah 13-14; Persecution of the Jewish People, the Abomination of Desolation and the National Salvation of Jewish PeopleEzekiel 38-39; Prophecy about Gog and MagogLinks Related to Episode:Ariel Ministries - Phone: 210-344-7707Arnold Fruchtenbaum, AuthorIsraelology: The Missing Link In Systematic TheologyTimestamped Show Notes:01:19-Topic: Israelology...

Pastor Peter Pendell re-thinks women and their calling and role in complementarian Christian ministry.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Has the evangelical Christian community reflected Jesus' attitude about women?Complementarian vs Egalitarian (definitions, limitations, strengths, and weaknesses)Women in Ministry (ordination, leadership, teaching, authority and headship)ABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Peter Pendell has served in pastoral ministry for almost 50 years. His passion is to help people connect with God and with each other. He has given much prayer, thought, and discussion about the call and role of women in complementarian Christian ministry.RELATED LINKS:Email Pastor Peter PendellTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:49 - Has the Evangelical Christian community reflected how Jesus gave women a voice?03:04 - Women lead in missions out of necessity03:08 - vs churches in the US03:23 - Why churches are slower about women in ministry leadership?03:27 - Resistance to women in ministry leadership04:04 - Egalitarian defined04:12 - Complementarian defined04:46 - Understanding "in value and dignity"05:02 - Men given leadership05:08 - Women are those who help05:17 - What is the definition of "helper"?05:26 - Thoughts on complementarian theology and male leadership05:48 - God-given role for male leadership applied poorly06:01 - No consistent line for women in ministry06:36 - Belief that godly women should be permitted to do anything under the authority of the elders07:30 - Confusion and tension come from differing definitions of terms08:29 - Ordination and pastoring10:07 - Leadership11:18 - Teaching11:46 - Authority & Headship12:15 - Are titles just semantics?13:05 - Recent changes in defining roles for women in ministry14:16 - C&MA had a process of ordination and consecration14:38 - C&MA new position14:58 - SBC decision leads to two losses15:33 - Consecrated vs Ordained16:39 - Women in the mission field17:30 - I don't have a man so I'm going to let a woman do it...17:50 - Marge Shelley18:52 - Equipping women to lead while adhering to biblical leadership19:28 - Starting talking together, listening well, as flexible as possible20:23 - Draw boundaries20:32 - Formulate training for men and women21:00 - Practical things that church can do22:17 - Open the door as widely as possible22:32 - Peter Pendell's contact information - [email protected]:15 - Humor: Simple solutionsDID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

MALESTROM: men lose sight of who God created them to be. God's design for men is countercultural.Book Link: Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines ManhoodWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The church has veered off from Jesus' model of manhoodAuthority vs ResponsibilityThe Christian life is bigger than Sunday morningABOUT THE GUEST: Carolyn Custis James is an award winning author who thinks deeply about what it means to be a female follower of Jesus in a postmodern world.  Her speaking and writing ministry is dedicated to addressing the deeper needs and issues confronting both women and men as they endeavor to extend God’s kingdom together in a messy and complicated world.RELATED LINKS:Website: Carolyn Custis JamesEmail: Carolyn Custis JamesTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:35 - Beginning of MALESTROM Part 2 : Jesus' Model for Men is Countercultural01:48 - Our society embraces patriarchy02:04 - Power is intended to used for God's good purposes02:10 - Biblical examples of power used for God's good purposes03:46 - Where and how the church veered off from Jesus' model of manhood04:01 - Authority vs Responsibility04:31 - We don't think like Jesus04:58 - The gospel is about becoming radically different05:46 - Every human being is important in making a difference07:18 - Culture and Power07:32 - Better decisions are made with collaboration13:07 - Jesus' example of masculinity benefits the church13:44 - Not competing, but teamwork14:54 - Everywhere you are is a kingdom frontline15:15 - Power of a life given to God16:19 - Power of the gospel in a human life16:48 - Our work matters17:43 - Become part of something much bigger than Sunday morning18:31 - Carolyn's contact information - carolyncustisjames.com19:39 - A message of hopeDID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

MALESTROM: men lose sight of who God created them to be. God's design for men is countercultural.Book Link: Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines ManhoodWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Patriarchy as seen in the BibleJesus as the model for manhoodExamples of TransformationABOUT THE GUEST: Carolyn Custis James is an award winning author who thinks deeply about what it means to be a female follower of Jesus in a postmodern world.  Her speaking and writing ministry is dedicated to addressing the deeper needs and issues confronting both women and men as they endeavor to extend God’s kingdom together in a messy and complicated world.RELATED LINKS:Website: Carolyn Custis JamesEmail: Carolyn Custis JamesTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:34 - Beginning of MALESTROM Part 1: Jesus' Model for Men is Countercultural03:08 - Did I miss God's calling for me?03:40 - What is God's vision for HIs children?04:20 - Bible teaching is for men and women05:56 - God's vision for His children in Genesis 1-206:23 - Cultural Rites of Manhood06:42 - Cultural differences in evaluating manhood07:19 - Men in the Bible stories embody manhood that reflect Jesus09:25 - Patriarchal system has impacted every culture09:57 - Patriarchy crowns the firstborn son with double inheritance10:34 - Patriarchy tears apart brothers' relationships11:01 - Patriarchy exists today11:36 - Patriarchy played out in Scripture11:46 - Women begin to move to the margins after Genesis 312:03 - Patriarchal system lead to all kinds of violence12:26 - Hierarchical system with little room at the top and is not secure13:21 - The calling of every human being is to image God14:17 - Male and female is a blessed alliance14:40 - The enemy breaks up this alliance14:51 - Divine revelation on how to treat each other15:04 - Humanity empowered to care for the world15:54 - The language for the woman is "ezer kenegdo"15:59 - ezer - God as the helper of His people17:16 - ezer examples that are not husband and wife17:30 - Ruth as an "ezer"19:04 - Jesus taught a countercultural calling for men19:46 - Jesus taught about justice, truth, emulating God's character20:16 - Emulating models other than Jesus21:08 - Paul and the Philippian women22:31 - Jesus and Mary of Bethany23:57 - the call for our Christian brothers25:28 - Judah as a model for manhood30:39 - End of MALESTROM Part 1: Jesus' Model for Men is CounterculturalDID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com

Alex Willis is the Intake Coordinator for Brooklyn Teen Challenge. His main objective is to introduce broken people to Jesus, get them enrolled into the Brooklyn Teen Challenge program, and help them cultivate a life free from addiction.Brooklyn Teen ChallengeWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:A typical day in the program3 phase approach to recoveryTransition back to societyABOUT THE GUEST: Alex Willis was born and raised in a small town called Shell Lake, WI and served in the United States Marine Corps from 2009 to 2011. He is a full-time student at Regent University, attaining his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry and Pastoral Care. He serves on staff at Brooklyn Adult and Teen Challenge, the flagship program that began in 1958 by Pastor David Wilkerson, and is also a graduate of the program.RELATED LINKS:Brooklyn Teen ChallengeTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:03:23 - Mission and Vision of Teen Challenge03:57 - Healthy Spiritually leads to Healthy Physically04:02 - Pastor David Wikerson convicted to speak to boys on trial in NYC for murder04:21 - Wilkerson stayed in NYC meets gang leader, Mickey Cruz04:51 - Mickey Cruz convicted and gave his heart to the Lord04:58 - 250 Teen Challenges centers in the US05:00 - 1400 Teen Challenge centers worldwide05:15 - Pastor Wilkerson also the founding pastor of Times Square Church05:47 - Process of the Teen Challenge Program05:54 - Duration: 1 year live-in program06:17 - Phase 1 of 3 (6 months): Basic introduction to scripture and Christianity06:43 - Brooklyn Teen Challenge caters to adults06:59 - Phase 2 of 3 (3 months): Learning hermeneutics and how to read scripture07:07 - Teen Challenge is a Discipleship program07:13 - Learn skills in the workplace & Work therapy at the center08:08 - Phase 3 of 3 (3 months): Develop next steps to transition back into society08:44 - Some may have a calling to serve at Teen Challenge08:53 - Internship program09:17 - Criteria for the internship program09:34 - Plan for success at the 12-month mark09:47 - Pastor Winston Trumpet helps formulate exit plan10:06 - A typical day in the program14:22 - Steps to take after completion of the program16:18 - Alex's personal testimony of Teen Challenge19:28 - Sent to the Brooklyn school of ministry25:44 - Teen Challenge outreach opportunities28:09 - How can my church come alongside Teen Challenge?30:55 - Success rate of Teen Challenge upon completion32:23 - Alex Willis' contact information (917-982-8448, [email protected])DID YOU APPRECIATE THIS PODCAST? Checkout previous episodes, leave a review, drop us a note or support the mission here: oururbanvoices.com