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Common Grounds Unity Podcast Profile

Common Grounds Unity Podcast

English, Religion, 1 season, 128 episodes, 3 days, 15 hours, 54 minutes
About
Each week we have discussions with Christians who are seeking to fulfill Jesus' prayer for unity - within the Stone-Campbell Movement and beyond. Please visit www.commongroundsunity.org to subscribe to weekly articles, join the Facebook group, or to make a tax-deductible donation to this ministry. You can suggest topics or guests at john@commongroundsunity.org. Thank you
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#128 Dr. Jerry Taylor - Embracing Memory and Imagination - Part 2

As we focus on Black History Month, Tina Bruner and Rudy Hagood talk with Dr. Jerry Taylor, the founding Director of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action. Please see more at https://carlspaincenter.org/ and https://carlspaincenter.org/2023tour/ CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. If you benefit from this ministry, please consider donating monthly to support the work. www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the about page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 4 is Anthony Catacoli's "Mambo For Jose." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
2/16/202436 minutes, 25 seconds
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#127 Dr. Jerry Taylor - Embracing Memory and Imagination

As we focus on Black History Month, Tina Bruner and Rudy Hagood talk with Dr. Jerry Taylor, the founding Director of the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action. Please see more at https://carlspaincenter.org/ and https://carlspaincenter.org/2023tour/ CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. If you benefit from this ministry, please consider donating monthly to support the work. www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the about page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 4 is Anthony Catacoli's "Mambo For Jose." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
2/2/202439 minutes, 34 seconds
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#126 The Disciples of Christ and Christian Unity

Tina Bruner and Doug Foster welcome Joel Brown and Paul Tche of the Disciples of Christ to discuss some of the factors contributing to the divides within the Stone Campbell Movement and to explore several efforts that are being made to overcome our divisions. Below are some links to files/websites mentioned in the conversation: https://www.disciplescuim.org https://www.discipleshistory.org https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gly3HkJETaulejriRPTl2q8XvZYsBPnY/view?usp=drive_link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C9ptjAi3TGiqVvZn-KxFUErBneenWyJB/view?usp=drive_link CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the about page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 4 is Anthony Catacoli's "Mambo For Jose." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
1/19/202457 minutes, 4 seconds
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#125 Kathy Khang and Matt Mikalatos - Loving Disagreement

Drew Baker has an engaging conversation with Kathy Khang and Matt Mikalatos about their book "Loving Disagreement: Fighting for Community through the Fruit of the Spirit." Find it on Amazon. Fighting, disagreements, hatred, dissension, and silence. These things seem common in the wider Christian community today. Politics, theology, and even personal preference create seemingly insurmountable rifts. It’s hard not to see ourselves as “at war” with each other. We’re not doomed to be stuck here, though. There is a twofold path out of this destructive war, out of seeing our brothers and sisters as enemies—and into a spacious place of loving each other even as we disagree. CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the about page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 4 is Anthony Catacoli's "Mambo For Jose." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
1/5/202459 minutes, 47 seconds
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#124 CGU Christmas Episode 2023

Common Grounds Unity wishes a Merry Christmas to you and yours! Thank you for taking this journey with us through season three. Please consider Tina's homework and communicate with us. You can do so by emailing us at cgupod@gmail.com or texting 919-777-3881. God bless and Merry Christmas. CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider a tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the about page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe. Other public domain music: "What Child is This?" and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" by Isaac Shepard. We Wish You a Merry Christmas" - Traditional English Carol Performed by Gracias Choir.
12/22/202333 minutes, 56 seconds
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#123 - Tyler McKenzie - Healthy Church - Love the Ville

Tina Bruner and Kevin Withem interview Tyler Mckenzie, Senior Pastor of Northeast Christian and Christian Standard Columnist. Tyler shares about how healthy churches serve their communities - taking the church to the community. Northeast is a sizeable multi-campus congregation that is having a major impact on the city of Louisville, KY. "Healthy Church." Tyler mentions 30 30-minute short Christmas Story produced by Northeast Christian Church https://youtu.be/UU16egkNFwQ Find Northeast Christian Church https://www.necchurch.org/ https://missionalive.org/ CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the about page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
12/8/20231 hour, 5 minutes, 49 seconds
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#122 Tod Vogt - Learning from the Early Church

Kevin Withem and Tod Vogt from Mission Alive join up again for a great conversation about what we learn from the early church about "Healthy Church." https://missionalive.org/ CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the about page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
11/24/202347 minutes, 15 seconds
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#121 Kyle Spears - Healthy Church - Truth Trauma Theology

Kevin Withem has a heartfelt conversation with Kyle Spears, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in trauma. Kyle states that "Trauma is hurt stored in the body." How do we navigate our trauma or trauma stored in the body of our fellowships? How do we create safe places for those who have experienced trauma, or for those who have felt measured but not supported? Many in our current culture are increasingly experiencing some form of trauma. Now is a crucial time for the church to provide a place for healing and transformation. Kyle offers pathways for individuals and congregations to enter into this difficult but crucial work. https://www.truthtraumatheology.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@TruthTraumaTheology https://www.facebook.com/truthtraumatheology/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-spears-limhp-lmft-46b506178/ CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the about page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
11/10/20231 hour, 4 minutes, 24 seconds
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#120 Chuck DeGroat - Healthy Church

Drew Baker and Tina Bruner engage in a refreshing conversation with Dr. Chuck DeGroat on the topics of narcissism and wholeheartedness in church leadership. When Narcissism Comes to Church (Amazon) - https://a.co/d/9Cyllzh Wholeheartedness (Amazon) - https://a.co/d/1pemavc CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
10/27/202353 minutes
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#119 Randy Lowry - Healthy Church - Conflict Resolution

Kevin and Steve Staten talk with Randy Lowry (Past President of Lipscomb University) about healthy church, church leadership, and conflict resolution. Randy is one of the most respected in dispute and conflict resolution. Such an important topic for our times. CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
10/13/20231 hour, 2 minutes
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#118 Kent Smith - Relational Revolution

Tina and Mitch Mitchell talk to Dr. Kent Smith about the new book Relational Revolution - https://www.amazon.com/Relational-Revolution-Rediscovering-Heart-Heart/dp/1734684046/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1691851685&sr=8-2-spons This is another book in the series. The first was Joy Fueled - https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Fueled-Catalyzing-Revolution-Communities/dp/1734684011/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZIEM3H02K4WO&keywords=joy+fueled+book&qid=1691851909&sprefix=joy+fueled%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1 Check out the LK10 ministry at https://lk10.com/ CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
9/29/202357 minutes, 40 seconds
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#117 - Stan Granberg - Healthy Church

Kevin and Stan Granberg have an incredible discussion about what healthy church looks like. Check out the LK10 ministry at https://lk10.com/ CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
9/15/202350 minutes, 48 seconds
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#116 Scot McKnight & Laura Barringer - "Pivot" to Healthy Church

Kevin has a great conversation with the authors of "A Church Called Tov" and "Pivot: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church into a Tov Culture," Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer. "Pivot" is the follow-up book to "A Church Called TOV" Purchase Scot and Laura's latest book, "Pivot: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church into a Tov Culture," at https://www.amazon.com/Pivot-Priorities-Practices-Transform-Culture-ebook/dp/B0BX187ZTD Available Sept. 19, 2023 CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry, please consider a tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
9/1/202354 minutes, 34 seconds
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#115 - Jeanie Shaw - A View From Paul's Widow - Paul's Teaching on Women

Drew Baker and Jeanie Shaw have an important discussion about Jeanie's book "A View From Paul's Widow - Paul's Teaching on Women." Jeanie approaches this topic with clarity, humility, wisdom, and scholarship. This is one of the most important topics of our day and one in which we must enter into with love and respect for each other. Find Jeanie's book on Amazon or other book sellers. John's Patreon Letter https://docs.google.com/document/d/14OO2ubr1dp_UN-olL4q5sOGGuIzbmb5ZT7Dhk5Cki-c/edit?usp=sharing CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
8/25/20231 hour, 4 minutes
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#114 Campus Evangelism: The COC Jesus Revolution.

Join Kevin and Steve Staten as they discuss Campus Evangelism: The COC Jesus Revolution. This is an incredible story of revival and hope, and heartbreak and opposition to a movement that reached about 40,000 campus students in the late sixties. Find out what happened and the lessons we can learn! Learn more about Steve Staten at https://www.bridginginternational.com/ Jim Bevis Audios at ACU Summit: https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/sumlec_audio/889/ https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/sumlec_audio/888/ https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/sumlec_audio/887/ CGU creates spaces for Christians to gather so that we might recognize Jesus in one another. If you are blessed by this ministry please consider tax-deductible monthly donation. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
8/18/20231 hour, 1 minute, 10 seconds
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#113 - Mike Cope - Finding Harbor

Kevin Withem and Sara Allen continue the conversation with Mike Cope. This episode is titled "Finding Harbor" focusing on Harbor: Pepperdine Bible Lectures and its impact. Plan to come to Harbor, in Malibu, in spring 2024. Check it out at https://www.pepperdine.edu/spiritual-life/church-relations/harbor/ Contact John Teal at john@commongroundsunity.org if you would like to become an assistant audio/video editor. Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
8/11/202343 minutes, 37 seconds
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#112 - Mike Cope - Reimagining Unity

Kevin Withem and Sara Allen have a conversation with Mike Cope about reimaging unity. This conversation springboards from Mike's message at Harbor: Pepperdine Bible Lectures. You can access this incredible message at https://pepperdinebiblelectures.podbean.com/e/participating-in-god-s-restoration-the-story-of-churches-of-christ/ Contact John Teal at john@commongroundsunity.org if you would like to become an assistant audio/video editor. Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
8/4/202337 minutes, 24 seconds
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#111 - Steve Cuss - Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs - Part 2

Tina Bruner and Mitch Mitchell continue their talk with Steve Cuss about his incredible book "Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs." This conversation is incredibly important! Find it on Amazon or other booksellers. Contact John Teal at john@commongroundsunity.org if you would like to become an assistant audio/video editor. Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
7/28/202330 minutes, 53 seconds
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#110 - Steve Cuss - Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs - Part 1

Tina Bruner and Mitch Mitchell talk with Steve Cuss about his incredible book "Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs." This conversation is incredibly important! Find it on Amazon or other booksellers. Contact John Teal at john@commongroundsunity.org if you would like to become an assistant audio/video editor. Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
7/21/202328 minutes, 26 seconds
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#109 Stan Granberg - Empty Church - Part 2

Kevin continues the conversation with Dr. Stanley Granberg about his book Empty Church: Why People Don’t Come And What To Do About It. Huge paradigm shifts in culture and the pandemic have reshaped the culture and the church must adapt without compromising the gospel. Like people, churches have life cycles. We need to understand these and reinvent our congregations if we want to remain relevant and alive. Stan has years of wisdom to share as the founder of both Kairos church planting and Heritage 21. Contact John Teal at john@commongroundsunity.org if you would like to become an assistant audio/video editor. Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
7/14/202334 minutes, 58 seconds
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#108 Stan Granberg - Empty Church - Part 1

Kevin has a great conversation with Dr. Stanley Granberg about his book Empty Church: Why People Don’t Come And What To Do About It. Huge paradigm shifts in culture and the pandemic have reshaped the culture and the church must adapt without compromising the gospel. Like people, churches have life cycles We need to understand these and reinvent our congregations if we want to remain relevant and alive. Stan has years of wisdom to share as the founder of both Kairos church planting and Heritage 21. Contact John Teal at john@commongroundsunity.org if you would like to become an assistant audio/video editor. Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
7/7/202327 minutes, 54 seconds
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#107 Partnering with Solomon: Part 2 - Crozier, Reed, Archer

This week Kevin and cohost Chris Jones Continue the discussion about partnering with "The Solomon Foundation," a church extension fund that helps churches acquire buildings and grow their ministries. What an incredible resource for congregations! Hear from the president and founder of Solomon and two church leaders who have been blessed by partnering with Solomon. The Solomon Foundation: https://thesolomonfoundation.org DC Regional Christian Church: https://www.dcregional.org Potomac Valley Church: https://www.potomacvalleychurch.com Westgate COC: https://wcc.church Contact John Teal at john@commongroundsunity.org if you would like to become an assistant audio/video editor. Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
7/1/202331 minutes, 53 seconds
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#106 Partnering with Solomon: Part 1 - Crozier, Reed, Archer

This week Kevin and cohost Chris Jones discuss the value of partnering with "The Solomon Foundation," a church extension fund that helps churches acquire buildings and grow their ministries. What an incredible resource for congregations! Hear from the president and founder of Solomon and two church leaders who have been blessed by partnering with Solomon. The Solomon Foundation: https://thesolomonfoundation.org DC Regional Christian Church: https://www.dcregional.org Potomac Valley Church: https://www.potomacvalleychurch.com Westgate COC: https://wcc.church Contact John Teal at john@commongroundsunity.org if you would like to become an assistant audio/video editor. Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
6/23/202342 minutes, 22 seconds
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#105 - Dr. Jerry Taylor & Dr. Douglas A Foster - Racial Healing - Part 2

This week Kevin and Tina continue the conversation with Dr. Jerry Taylor and Dr. Douglas A. Foster about the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action and the Racial Healing Bus Tour. Please see more at https://carlspaincenter.org/ and https://carlspaincenter.org/2023tour/ Contact John Teal at john@commongroundsunity.org if you would like to become an assistant audio/video editor Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
6/17/202343 minutes, 55 seconds
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#104 - Jerry Taylor & Douglas Foster - Racial Healing - Part 1

This week Kevin and Tina talk with Dr. Jerry Taylor and Dr. Douglas A. Foster about the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action and the Racial Healing Bus Tour. Please see more at https://carlspaincenter.org/ and https://carlspaincenter.org/2023tour/ Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
6/10/202344 minutes, 41 seconds
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#103 - Lois Tverberg - Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus

This week Kevin and Tina continue the conversation with Lois Tverberg, the best-selling author of Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus, and Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus! Find her books on Amazon or on her website at https://ourrabbijesus.com Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
6/3/202343 minutes, 52 seconds
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#102 - Lois Tverberg - Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus

This week Kevin and Tina talk with Lois Tverberg, the best-selling author of Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus, and Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus! Find her books on Amazon or on her website at https://ourrabbijesus.com Please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
5/27/202339 minutes, 45 seconds
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#101 - The 100th Episode Coffee Talk Part 2

Welcome to the 100th episode, Part 2 of the Common Grounds Unity Podcast. This week Kevin, Tina, Megan, and John continue the coffee talk walking down memory lane with some clips of their favorite episodes. Please like and follow our podcast, and please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity.org where you can get additional content - video interviews, essays, and special events. Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply starts with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
5/19/20231 hour, 2 minutes, 31 seconds
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#100 - Episode 100, Coffee Talk with Kevin, Tina, Megan, and John

Welcome to the 100th episode of the Common Grounds Unity Podcast. This week Kevin, Tina, Megan, and John enjoy a reunion coffee talk walking down memory lane. They talk about the genesis of the podcast and some clips of their favorite episodes. Please like and follow our podcast and please subscribe to the CGU Patreon Channel at www.patreon.com/commongroundsunity.org where you can get additional content - video interviews, essays, special events. Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
5/12/202338 minutes, 56 seconds
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#99 Casey Tygrett - The Gift of Restlessness

This week Kevin and Kathrine Pimentel cohost an important conversation about Casey Tygrett's new book The Gift of Restlessness. What do we do when we cannot go back, stay where we are, but do not know the path forward? These are difficult seasons to navigate. Casey helps us find the blessing in these difficult moments. Find his book on Amazon or other booksellers. Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
5/5/202348 minutes, 6 seconds
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#98 Asbury: Let's Talk Revival - Mike Mack, Terrence Turman, Hayley Anderson

Have you heard about the revival at Asbury? Well, let’s talk about it. What happened, how is God’s Spirit moving, and how can we have eyes to see and ears to hear today? In this episode, Mike Mack from the Christian Standard cohost with Tina Bruner and they talk with Hayley Anderson and Terrence Turman about their articles in the Christian Standard and their experience at Asbury University during the revival. Local new interview: https://www.wdrb.com/asbury-university-student-describes-atmosphere-at-impromptu-revival-during-chapel-service/video_c40def2d-ef47-5ce9-960e-f135aaa7a9cc.html Christian Standard Articles: https://christianstandard.com/2023/02/asbury-student-talks-of-gen-zs-desperation-for-god-in-fox-news-interview/ https://christianstandard.com/2023/02/an-asbury-students-honest-perspective/ https://christianstandard.com/2023/02/showing-up-at-asbury-university-what-to-expect/ https://christianstandard.com/2023/02/revival-at-asbury-university-dont-miss-the-spirit/ Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
4/21/202358 minutes, 57 seconds
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#97 - Dr. Stanley Helton - Building Bridges, Crossing Streams

In this episode, we speak to the President of Alberta Bible College, Dr. Stanley Helton. Stan has been building bridges and crossing streams for many years. This is a great conversation. Check out these sites and blogs: Alberta Bible College: https://www.abccampus.ca/ Church Stuff: https://snhelton.blog/ Church Doctor Stuff: https://churchdoctor.blogspot.com/ College Blog: https://www.abccampus.ca/media/blog/ Nerdy Textual Stuff: https://stansscholia.wordpress.com/ Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
4/8/202346 minutes, 4 seconds
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#96 - Holub and Burns - The Good News in Spokane

This episode's guests are Henry Holub and Troy Burns, who are bringing their congregations together to build unity and advance the gospel of Jesus in Spokane, Washington. What a great story this is! Join us for this inspiring conversation between two leaders making a difference in Spokane. Thank you to our sponsors, Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
3/17/202334 minutes, 29 seconds
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#95 Holub and Burns - Unity of the Spirit in Spokane

Welcome to Season 3 of the CGU Podcast. Our guests are Henry Holub and Troy Burns who are bringing their congregations together to build unity and advance the gospel of Jesus in Spokane, Washington. What a great story this is! Join us for this inspiring conversation between friends who are making a difference in Spokane. Thank you, to our sponsors Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
3/3/202346 minutes, 16 seconds
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#94 Marty Solomon - Asking Better Questions of the Bible - Part Two

Welcome to Season 3 of the CGU Podcast. Our guest is Marty Solomon, who has a newly published book, "Asking Better Questions on the Bible: A Guide for the Wounded, Wary & Longing for More." Buy Marty's book on Amazon or any other bookseller. This is part two of an incredible conversation - don't miss it! Thank you, to our sponsors Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. Please do not miss the CGU Peacemakers: Conflict Resolution 101 webinar! Tickets are $10.00, and your donation is tax-deductible! Don't miss these great opportunities! Buy tickets here: https://buytickets.at/commongroundsunity/844688 CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
2/17/202336 minutes, 15 seconds
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#93 Marty Solomon - Asking Better Questions of the Bible, Part One

Welcome to Season 3 of the CGU Podcast. Our guest is Marty Solomon, who has a newly published book, "Asking Better Questions on the Bible: A Guide for the Wounded, Wary & Longing for More." Buy Marty's book on Amazon or any other bookseller. This is part one of an incredible conversation - don't miss it! Thank you, to our sponsors Mission Alive www.missionalive.org and Central Christian College of the Bible www.cccb.edu. Please do not miss the CGU Peacemakers: Conflict Resolution 101 webinar! Tickets are $10.00, and your donation is tax-deductible! Don't miss these great opportunities! Buy tickets here: https://buytickets.at/commongroundsunity/844688 CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
2/3/202326 minutes, 58 seconds
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#92 - Douglas Jacoby, John Mark Hicks, Marty Solomon - Bridging the Gap - Special Episode

Welcome to Season 3 of the CGU Podcast. And welcome to this special episode. - the audio recording of t"The Bridging the Gap" event co-produced by Truth Trauma Theology and Common Grounds Unity. Our co-hosts for this episode are Kyle Spears and Nick Zola. Our guests are Douglas Jacoby, John Mark Hicks, and Marty Solomon. Enjoy this extended episode. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
1/28/20231 hour, 44 minutes, 35 seconds
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#91 - Christian Ray Flores - Building a Christian Culture in a Post-Christian World

Welcome to Season 3 of the CGU Podcast. Our guest is Christian Ray Flores, and he has an inspiring story and ministry! Enjoy the conversation about having an impact and influencing our world with the message of Jesus. Check out https://www.thirddrivemedia.com/faith for church resources and training, much of which is free. Also, find Third Drive at https://thirddrive.co/ and Ascend Mission Fund at https://www.ascendmission.fund/ Read the very interesting Wikipedia article on Christian at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Ray CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
1/20/202338 minutes, 48 seconds
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#90 - Christian Ray Flores - Third Drive and Ascend

Welcome to Season 3 of the CGU Podcast. Our guest is Christian Ray Flores, and he has an inspiring story and ministry! Enjoy the conversation about having an impact and influencing our world with the message of Jesus. Check out https://www.thirddrivemedia.com/faith for church resources and training, much of which is free. Also find Third Drive at https://thirddrive.co/ and Ascend Mission Fund at https://www.ascendmission.fund/ Read the very interesting Wikipedia article on Christian at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Ray CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit for Season 3 is Cody Martin's "Forever with You." Download and permission to use from Sound Stripe.
1/6/202347 minutes, 4 seconds
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#89 Have Yourself A Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Kevin, Tina, John, and the CGU Board of Directors, and the rest of our team of volunteers. Take a moment to slow down, rest, and worship King Jesus as you listen to some inspiring and worshipful music, scripture reading, and a conversation between Kevin and Tina. Thank you for being partners with Common Grounds Unity this year! Merry Christmas to you and to yours! Music in this episode is in the public domain: O Come O Come Emmanuel - Hymns and Hers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj6vzfkk8II Pentatonix - O Holy Night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC0F2q1O2Kw Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Jonathan Butler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WOoAvvR4Ak CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Learn and connect with gatherings on our about page. There you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
12/23/202226 minutes, 5 seconds
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#88 Tod Vogt - The Times They Are A Changin

In this episode, Kevin interviews Tod Vogt from Mission Alive - About how our times are changing rapidly. As a church planting organization equipping leaders to develop innovative communities of faith focused on transforming marginalized communities - Tod has keen insight into how we, as the Lord's people, can rise to the times most effectively. Mission Alive has identified 100 locations across six types of marginalized communities in need of innovative churches to engage the brokenness of their respective community. Check out the many resources offered by Mission Alive at https://missionalive.org/. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei's "Needles and Pins."
12/16/202232 minutes, 51 seconds
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#87 Tod Vogt - Mission Alive

In this episode, Kevin interviews Tod Vogt from Mission Alive - A church planting organization equipping leaders to develop innovative communities of faith focused on transforming marginalized communities. Mission Alive has identified 100 locations across six types of marginalized communities in need of innovative churches to engage the brokenness of their respective community. Check out the many resources offered by Mission Alive at https://missionalive.org/. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei's "Needles and Pins."
12/9/202248 minutes, 52 seconds
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#86 Ukraine Special Episode - May we be tools in the hand of God

In this episode, Tina Bruner, Magda Macyszyn, and John Teal discuss the great need to help the Ukrainian refugees who are in Poland. As Magda said, Christians can be tools in the hand of God. Go to https://gcconnexion.org/ to see how you can help. CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei's "Needles and Pins."
12/1/202237 minutes, 45 seconds
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#85 - Robert Carrillo - Fix Your Eyes on Jesus!

CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. In this episode, Kevin and Tina have a great conversation with Robert Carrillo about spiritually healthy leadership directing us to "Fix our eyes on Jesus." Thanks, Robert, for this inspiring conversation. Thank you for listening, and enjoy the episode. Don't forget to check out The Way of the Pilgram website at https://thewayofthepilgrim.com/ Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei's "Needles and Pins."
11/18/202236 minutes, 1 second
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#84 Robert Carrillo - The Way of the Pilgrim

CGU creates spaces, communities, and resources to help people experience "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), advancing the prayer of Jesus (Jn. 17:21-23). We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Our support comes from people like you who give a tax-deductible monthly donation or a one-time gift. Please donate at https://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. In this episode, Kevin and Tina have a great conversation with Robert Carrillo about his spiritual journey and The Way of the Pilgrim. What is "The Way of the Pilgrim," well you will have to tune in and find out. This is an incredibly inspiring episode - you will not want to miss this one! Thank you for listening, and enjoy the episode. Don't forget to check out The Way of the Pilgram website at https://thewayofthepilgrim.com/ Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei's "Needles and Pins."
11/4/202237 minutes, 2 seconds
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E83 - Lai-Yan Faller & Justin Renton: Disciples Today Part 2

Thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard, The Christian Chronicle, The Stone Campbell Journal, International Teaching Ministry (Douglas Jacoby), Central Christian College of the Bible, and Detective Media. Please consider financially supporting CGU with a monthly donation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and your contributions are tax-deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate In this episode, Kevin Withem and Nick Zola conclude the conversation with Lai-Yan Faller (Editor) and Justin Renton (Cheif Evangelist) from Disciples Today (www.disciplestoday.org). Thank you for listening, and enjoy the episode. Don't forget to check out the two books written by Justin and Irene Renton: - Healing of a Wounded Idealist: A Guide Back to Faith for the Christian Cynic - The Humble Idealist: A Handbook to Healing of a Wounded Idealist Find them on Amazon Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei's "Needles and Pins."
10/21/202239 minutes, 59 seconds
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#82 - Lai-Yan Faller & Justin Renton: Disciples Today Part 1

Thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard, The Christian Chronicle, The Stone Campbell Journal, International Teaching Ministry (Douglas Jacoby), Central Christian College of the Bible, and Detective Media. Please consider financially supporting CGU with a monthly donation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and your contributions are tax-deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate In the next to episodes, Kevin Withem and Nick Zola have a great conversation with Lai-Yan Faller (Editor) and Justin Renton (Cheif Evangelist) from Disciples Today (www.disciplestoday.org). Please do not miss these episodes as you will learn much and be encouraged. Don't forget to check out the two books written by Justin and Irene Renton: - Healing of a Wounded Idealist: A Guide Back to Faith for the Christian Cynic - The Humble Idealist: A Handbook to Healing of a Wounded Idealist Find them on Amazon Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei's "Needles and Pins."
10/7/202245 minutes, 58 seconds
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#81 Alan Fadling - An Unhurried Life and Leadership, Part 2

A big thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard, The Christian Chronicle, The Stone Campbell Journal, International Teaching Ministry (Douglas Jacoby), Central Christian College of the Bible, and Detective Media. We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and your contributions are tax-deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate In this "Season Two" series titled "Spiritual Formation," we will explore how spiritual formation (or transformation) is related to unity in the body of Christ. Douglas Foster said to our producer, "I'm convinced that being transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another," is the key to forming God's beloved community that is united and caring for all." We plead with you to think about this statement. Spend time pondering it. In this series, we will be speaking with guests that will surely help us grow in our journey to be "transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ." In episodes 80 and 81, we will have the award-winning author Alan Fadling with us. And we have Casey Tygrett, who is a friend of Alan co-hosting with Tina. These episodes are titled "An Unhurried Life and Leadership." Join us for these incredible conversations about learning the pace of grace - the pace of Jesus and his life and ministry! Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei's "Needles and Pins."
9/16/202238 minutes, 52 seconds
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#80 Alan Fadling - An Unhurried Life and Leadership - Part 1

A big thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard, The Christian Chronicle, The Stone Campbell Journal, International Teaching Ministry (Douglas Jacoby), Central Christian College of the Bible, and Detective Media. We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and your contributions are tax-deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate In this "Season Two" series titled "Spiritual Formation," we will explore how spiritual formation (or transformation) is related to unity in the body of Christ. Douglas Foster said to our producer, "I'm convinced that being transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another," is the key to forming God's beloved community that is united and caring for all." We plead with you to think about this statement. Spend time pondering it. In this series, we will be speaking with guests that will surely help us grow in our journey to be "transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ." In episodes 80 and 81, we will have the award-winning author Alan Fadling with us. And we have Casey Tygrett, who is a friend of Alan co-hosting with Tina. These episodes are titled "An Unhurried Life and Leadership." Join us for these incredible conversations about learning the pace of grace - the pace of Jesus and his life and ministry! Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei's "Needles and Pins."
9/2/202233 minutes, 25 seconds
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#79 Randy Harris & Steve Kinnard - Abide in Me

A big thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard, The Christian Chronicle, The Stone Campbell Journal, International Teaching Ministry (Douglas Jacoby), Central Christian College of the Bible, and Detective Media. We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax-deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate In this "Season Two" series titled "Spiritual Formation," we will explore how spiritual formation (or transformation) is related to unity in the body of Christ. Douglas Foster said to our producer "I'm convinced that being transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another" is the key to forming God's beloved community that is united and caring for all." We plead with you to think about this statement. Spend time pondering it. In this series we will be speaking with guests that will surely help us grow it our journey to be "transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ." In episodes 78 and 79 we will have conversations with Randy Harris and Steve Kinnard. This episode is titled "Abide in Me." May these episodes bless your life and journey! Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
8/26/202240 minutes, 53 seconds
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#78 Randy Harris & Steve Kinnard - Living by the Spirit

A big thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard, The Christian Chronicle, The Stone Campbell Journal, International Teaching Ministry (Douglas Jacoby), Central Christian College of the Bible, and Detective Media. We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate In this "Season Two" series titled "Spiritual Formation" we will explore how spiritual formation (or transformation) is related to unity in the body of Christ. Douglas Foster said to our producer "I'm convinced that being transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another" is the key to forming God's beloved community that is united and caring for all." We plead with you to think about this statement. Spend time pondering it. In this series we will be speaking with guests that will surely help us grow it our journey to be "transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ." In episodes 78 and 79 we will have conversations with Randy Harris and Steve Kinnard. This episode is titled "Living by the Spirit." May these episodes bless your life and journey! Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
8/19/202248 minutes, 43 seconds
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#77 Casey Tygrett and Tim Robinson - Making Room for God

A big thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard & The Christian Chronicle. We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate In this "Season Two" series titled "Spiritual Formation" we will explore how spiritual formation (or transformation) is related to unity in the body of Christ. Douglas Foster said to our producer "I'm convinced that being transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another" is the key to forming God's beloved community that is united and caring for all." We plead with you to think about this statement. Spend time pondering it. In this series we will be speaking with guests that will surely help us grow it our journey to be "transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ." In episodes 76 and 77 we will have conversations with Casey Tygrett and Tim Robinson. This episode is titled "Making Room for God." May these episodes bless your life and journey! Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
8/12/202242 minutes, 19 seconds
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#76 - Casey Tygrett and Tim Robinson - Being with God

A big thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard & The Christian Chronicle. We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate In this "Season Two" series titled "Spiritual Formation" we will explore how spiritual formation (or transformation) is related to unity in the body of Christ. Douglas Foster said to our producer "I'm convinced that being transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another" is the key to forming God's beloved community that is united and caring for all." We plead with you to think about this statement. Spend time pondering it. In this series we will be speaking with guests that will surely help us grow it our journey to be "transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ." In episodes 76 and 77 we will have conversations with Casey Tygrett and Tim Robinson. This episode is titled "Being with God." May these episodes bless your life and journey! Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
8/5/202245 minutes, 48 seconds
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#75 - Rhonda Lowry and Jeanie Shaw - Be Transformed, Part Two

A big thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard & The Christian Chronicle. We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate In this "Season Two" series titled "Spiritual Formation" we will explore how spiritual formation (or transformation) is related to unity in the body of Christ. Douglas Foster said to our producer "I'm convinced that being transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another" is the key to forming God's beloved community that is united and caring for all." We plead with you to think about this statement. Spend time pondering it. In this series we will be speaking with guests that will surely help us grow it our journey to be "transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ." Our first two episodes are with Rhonda Lowry and Jeanie Shaw. May these episodes bless your life and journey! Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
7/29/202231 minutes, 25 seconds
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#74 - Rhonda Lowry and Jeanie Shaw - Be Transformed: Part One

A big thank you to our sponsors/partners: The Christian Standard & The Christian Chronicle. We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate In this "Season Two" series titled "Spiritual Formation" we will explore how spiritual formation (or transformation) is related to unity in the body of Christ. Douglas Foster said to our producer "I'm convinced that being transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, "from one degree of glory to another" is the key to forming God's beloved community that is united and caring for all." We plead with you to think about this statement. Spend time pondering it. In this series we will be speaking with guests that will surely help us grow it our journey to be "transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ." Our first two episodes are with Rhonda Lowry and Jeanie Shaw. May these episodes bless your life and journey! Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
7/22/202247 minutes, 2 seconds
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#73 - Marty Solomon - The Bones are Good

We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate This series is titled, "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. And, in this episode, Kevin and Marty Solomon from the Bema Podcast talk about an essay Marty wrote for CGU several years ago. They discuss the Stone Campbell Movement and the core principles that can lead to a better future. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please remember we need your help to pass this ministry on to the next generation of peacemakers. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate - it is tax-deductible. Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
7/16/202226 minutes, 23 seconds
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#72 - Marty Solomon - Bema: Trust the Story

We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate This series is titled, "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. And, in this episode, Kevin and Marty Solomon from the Bema Podcast talk about his life and faith journey, Bema, Impact Campus Ministries, and unity. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please remember we need your help to pass this ministry on to the next generation of peacemakers. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate - it is tax-deductible. Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
7/8/202241 minutes, 25 seconds
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#71 - Andy Boakye - A Vision of Oneness!

We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. In this episode, Kevin and Tina are back with Dr. Andrew Boakye. In this episode they springboard off of Rethinking Galatians, Paul’s Vision of Oneness in the Living Christ," a book Andy co-authored with Peter Oakes. They discuss how unity is a primary focus in the book of Galatians and for that matter the entire biblical narrative. Andy is a London born author, historian, and lecturer in Religions and Theology at the University of Manchester. He holds a BA in Theology, a MA in Biblical Studies, and a PhD in New Testament Criticism all from the University of Manchester. His research interests include the origins of Christianity, the Pauline letters, resurrection theology, masculinity studies, intertextuality and the historical Jesus. And some of his most recent work has involved advising Protestant ministers on issues of racial harmony. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
7/1/202242 minutes, 30 seconds
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#70 - Andy Boakye - Deconstruction???

We need your help to support this ministry of reconciliation. We have big ideas for unity, but we can't do it alone. Would you consider praying about a monthly donation? CGU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible. Donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. In this episode, Kevin and Tina discuss the concept of deconstruction with Dr. Andrew Boakye. What is deconstruction, what are the origins, and are there healthy ways to be thinking about deconstruction and reconstruction as it pertains to our faith? Andy is a London born author, historian, and lecturer in Religions and Theology at the University of Manchester. He holds a BA in Theology, a MA in Biblical Studies, and a PhD in New Testament Criticism all from the University of Manchester. His research interests include the origins of Christianity, the Pauline letters, resurrection theology, masculinity studies, intertextuality and the historical Jesus. And some of his most recent work has involved advising Protestant ministers on issues of racial harmony. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
6/24/202241 minutes, 27 seconds
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#69 - John Mark Hicks - Searching for the Pattern - Part 2

If Common Grounds Unity and this podcast is a blessing to you, then please consider donating at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. You will be helping us train and raise up next-generation peacemakers to lead this ministry. This week Tina and Kevin welcome back John Mark Hicks and continue the conversation about ideas related to “Searching for the Pattern: My Journey in Interpreting the Bible." John Mark is a professor at Lipscomb University and has taught this material for more than 30 years. It is crucial for us to understand that division is most often a result of how we read and interpret the Bible. Are we reading it the way God intended... the way that it works and is meant to be read? This and the next episode is a crucial conversation if we want to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
6/17/202240 minutes, 31 seconds
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#68 - John Mark Hicks - Searching for the Pattern - Part 1

If Common Grounds Unity and this podcast is a blessing to you, then please consider donating at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. You will be helping us train and raise up next-generation peacemakers to lead this ministry. This week Tina and Kevin host John Mark Hicks discussing concepts from his book “Searching for the Pattern: My Journey in Interpreting the Bible." John Mark is a professor at Lipscomb University and has taught this material for more than 30 years. It is crucial for us to understand that division is most often a result of how we read and interpret the Bible. Are we reading it the way God intended... the way that it works and is meant to be read? This and the next episode is a crucial conversation if we want to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
6/10/202245 minutes, 21 seconds
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#67 - Rubel Shelly - I Just Want to be a Christian - Part 2

If Common Grounds Unity and this podcast is a blessing to you, then please consider donating at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. You will be helping us train and raise up next-generation peacemakers to lead this ministry. This week Tina and Kevin are back with Rubel Shelly for part two of their conversation about “I just want to be a Christian” which Rubel published in 1984. the book was life and faith changing to so many then, and yet, the book applies today as much as it did then. Rubel has served in vocational ministry, served as a professor and President of Rochester University, and has written extensively. Two recent books are "Divorce & Remarriage: A Redemptive Theology," and "I Knew Jesus before He Was a Christian . . . and I Liked Him Better Then." Please see the "Some Practices to Consider. . . for the sake of “making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” from Rubel Shelly. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VvLfjaTzbBukMWdIor35d0kYzRdfhoyQ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114006317763549409001&rtpof=true&sd=true Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
6/3/202233 minutes, 16 seconds
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#66 - Rubel Shelly - I Just Want to be a Christian - Part 1

This week Tina and Kevin host Rubel Shelly and they are discussing concepts pertaining to “I just want to be a Christian” which Rubel published in 1984. the book was life and faith changing to so many then, and yet, the book applies today as much as it did then. Rubel has served in vocational ministry, served as a professor and President of Rochester University, and has written extensively. Two recent books are "Divorce & Remarriage: A Redemptive Theology," and "I Knew Jesus before He Was a Christian . . . and I Liked Him Better Then." Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
5/27/202247 minutes, 19 seconds
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#65 - The Spacemakers - Space the New Frontier

In this episode, Tina and Kevin welcome Isabelle Gates and Meigan Whitcomb from the Spacemakers Podcast. This is a great opportunity to listen to two young women who have a incredible insights on the current culture, youth culture, and the next generation. Do we have ears to hear? Do we have eyes to see? Can we make space for our brothers and sisters younger than ourselves? Let's hope we can... they are the future. Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
5/20/202245 minutes, 35 seconds
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#64 - The Spacemakers - Making Space

In this episode and the next, Tina and Kevin welcome Isabelle Gates and Meigan Whitcomb from the Spacemakers Podcast. This is a great opportunity to listen to two young women who have a incredible insights on the current culture, youth culture, and the next generation. Do we have ears to hear? Do we have eyes to see? Can we make space for our brothers and sisters younger than ourselves? Let's hope we can... they are the future. Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins." The Interlude music JMPSCR "The Bow" instrumental
5/13/202252 minutes, 39 seconds
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#63 Jack Reese - At the Blue Hole - Part 2 Resources

Jack Reese has written one of the most important books of our time and this conversation between Jack, Tina, and Kevin is both sobering and inspiring! The book is "At the Blue Hole - Elegy for a Church on the Edge." Don't miss this one and the next! This is part two - Resources. Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins." The Interlude music Cody Martin "Forever with you" instrumental
5/6/202245 minutes, 40 seconds
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#62 - Jack Reese - At the Blue Hole - Stories

Jack Reese has written one of the most important books of our time and this conversation between Jack, Tina, and Kevin is both sobering and inspiring! The book is "At the Blue Hole - Elegy for a Church on the Edge." Don't miss this one and the next! Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins." The Interlude music is Syncro "Seventy Nine instrumental"
4/29/202243 minutes, 18 seconds
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#61 - Mark Nelson - Three Rivers?

Today's Episode is "Three Rivers" with Mark Nelson. Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
4/22/202231 minutes, 19 seconds
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#60 - Mark Nelson - Reframation

Thank you for listening to "Season Two" of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. This series is titled "A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build" taken from Ecclesiastes 3:3. Today many are using the word deconstruction. Certainly, Ecclesiastes. 3:3 teaches there is a time to tear down and a time to build. When building there is need to do some demolition, and yet, deconstruction without rebuilding produces nothing of value. It is important to have balance in all things. In this series we will discuss some of the things that need to reconsider within the church, and then envision ways that we can together build a brighter future for the Lord's church in our day and time. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Donate on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Check out the gatherings page at where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
4/15/202239 minutes, 23 seconds
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#59 - Lessons Learned from Mars Hill #6 - Beauty from Ashes

Welcome to season two of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Kevin Withem and Tina Bruner are kicking off the season with a series titled “Lessons Learned from Mars Hill” where we will be hosting a panel discussion with Dr. Alicia Crumpton, Ben Brewster, and Kevin Holland. Our goal is to discuss themes arising from Christianity Today’s “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast.” Our intent is to discuss some common issues that may arise within congregational life and leadership cultures. We recognize the Mars Hill story to be an extreme example of what can happen. We also understand there is a broad spectrum between healthy congregations and/or leadership cultures - and those which are toxic. Moreover, we acknowledge the various degrees of experiences; some which are extreme and others more subtle or nuanced. All in all, we wish to address some common threats to healthy congregational life, and to unity within the body of Christ. These episodes are designed to be forward-looking, positive, and practical. In each episode we will discuss the topic or problem, explore how it might relate within our shared heritage, and then focus on Christ-centered solutions toward greater spiritual health and well-being. In the past, we limited episodes to about 30-35 minutes - this series will go a longer. As we engage in this discussion, we encourage listeners to refrain from diagnosing or labeling people or groups of people. We pray this series will be a blessing and a tool that moves us all toward congregational cultures of grace, mercy, and shalom! Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” Clips from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast are used by permission of Mike Cosper. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/ The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins." Transition music by Bobo Renthlei, Out of Your Mind instrumental
4/8/20221 hour, 5 minutes
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#58 - Lessons Learned from Mars Hill #5 - Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, Wood, Hay, or Straw

Welcome to season two of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Kevin Withem and Tina Bruner are kicking off the season with a series titled “Lessons Learned from Mars Hill” where we will be hosting a panel discussion with Dr. Alicia Crumpton, Ben Brewster, and Kevin Holland. Our goal is to discuss themes arising from Christianity Today’s “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast.” Our intent is to discuss some common issues that may arise within congregational life and leadership cultures. We recognize the Mars Hill story to be an extreme example of what can happen. We also understand there is a broad spectrum between healthy congregations and/or leadership cultures - and those which are toxic. Moreover, we acknowledge the various degrees of experiences; some which are extreme and others more subtle or nuanced. All in all, we wish to address some common threats to healthy congregational life, and to unity within the body of Christ. These episodes are designed to be forward-looking, positive, and practical. In each episode we will discuss the topic or problem, explore how it might relate within our shared heritage, and then focus on Christ-centered solutions toward greater spiritual health and well-being. In the past, we limited episodes to about 30-35 minutes - this series will go a longer. As we engage in this discussion, we encourage listeners to refrain from diagnosing or labeling people or groups of people. We pray this series will be a blessing and a tool that moves us all toward congregational cultures of grace, mercy, and shalom! Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” Clips from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast are used by permission of Mike Cosper. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/ The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins." Transition music by Lola Boom - lead vocal
4/1/202259 minutes, 43 seconds
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#57 - Lessons Learned from Mars Hill #4 - The Cost of Speaking Up

Welcome to season two of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Kevin Withem and Tina Bruner are kicking off the season with a series titled “Lessons Learned from Mars Hill” where we will be hosting a panel discussion with Dr. Alicia Crumpton, Ben Brewster, and Kevin Holland. Our goal is to discuss themes arising from Christianity Today’s “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast.” Our intent is to discuss some common issues that may arise within congregational life and leadership cultures. We recognize the Mars Hill story to be an extreme example of what can happen. We also understand there is a broad spectrum between healthy congregations and/or leadership cultures - and those which are toxic. Moreover, we acknowledge the various degrees of experiences; some which are extreme and others more subtle or nuanced. All in all, we wish to address some common threats to healthy congregational life, and to unity within the body of Christ. These episodes are designed to be forward-looking, positive, and practical. In each episode we will discuss the topic or problem, explore how it might relate within our shared heritage, and then focus on Christ-centered solutions toward greater spiritual health and well-being. In the past, we limited episodes to about 30-35 minutes - this series will go a longer. As we engage in this discussion, we encourage listeners to refrain from diagnosing or labeling people or groups of people. We pray this series will be a blessing and a tool that moves us all toward congregational cultures of grace, mercy, and shalom! Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” Clips from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast are used by permission of Mike Cosper. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/ Audio clip from YouTube: Toxic Church Cultures | GRACE Live Conversation | Scot McKnight & Boz Tchividjian - https://youtu.be/OtF_xvpuASo The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins." Transition music by Cody Martin, "Forever With You instrumental"
3/25/20221 hour, 5 minutes, 19 seconds
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#56 - For the Love of God - The Ukrainian Crisis

Kevin Withem interviews Tina Bruner, Executive Director Global Christian Connexion and co-host CGU Podcast, who is in Poland serving refugees fleeing Ukraine. Erik Tryggestad CEO and President of the Christian Chronicle and Andy Fleming have conversations with John Teal about the Ukrainian crisis. Please help meet the needs with your donations by visiting the following websites. You can find resources at: The Christian Chronicle: https://christianchronicle.org/ukraine-crisis-how-to-help/ The Global Christian Connexion (formally the World Convention) https://www.globalchristianconnexion.org/ Hope Worldwide https://www.hopeww.org/ Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” Clips from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast are used by permission of Mike Cosper. The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
3/17/202249 minutes, 7 seconds
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#55 - Lessons Learned from Mars Hill #3 - The Stories We Tell

Welcome to season two of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Kevin Withem and Tina Bruner are kicking off the season with a series titled “Lessons Learned from Mars Hill” where we will be hosting a panel discussion with Dr. Alicia Crumpton, Ben Brewster, and Kevin Holland. Our goal is to discuss themes arising from Christianity Today’s “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast.” Our intent is to discuss some common issues that may arise within congregational life and leadership cultures. We recognize the Mars Hill story to be an extreme example of what can happen. We also understand there is a broad spectrum between healthy congregations and/or leadership cultures - and those which are toxic. Moreover, we acknowledge the various degrees of experiences; some which are extreme and others more subtle or nuanced. All in all, we wish to address some common threats to healthy congregational life, and to unity within the body of Christ. These episodes are designed to be forward-looking, positive, and practical. In each episode we will discuss the topic or problem, explore how it might relate within our shared heritage, and then focus on Christ-centered solutions toward greater spiritual health and well-being. In the past, we limited episodes to about 30-35 minutes - this series will go a longer. As we engage in this discussion, we encourage listeners to refrain from diagnosing or labeling people or groups of people. We pray this series will be a blessing and a tool that moves us all toward congregational cultures of grace, mercy, and shalom! Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” Clips from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast are used by permission of Mike Cosper. The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
3/12/20221 hour, 48 seconds
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#54 - Lessons Learned from Mars Hill #2 - Oh That's Just the Way Men Are!

Welcome to season two of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Kevin Withem and Tina Bruner are kicking off the season with a series titled “Lessons Learned from Mars Hill” where we will be hosting a panel discussion with Dr. Alicia Crumpton, Ben Brewster, and Kevin Holland. Our goal is to discuss themes arising from Christianity Today’s “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast.” Our intent is to discuss some common issues that may arise within congregational life and leadership cultures. We recognize the Mars Hill story to be an extreme example of what can happen. We also understand there is a broad spectrum between healthy congregations and/or leadership cultures - and those which are toxic. Moreover, we acknowledge the various degrees of experiences; some which are extreme and others more subtle or nuanced. All in all, we wish to address some common threats to healthy congregational life, and to unity within the body of Christ. These episodes are designed to be forward-looking, positive, and practical. In each episode we will discuss the topic or problem, explore how it might relate within our shared heritage, and then focus on Christ-centered solutions toward greater spiritual health and well-being. In the past, we limited episodes to about 30-35 minutes - this series will go a longer. As we engage in this discussion, we encourage listeners to refrain from diagnosing or labeling people or groups of people. We pray this series will be a blessing and a tool that moves us all toward congregational cultures of grace, mercy, and shalom! Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” Clips from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast are used by permission of Mike Cosper. The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
3/4/20221 hour, 5 minutes, 6 seconds
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#53 - Lessons Learned from Mars Hill #1 - The Tension of Transformation and Toxicity

Welcome to season two of the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Kevin Withem and Tina Bruner are kicking off the season with a series titled “Lessons Learned from Mars Hill” where we will be hosting a panel discussion with Dr. Alicia Crumpton, Ben Brewster, and Kevin Holland. Our goal is to discuss themes arising from Christianity Today’s “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast.” Our intent is to discuss some common issues that may arise within congregational life and leadership cultures. We recognize the Mars Hill story to be an extreme example of what can happen. We also understand there is a broad spectrum between healthy congregations and/or leadership cultures - and those which are toxic. Moreover, we acknowledge the various degrees of experiences; some which are extreme and others more subtle or nuanced. All in all, we wish to address some common threats to healthy congregational life, and to unity within the body of Christ. These episodes are designed to be forward-looking, positive, and practical. In each episode we will discuss the topic or problem, explore how it might relate within our shared heritage, and then focus on Christ-centered solutions toward greater spiritual health and well-being. In the past, we limited episodes to about 30-35 minutes - this series will go a longer. As we engage in this discussion, we encourage listeners to refrain from diagnosing or labeling people or groups of people. We pray this series will be a blessing and a tool that moves us all toward congregational cultures of grace, mercy, and shalom! Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.” Clips from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast are used by permission of Mike Cosper. The Common Grounds Unity theme music for our intro and exit is Bobo Renthlei "Needles and Pins."
2/26/20221 hour, 40 seconds
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#52 - The Board

Kevin Withem and Tina Bruner (our new permanent co-host) end season one (Episode 52) with a conversation with the CGU Board. Please note that this discussion may be especially sensitive to some Christians. Some may strongly agree or disagree with the positions taken by guests on our the CGU Podcast. We recognize that certain topics may be more sensitive than others, and those cases we encourage all to take James 1:19 to heart. Enjoy the conversation. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
2/18/202246 minutes, 26 seconds
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#51 Douglas Jacoby - Origins

Javier Monzon and Otoma Edje co-host a discussion with Douglas Jacoby about the book he co-authored with Paul Copan titled "Origins: The Ancient Impact and Modern Implications of Genesis 1-11" Javier is a professor of biology at Pepperdine University and a founding board member of Common Grounds Unity. Otoma is the founder and host of the Image Bearer YouTube channel. Please note that this discussion may be especially sensitive to some Christians. Some may strongly agree or disagree with the positions taken by guests on our the CGU Podcast. We recognize that certain topics may be more sensitive than others, and those cases we encourage all to take James 1:19 to heart. We also wish to emphasize that the goal or intent of Common Grounds Unity is not to take a position or stance in regard to doctrine, practice, or ideology. Nor, is it our intent to “prescribe the correct answers” but rather, our goal is to inform, to explore and discuss areas or issues that divide us, or potentially divide us. And as we do, hopefully we offer models for how to effectively navigate difficult discussions - offering ways that help us listen to one another and respect each other – even when we disagree. . Please enjoy this important conversation. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
2/11/202238 minutes, 4 seconds
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#50 Douglas Jacoby - Christians Only

Kevin Withem and Otoma Edje co-host a discussion with Douglas Jacoby about his teaching ministry and how he moved from congregational leadership to a freelance teaching ministry. They also discuss unity within the Stone-Campbell Movement and the idea of "Christians, not the only Christians" and looking for (as Alexander Campbell said) the image of Christ in someone. Enjoy the conversation. In this book, Michael Burns addresses these issues head-on. He lays out a comprehensive examination of the scriptural worldview of the kingdom and how that calls us to approach our discipleship and our place in the world. He then considers the role of nations and the politics of the nations and where the kingdom of God stands in those domains. He then examines the more practical elements of how a Christian community should navigate through the murky waters of worldly politics and specific issues. His goal is not to provide absolute answers but to show how we might work our way through difficult and thorny topics with a kingdom-minded approach. Please enjoy this important conversation. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
2/4/202236 minutes, 22 seconds
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#49 Michael Burns - Escaping the Beast

Kevin Withem enjoys an incredible three-episode conversation with Michael Burns about his book titled "Escaping the Beast: Politics, Allegiance, and Kingdom." This is an important book for our current time in history. In this book, Michael Burns addresses these issues head-on. He lays out a comprehensive examination of the scriptural worldview of the kingdom and how that calls us to approach our discipleship and our place in the world. He then considers the role of nations and the politics of the nations and where the kingdom of God stands in those domains. He then examines the more practical elements of how a Christian community should navigate through the murky waters of worldly politics and specific issues. His goal is not to provide absolute answers but to show how we might work our way through difficult and thorny topics with a kingdom-minded approach. Please enjoy this important conversation. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
1/27/202235 minutes, 10 seconds
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#48 Michael Burns - Escaping the Beast, Part 2

Kevin Withem enjoys an incredible three-episode conversation with Michael Burns about his book titled "Escaping the Beast: Politics, Allegiance, and Kingdom." This is an important book for our current time in history. In this book, Michael Burns addresses these issues head-on. He lays out a comprehensive examination of the scriptural worldview of the kingdom and how that calls us to approach our discipleship and our place in the world. He then considers the role of nations and the politics of the nations and where the kingdom of God stands in those domains. He then examines the more practical elements of how a Christian community should navigate through the murky waters of worldly politics and specific issues. His goal is not to provide absolute answers but to show how we might work our way through difficult and thorny topics with a kingdom-minded approach. Please enjoy this important conversation. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
1/20/202240 minutes, 5 seconds
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#47 Michael Burns - Escaping the Beast, Part 1

Kevin Withem enjoys an incredible three-episode conversation with Michael Burns about his book titled "Escaping the Beast: Politics, Allegiance, and Kingdom." This is an important book for our current time in history. In this book, Michael Burns addresses these issues head-on. He lays out a comprehensive examination of the scriptural worldview of the kingdom and how that calls us to approach our discipleship and our place in the world. He then considers the role of nations and the politics of the nations and where the kingdom of God stands in those domains. He then examines the more practical elements of how a Christian community should navigate through the murky waters of worldly politics and specific issues. His goal is not to provide absolute answers but to show how we might work our way through difficult and thorny topics with a kingdom-minded approach. Please enjoy this important conversation. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
1/13/202235 minutes, 22 seconds
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#46 Kent Smith - Joyful Communities

Kevin Withem and Mitch Mitchell co-host together and discuss with Kent Smith who co-authored with John Smith and Toni Daniels the book titled Joy Fueled: Catalyzing a Revolution of Joyful Communities. They discuss the nature of joy, the love of God, and the joyful community that God desires for his family. This is an incredible conversation that you will not want to miss. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
1/7/202238 minutes, 49 seconds
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#45 Kent Smith - Joy Fueled

Kevin Withem and Mitch Mitchell co-host together and discuss with Kent Smith who co-authored with John White and Toni Daniels the book titled Joy Fueled: Catalyzing a Revolution of Joyful Communities. This is an incredible conversation that you will not want to miss. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
12/31/202135 minutes, 51 seconds
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#44 San Diego Gathering - The Goal of the Gathering!

This episode will drop on Christmas day. We did not plan it this way, but it seems appropriate and Spirit-led that this episode is titled "The Goal of the Gathering!" CGU is all about relational unity, finding our common ground in the person of Jesus rather than solely on the perfection of our doctrine or practice. During this Christmas season we ask you to grab a cup of coffee, other beverage, or to break bread together and cherish the formation of Christ in the other! God bless and Merry Christmas! Tina Bruner hosts having a conversation with some of the members of the San Diego CGU Gathering about how their gathering began, their experience along the way, and tips for forming a successful gathering. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
12/24/202141 minutes, 14 seconds
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#43 San Diego Gathering - A Heart for Unity

Tina Bruner hosts having a conversation with some of the members of the San Diego CGU Gathering about their journey and heart for unity. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
12/17/202134 minutes, 26 seconds
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#42 Ears to Hear - Rudy and Fate Hagood - Part 2

Kevin talks with Rudy and Fate Hagood who are physical brother and brothers in Christ serving in two different streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Unity is assumed as they are brothers and it should be likewise in the Kingdom of our Lord. Rudy and Fate call us to have ears to hear as we they discuss racial unity or as Rudy prefers, racial integrity. This was such a great conversation that we made it into two episodes. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
12/11/202127 minutes, 54 seconds
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#41 Ears to Hear - Rudy and Fate Hagood - Part 1

Kevin talks with Rudy and Fate Hagood who are physical brother and brothers in Christ serving in two different streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Unity is assumed as they are brothers and it should be likewise in the Kingdom of our Lord. Rudy and Fate call us to have ears to hear as we they discuss racial unity or as Rudy prefers, racial integrity. This was such a great conversation that we made it into two episodes. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
12/4/202128 minutes, 19 seconds
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#40 Rudy and Fate Hagood - When Brothers Dwell in Unity

Kevin talks with Rudy and Fate Hagood who are physical brother and brothers in Christ serving in two different streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Unity is assumed as they are brothers and it should be likewise in the Kingdom of our Lord. Rudy and Fate call us to higher ground as we seek to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
11/26/202144 minutes, 50 seconds
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#39 The After Class Podcast - Women in the Bible

Kevin and guest co-host Tina Bruner (World Convention) talk about the Women in the Bible and how we can better have dialog about hot-topic issues in the church. Guests are Ron Peters, John Nugent, and Sam Long. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
11/19/202141 minutes, 54 seconds
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#38 After Class Podcast - The Three Amigos

Kevin and guest co-host Tina Bruner (World Convention) talk about the After Class Podcast, Great Lakes Christian College, and keys to sound biblical interpretation with Ron Peters, John Nugent, and Sam Long. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
11/12/202134 minutes, 15 seconds
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#37 Jamie Gorman - A Long Shadow

Kevin and guest co-host Nadine Templer (Hope Worldwide) talk discuss the book Slavery’s Long Shadow: Race and Reconciliation in American Christianity with Jamie Gorman who co-edited the book. Jamie is a professor of History at Johnson University. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
11/5/202137 minutes, 21 seconds
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#36 Jamie Gorman - Well How Did We Get Here?

Kevin and guest co-host Nadine Templer (Hope Worldwide) talk about our DNA within the Stone Campbell Restoration Movement with Jamie Gorman, Professor of History at Johnson University. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
10/29/202136 minutes, 36 seconds
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#35 Erik Tryggestad - Houses of Healing

Kevin and guest co-host Kate Blakely (Professor of Cross-Cultural Ministries at Great Lakes Christian College) talk about the article "Houses of Healing" with Erik Tryggestad who is the current President and former editor of this great Stone Campbell Movement publication. https://christianchronicle.org/ Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
10/22/202137 minutes, 9 seconds
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#34 Erik Tryggestad - The Chronicle

Kevin and guest co-host Kate Blakely (Professor of Cross-Cultural Ministries at Great Lakes Christian College) talk about "The Christian Chronicle" and unity with Erik Tryggestad who is the current President and former editor of this great Stone Campbell Movement publication. https://christianchronicle.org/ Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
10/15/202136 minutes, 32 seconds
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#33 World Convention (Part Two) with Tina Bruner, Newel Williams, and Douglas A. Foster

Megan and Kevin have a great discussion with Tina Bruner, Newel Williams, and Douglas A. Foster about World Convention (Part Two) an organization supporting unity gatherings for the Stone-Campbell Movement - https://www.worldconvention.org . Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
10/8/202136 minutes, 51 seconds
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#32 - World Convention with Tina Bruner, Newel Williams, and Douglas A. Foster

Megan and Kevin have a great discussion with Tina Bruner, Newel Williams, and Douglas A. Foster about World Convention an organization supporting unity gatherings for the Stone-Campbell Movement - https://www.worldconvention.org . They also mention the Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action - https://carlspaincenter.org/ Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
10/1/202141 minutes, 25 seconds
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#31 Bobby Harrington and Jason Henderson: Renew: Conviction and Civility

Megan and Kevin have a great discussion with Bobby Harrington and Jason Henderson from Renew.org ( www.renew.org ) about the book they co-authored titled Conviction and Civility as well as future plans for Renew.org. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
9/24/202134 minutes, 19 seconds
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#30 Bobby Harrington & Jason Henderson - Renew

Megan and Kevin have an engaging conversation with Bobby Harrington and Jason Henderson from Renew.org ( www.renew.org ) about this organization and its goals and dreams. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
9/17/202140 minutes
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#29 Jim Estep - E2 Effective Elders

Kevin talks with Jim Estep, Vice President of Academics at Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO. ( www.cccb.edu ). They have E2 Elders a ministry dedicated to encouraging and equipping the shepherds of the church. Find E2 at www.e2elders.org. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
9/10/202134 minutes, 48 seconds
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#28 Jim Estep - An Often Overlooked Principle

Kevin talks with Jim Estep, Vice President of Academics at Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO. ( www.cccb.edu ). They have a conversation about the college, the new Master's program that allows people in ministry to stay in ministry while earning the degree, and they discuss an often overlooked principle of unity. Jim is a co-founder of E2: effective elders a ministry dedicated to encouraging and equipping the shepherds of the church. Find E2 at www.e2elders.org. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
9/3/202137 minutes, 53 seconds
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#27 Mike Mack - Small Talk

Kevin and Megan talk to Mike Mack the Editor of the Christian Standard and discuss the power of healthy small groups. Check out Small Group Leadership at https://smallgroupleadership.com Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
8/28/202135 minutes, 43 seconds
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#26 Mike Mack - The Standard

Kevin and Megan have a great conversation with Mike Mack the Editor of the Christian Standard. Mike discusses life, ministry, the Christian Standard and and its focus on unity within the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement, and the future focus of this great publication. Find more about this publication at https://christianstandard.com or https://christianstandardmedia.com/ . Mike is also involved with Small Group Leadership, find this ministry at https://smallgroupleadership.com/about-michael-mack/ Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
8/21/202121 minutes, 17 seconds
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#25 Andy Fleming - Therefore Go!

Kevin and Megan have a great conversation with Andy Fleming (Kyiv, Ukraine) about lessons learned on the mission field about healthy congregations, discipleship, and the importance of unity as we go into all nations. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
8/13/202126 minutes, 42 seconds
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#24 Andy Fleming - "I Wanted to be a Missionary"

Kevin and Megan have a great conversation with Andy Fleming (Kyiv, Ukraine) about his roots in the Stone-Campbell movement - all the way back to 1830. They discuss Andy's dream to be a missionary from a young age, unity within the SCM, and honest reflections on mistakes we have made along the way. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
8/6/202138 minutes, 14 seconds
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#23 Kevin Withem - The Basis for Unity

Megan interviews her co-host Kevin Withem. Kevin dives in to Ephesians 4 to discuss the basis and atmosphere of unity. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
7/31/202137 minutes, 43 seconds
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#22 Megan Rawlings - The Bold Movement

Kevin interviews his co-host Megan Rawlings about The Bold Movement, her life, and ministry. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
7/23/202133 minutes, 38 seconds
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#21 Nadine Templer - Inter-generational Unity and Mt. Everest

Megan has a great conversation with Nadine Templer about inter-general unity and Mount Everest. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
7/16/202128 minutes, 50 seconds
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#20 Nadine Templer - The Hole in our Gospel & Monkey Stories

Megan has a great conversation with Nadine Templer about Hope Worldwide, the hole in our gospel, and some fun monkey stories from Nepal. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
7/9/202131 minutes, 13 seconds
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#19 Randy and Rhonda Lowry - Unity, Conflict, and Spirituality

Kevin and Megan have a great conversation with Randy and Rhonda Lowry about the ideas of spiritual formation and conflict management and how they relate to greater unity within the SCM. Randy is the current President of Lipscomb University and he has established doctoral programs and institutes in conflict management. Rhonda currently serves as senior fellow for the Institute for Christian Spirituality and assistant professor of spiritual formation. Lipscomb University https://www.lipscomb.edu/ Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
7/3/202133 minutes, 24 seconds
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#18 Randy and Rhonda Lowry - Life, Work, and Unity!

Kevin and Megan have a great conversation with Randy and Rhonda Lowry about life, work, and Unity in the SCM. Randy is the current President of Lipscomb University and he has established doctoral programs and institutes in conflict management. Rhonda currently serves as senior fellow for the Institute for Christian Spirituality and assistant professor of spiritual formation. Lipscomb University https://www.lipscomb.edu/ Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
6/26/202133 minutes, 21 seconds
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#17 Bob Russell - Together Again

Kevin and Megan have an thoughtful conversation with Bob Russell about the beginnings of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement as a unity movement, mistakes along the way that led to division, and how we can get back on track. You can find Bob at www.bobrussellministries.org At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the three worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches and conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. An accomplished author, Bob has written over one-dozen books. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
6/19/202134 minutes, 20 seconds
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#16 Bob Russell - When God Builds a Church

Kevin and Megan have an inspiring conversation with Bob Russell about how God moved at Southeast Christian Church taking a congregation of 120 members to 18,000 by the time Bob retired. Bob now speaks at events and provides mentoring to pastors/ministers (www.bobrussellministries.org ). You will not want to miss this conversation. Bob Russell Ministries: www.bobrussell.org At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the three worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches and conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. An accomplished author, Bob has written over one-dozen books. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
6/12/202133 minutes, 55 seconds
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#15 Jeff Walling - Next Gen

Kevin has a conversation with Jeff Walling about his role at Pepperdine as the Director, Youth Leadership Initiative. They have an engaging conversation about reaching the next generation for Jesus. There is some great nuggets of wisdom in this podcast and you will not want to miss it. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
6/4/202137 minutes, 4 seconds
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#14 Jeff Walling - Give the Chalk to God!

Jeff Walling, Director, Youth Leadership Initiative at Pepperdine, shares about life and ministry. And, he shares a story that led him to say "God, I will give you the chalk." If you are wondering what that means... you will just have to listen to this podcast. It will be worth your time. Learn more about Pepperdine at www.pepperdine.edu and Jeff Walling at www.pepperdine.edu/spiritual-life/church-relations/staff/jwalling.htm Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
5/28/202129 minutes, 33 seconds
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#13 Jacoby/Zola - Rift and Repair Revisited - Part Two

Nick Zola and Douglas Jacoby have a follow up discussion about the rift and repair sessions at the Harbor Pepperdine Bible Lectures that took place in 2019 and they have talk about the progress being made since that event. Episode #12 is their conversation and episode #13 is the Q&A session that followed. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
5/21/202139 minutes, 41 seconds
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#12 Jacoby/Zola - Rift and Repair Revisited - Part One

Nick Zola and Douglas Jacoby have a follow up discussion about the rift and repair sessions at the Harbor Pepperdine Bible Lectures that took place in 2019 and they have talk about the progress being made since that event. Episode #12 is their conversation and episode #13 is the Q&A session that followed. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
5/14/202135 minutes, 55 seconds
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#11 Tim Willis - Seed of Abraham, Justice and Righteousness

Dr. Tim Willis continues a conversation about Christians being the Seed of Abraham and what it means to be image-bearer who are call to bring justice and righteousness to this world. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
5/9/202127 minutes, 57 seconds
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#10 Dr. Tim Willis - Children of Abraham

Dr. Tim Willis discusses what it means for the community of Christ, the church, to be "Children of Abraham" and the incredible value of understanding the Old Testament and the culture in with Jesus lived. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
5/2/202128 minutes, 13 seconds
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#9 Dr. Terry Allcorn - Enjoy the Ride!

Terry Allcorn, President of Kentucky Christian University, shares about the power of the local congregation, the need for training the next generation of Christian leaders, maintaining unity in the face of increasing secularism, and the need to remember the uniqueness, the plea, and the wonderfulness of the Restoration Movement. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
4/24/202134 minutes, 16 seconds
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#8 Douglas Foster - "One Country Again and One Country Forever"

Megan and Kevin discuss how desire for unity needs to transcend beyond doctrine and practice. They discuss the importance of racial unity, and how racial unity is just as much a doctrine and practice as anything else. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
4/18/202132 minutes, 37 seconds
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#7 A Life of Alexander Campbell with Douglas Foster

Kevin and Megan discuss Douglas Foster's book "A Life of Alexander Campbell." What were the strengths and weaknesses of Campbell and what can we learn from his life and ministry, who was one of the most influential leaders of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
4/11/202136 minutes, 42 seconds
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#6 Torn Asunder and the Fight Club - With Ben Brewster

Part two with Ben Brewster who discusses major personalities within our history that drew hard lines regarding doctrine and practice. These personalities contributed to a fight club culture that ultimately led to division within the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement. They also discuss others who chose the way of love and refused to join the fight club culture. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
4/3/202121 minutes, 16 seconds
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#5 Torn Asunder: Don't Stop Loving One Another

Our guest Ben Brewster talks with Megan and Kevin about "weird vacations" as a preacher's kid, becoming a preacher and historian himself, and about his incredible book "Torn Asunder." They discuss how a unity movement divided by drawing lines and somehow stopped loving one another. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
3/27/202121 minutes, 51 seconds
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#4 Building Bridges with Rafael Lua

This week Kevin and Megan sit down with Rafael Lua who serves as Senior Minister for Lifeway Church and as Coordinator for the Leadership Council of the Los Angeles International Church of Christ. Rafael share about his spiritual journey, involvement in the Common Grounds Unity Pasadena group, and his rich experience at Rochester University earning his Master's and the value of building bridges between the ICOC and the Church of Christ. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
3/20/202128 minutes, 44 seconds
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#3: Streams of Unity with Matt Dabbs

Kevin and Megan have a great conversation with Matt Dabbs about unity within the various streams of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement, and the value of building relationships that cross the various streams. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
3/14/202132 minutes, 46 seconds
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#2: Wineskins with Matt Dabbs

Kevin and Megan have a great conversation with Matt Dabbs about life, ministry, Wineskins, and the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
3/7/202130 minutes, 17 seconds
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#1: CGU Beginnings

Megan and Kevin introduce themselves and interview two of the Board Members of Common Grounds Unity. Nick Zola and John Teal discuss their backgrounds, why we refer to our heritage as the "Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement," and the beginning of Common Grounds Unity. Thank you for listening to the Common Grounds Unity podcast. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about who we are. You can find links on the about page where you can subscribe to the essays, join our Facebook group, or find our YouTube Channel. Please, check out the gatherings page at www.commongroundsunity.org/gatherings where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at john@commongroundsunity.org. Please consider donating to this ministry of reconciliation - we need your help. Your donation is tax-deductible. Links for donating are in the show notes or on our website at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate . Until next time, God bless, and remember “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”
2/28/202136 minutes, 43 seconds