Folks are leaving the church at leaps and bound, and it's because the church is sick. One of our hosts has a saying "If we can talk about it, we can fix it." So we are talking about real life issues, that others are sweeping under the rug.
In this episode of the [UN]Churched podcast, hosts Cole and Antonio discuss the reasons behind declining church attendance, focusing on themes of judgment, grace, and the role of music in worship. They explore how judgmental attitudes can drive people away from the church, the importance of accountability and grace, and the dangers of exposure culture. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of music ministry and how it can influence the overall church environment. In this conversation, Antonio and Cole explore the multifaceted role of music in worship, the importance of stewardship over ownership in ministry, and the need for kindness and compassion within the church community. They discuss how to navigate changes in church practices while maintaining a focus on God’s vision, and emphasize the significance of living as a reflection of Christ to attract others to the faith.
In this thought-provoking episode of the [UN]Churched Podcast, hosts Cole and Antonio tackle a bold claim made in a viral Facebook post: that the church is the most evil organization known to man. Join us as we dive deep into the complex relationship between the church and its critics.
We’ll discuss:
Perceptions of Evil: Why does the church often seem to embody negativity in the eyes of many?
Historical Context: A look at historical events that have shaped public opinion about religious institutions.
Personal Experiences: Insights from our own journeys and how they inform our views on faith and community.
The True Nature of the Church: Is the church fundamentally evil, or are there deeper issues at play?
Whether you have a strained relationship with the church or are simply curious about the topic, this episode aims to foster understanding and dialogue. Tune in for a candid discussion that bridges the gap between faith and skepticism. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge perspectives and explore the complexities of faith!
In today’s episode, Cole and Antonio dive into a clip discussing the limited financial influence of the Black church in the United States and the consequences of this resource scarcity. They explore issues surrounding the mismanagement of funds and highlight how Black communities have historically faced a deficit in resources in this country. Join us for an insightful conversation on these important topics!
On this Episode Cole and Antonio journey through what its like to be Christian, Church-going, and black AND to have to journey through your mental health journeys
Summary
The conversation explores the role of the Holy Spirit in the church and in the lives of believers. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with the Holy Spirit and the misconceptions surrounding it. They emphasize the importance of understanding the Holy Spirit's purpose and the gifts it provides, such as wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and the fear of the Lord. The hosts also highlight the need for believers to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and transformation in their daily lives. The conversation explores the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and empowerment. It emphasizes the need for humility and discernment when it comes to prophetic words and highlights the importance of aligning with the character and teachings of God as revealed in Scripture. The conversation also discusses the fruits of the Spirit and the transformation that occurs when the Holy Spirit is allowed to work in a person's life.
Summary
In this conversation, Cole and Antonio discuss the topic of what individuals owe to the church. They explore the importance of contributing one's talents and gifts to the church community, engaging in worship, and participating in discipleship opportunities. They also touch on the value of corporate worship and the need for individuals to see the church as more than just a Sunday morning experience. The conversation highlights the challenges of finding the right church and the expectations people have of the church. In this conversation, Cole and AJ discuss the responsibilities and obligations individuals have to the church. They touch on topics such as serving God, obeying Christ, loving one another, discipling others, and submitting to elders and leadership. They emphasize the importance of being actively involved in the church community, contributing financially, and participating in decision-making processes. They also address the need for individuals to find a church that aligns with their beliefs and values. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of fully committing to the church and actively engaging in its mission.
The hosts discuss the topic of when to leave a church and when to stay. They explore the biblical perspective on church membership and the importance of accountability. They emphasize the need for open communication and resolving conflicts within the church community. They also caution against making decisions based solely on emotions and encourage taking time for reflection. The hosts highlight the role of Satan in trying to create division within the church and the importance of staying connected to God's people. In this conversation, Cole and his friend discuss the importance of finding a church where one feels comfortable and can connect with God and the people. They talk about the discomfort they have experienced in different church settings and the need for inclusivity and discipleship within the church. They emphasize the importance of staying in a church and supporting the pastor if they are trying to do the right thing, but also acknowledge the need to leave if the leadership is morally or doctrinally wrong. They encourage listeners to find a church where they can use their gifts and talents and be seen, felt, heard, and understood.
In this conversation, Cole and Antonio discuss their struggles with faith and the reliability of the Bible. They explore the origins of the Bible and the different versions, such as the King James version, and how human input has influenced its content. They also discuss the canon of scripture and the authority of different books. Cole emphasizes the historical reliability of the Bible and the importance of understanding the context and language of the text. They also touch on the importance of confronting and challenging their own emotions and perceptions in order to align with God's truth. In this conversation, Cole discusses the importance of following the rules and guidelines outlined in the Bible for the protection and preservation of the family, community, and nation. She emphasizes that these rules were put in place not because certain foods or actions are inherently bad, but because they were necessary for maintaining a healthy and thriving society. Cole also highlights the power and reliability of the Bible as a source of guidance and transformation in our lives. She encourages listeners to read the Bible for themselves, seek understanding in community, and allow the word of God to shape and change their hearts and minds.
Summary
The conversation covers a range of topics related to family dynamics, church experiences, and the reasons why people leave the church. It delves into personal experiences, conflicts within the family, and the impact of church culture on individuals. The themes of family importance, handling family conflict, church experiences, and reasons for leaving the church are prominent throughout the conversation. The conversation delves into the challenges and experiences of young adults in the church, addressing issues such as pressure for holiness, communication, and financial transparency. It also explores the struggle of being seen as an adult in the church community. The conversation covers various topics related to church, community, and the black church experience. It delves into the role of community in church, the impact of long church services, and the presence of mean and petty people in church environments. It also explores the significance of the black church and the challenges of finding the right church home.
In this conversation, Cole & Antonio discuss what heaven and hell will be like. They also touch on the importance of prayer and spiritual warfare. Additionally, they caution against engaging in practices like yoga and witchcraft that can have negative spiritual consequences. In this part of the conversation, Cole and AJ discuss the concept of heaven and hell. They emphasize that it is not God who sends people to hell, but rather individuals choose to go there by rejecting God. They also discuss the importance of listening to God and not taking matters into our own hands.
In this episode of the [UN]churched podcast, Cole and AJ discuss the Diddy apology video and the response from the black church. They explore the issue of forgiveness and grace within the church, particularly when it comes to different sins and marginalized communities. Cole shares his personal experience as an intersex individual and the challenges he faced within the church. They also touch on cancel culture and the need for understanding and empathy. In this conversation, Cole reflects on the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 and emphasizes the importance of seeking understanding and pursuing the gospel. He also discusses the role of pastors in addressing sin and accountability within the church. Cole encourages open communication, love, and transparency, and highlights the need for pastors to examine themselves before addressing others. He emphasizes the power of sharing personal testimonies and the importance of living out the teachings of the Bible. Cole concludes by reminding listeners that nothing can separate them from the love of God.
Cole and AJ explore the importance of the company we keep and how it can impact our Christian walk and belief. The hosts share personal stories about friendships and the role they played in their lives. They discuss the story of the paralyzed man being lowered through the roof by his friends as an example of the power of having the right company. They emphasize the need for friends who see our humanity, forgive us, and support us in both the peaks and valleys of life. The conversation also touches on the influence of the enemy in trying to derail God's plans for our lives. In this conversation, Cole and AJ discuss the importance of community and accountability in relationships. They emphasize the need to let go of ego and allow others to see our vulnerabilities. They also highlight the significance of aligning our desires with God's will and trusting Him to lead us. They encourage listeners to find a church community where they can grow and serve, and stress the importance of being in the right relationships and spaces. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for self-reflection, humility, and a reliance on God in our relationships.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Adjusting the Camera Angle
03:01 The Divine Timing of Friendships
07:03 The Importance of the Company You Keep
09:54 Personal Experiences and the Impact of Friends
16:03 The Story of the Paralyzed Man and Faith
26:48 Support in the Peaks and Valleys of Life
30:09 The Enemy's Tactics and Choosing Wisely
32:01 The Importance of Vulnerability and Letting Go of Ego
35:04 Aligning Desires with God's Will
41:30 Finding a Church Community for Growth and Service
50:17 Being in the Right Relationships and Spaces for Accountability
Cole and AJ tackle one of the most controversial concepts in the black church. Many people believe the church is taking money, mishandling funds, but today we talk about how the practice has not only been helpful, but changed our lives
Cole and Brittney take a deep dive into what the rapture actually is, and why its happening
In a world that doesn't always get along with Christianity, it can be tough to believe or understand what all this take about salvation is all about. in this episode of [UN]Churched, Cole talks through why salvation is even a thing.
Should we throw out the hymns?
Is contemporary music a waste
Can they coexist together?
When your view of God is small, you will react to him the way you react to people. When you view God as what he is, you realize that he’s not a fragile little ruler but an all knowing God.
Clip: Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 episode 15
Intro: PJ Morton’s Religion featuring Lecrae
A world without consequence is surely a utopian idea. There are a lot of idea surrounding this. A gospel artist and pastor, known as “Pastor Tim” went viral in a video of him preaching at a funeral where he boldly proclaimed “Hell is a fairytale.” This video has cause outrage in the church left and right. The preachers got together this week and weighed in on the topic
Prayer is powerful, but faith is absolutely nothing without works. There is nothing wrong with seeing a doctor for you mind as well, it makes you no weaker, to talk to someone about your problems because guess what? We all have them.