By Andy Hale

While this has been one of the most challenging years on record, it has generated a lot of healthy conversation about overdue change in our communities. No more critical discussion has been amplified thus than systemic racism and disparity.

And yet, that phrase alone draws a line in the sand as to whether you see this as an issue or not. For some, there just isn’t anything to talk about; there is no issue; there is no disparity.

Within most of our congregations are a divergence of such opinions. Thus, the theological gauntlet that most ministers face as they seek to nurture, equip, and nudge their congregations forward through spiritual formation and the applicability of Jesus’ ministry and message to our modern-day ills.

There is very real and challenging friction within our congregations over these matters, whether they are voiced or not. And for the ministers seeking to address these challenges through the Gospels, genuine friction exists inside them. 

“We should not deny the very real political violence and harm that goes in society. We must embrace the radical and compassionate love God that is poised for revolution,” said Drew Hart on the CBF Podcast.

Hart is the professor of theology at Messiah University and the author of several books, including his latest, Who Will Be A Witness? Igniting Activism for God’s Justice, Love, and Deliverance.

“Our revolutionary Messiah is overcoming sin, death, and evil that keep us captivated. Deliverance is what we need from sin, death, and evil that wreak havoc on humanity and the rest of creation,” said Hart.

We sat down with the pastor and theologian to discuss the magnitude of this moment for the church and society.

Subscribe or Livestream

CBF’s podcast shares stories from across the Fellowship and innovative practices of those working to renew God’s world. The vision is to share ideas, stories, and innovations from ministers, authors, and practitioners.

Join this award-winning audio Podcast by subscribing in iTunes, SoundCloud, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Facebook.

Sponsorship

This podcast episode is brought to you by Fuller Seminary and The Center for Congregational Health.

Listener Support 

We are inviting you, the listeners, to join us in connecting with the Podcast. Become a monthly listener supporter and receive some perks, including name recognition on the Podcast, questions for upcoming guests, free books from the Podcast, joining the Podcast for an interview, and a VIP experience with the General Assembly Podcast guests.

There are five levels of listener support, starting at $5 per month…learn more and become a supporter today at www.cbf.net/podcastsupport.

Andy Hale is the creator and host of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Podcast. Hale is the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, following eight years as the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton and five years as CBF’s church start specialist. Follow on Twitter @haleandy