Guest Bio:

Briana McCarthy is the director of engagement for African American Ministries at Our Daily Bread Ministries and the founder and president of The Brilliant Tribe, a discipleship organization committed to equipping the church to intentionally follow Christ in everyday life—not just on Sundays. Additionally, Briana has had the opportunity to write for and partner with organizations such as the Jude 3 Project, Christianity Today, and the AND Campaign, contributing to thoughtful conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and discipleship.

Episode Summary:

Let’s be real: Christianity is a little weird, right? Like, what do you mean we’re supposed to love everyone wholeheartedly? We’re actually supposed to offer forgiveness to those who hurt us? In a perfect world, our church families would be constant, grace-filled communities where everyone found a home. But in today’s reality, our churches are being called to disciple growing populations of those who are hurting, skeptical, or de-churched—and still need to unify them under Christ’s standards. But before we can hold accountability with one another, we need Christ-like relationships. And for Christ-like relationships to thrive, we need grace. Join today’s episode with Rasool, Christin, and special guest Briana McCarthy as we see how Scripture helps us define what it means to be part of a healthy church family.

Verses Mentioned:

• 1 Peter 2:9
• 1 Corinthians 11:1
• Matthew 15:21–28
• Luke 7:36–50
• Romans 7

Featured Links:

• Keep the conversation going with the Discussion Guide from this episode!
• Learn more about Briana’s work with The Brilliant Tribe on Instagram and Facebook!
• Briana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambrianamccarthy
• Faith Under Construction Landing Page: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/faith-under-construction
• VOICES Community: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices
• Follow VOICES on Instagram

Guest Bio:

Dr. Eric Mason is the founder and lead pastor of Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia, PA. He is married to Yvette and has three sons—Immanuel, Nehemiah, and Ephraim—and one living daughter, Amalyah. Dr. Mason has been graced by God to preach and teach at churches and conferences in the US and abroad. He is the recipient of multiple earned degrees, including a BS in psychology from Bowie State University, a master of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a doctoral degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is the founder and president of Thriving, an urban resource organization committed to developing leaders for ministry in the urban context. Dr. Mason has written several books, including Manhood Restored, Woke Church, Beat God to the Punch, Unleashed, Urban Apologetics, and Nehemiah For You. After over two decades of gospel ministry, Dr. Mason is known for his unquenchable passion for seeing the glory of Jesus Christ.

Episode Summary:

Have you met someone who dismissed the Christian faith because it’s the “white man’s religion”? The relationships between race, ethnicity, culture, and church doctrine have been hot topics since the very beginning. And the conversations get even more complicated when misconceptions about how the faith and story of the Bible have been passed down—and its intended audience—get in the way. But here’s the real truth: God wants a relationship with everyone, and the good news of Jesus is for anyone. Join our conversation with Dr. Eric Mason as we address past and present misconceptions and discover what it means to reclaim our dignity, identity, and significance as image bearers of God.

Verses Mentioned:

• Titus 3
• Ephesians 3:2-5
• Acts 17:26-27
• Ephesians 2:14-15
• Genesis 11:1-9
• Acts 2:1-12
• Acts 6:1-7
• Galatians 5:1-12

Featured Links:

• Keep the conversation going with the Discussion Guide from this episode!
• Dr. Eric Mason’s Website: https://www.pastoremase.com/
• Dr. Eric Mason’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastoremase/?hl=en
• Faith Under Construction Landing Page: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/faith-under-construction
• VOICES Community: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices
• Follow VOICES on Instagram

Guest Bio:

Rev. Dr. Brianna K. Parker is a nationally recognized author, faith leader, and data-driven strategist shaping the future of the Black Church and community transformation. As founder and CEO of Black Millennial Café, LLC (BMC), she leads the nation’s foremost research consultancy focused on faith, justice, and culture within Black communities. Her work provides empirical data, cultural insight, and strategic support to churches, nonprofits, and national movements.

Besides her work with BMC, Rev. Bri has served in pastoral leadership and in higher education as Dean of Chapel and adjunct professor at Paul Quinn College and as associate professor of Religion at Jarvis Christian University. Additionally, her published works include What Google Can’t Give, I Still Believe in the Black Church, and the forthcoming The Black Church Effect.

Episode Summary:

Church can mean many different things depending on who you ask. For some, it’s their second home, representing the community that raised them. For others, it’s a constant reminder of past hurts, present doubts, and the big “God questions” they’re trying to answer. God’s love, power within, and purpose for our lives isn’t contained by the church walls—but He uses the people and relationships within them to reach out amid our storms and help bring us back to Him. Join hosts Dr. Christin Thorpe and Rasool Berry as they sit down with Rev. Dr. Brianna Parker to share personal stories and data-driven insights about finding God, rebuilding faith, and the importance of being an active part of the body of Christ.

Verses Mentioned:

• Isaiah 64:6
• Revelation 12:11
• Matthew 18:18-20
• John 16:33
• 2 Kings 4:1-7

Featured Links:

• Keep the conversation going with the Discussion Guide from this episode!
• Follow Black Millennial Café on Facebook and Instagram!
• Rev. Bri’s Instagram
• Faith Under Construction Landing Page: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/faith-under-construction
• Thriving Black Church Initiative: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/thriving-black-church-initiative
• VOICES Community: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices
• Follow VOICES on Facebook and Instagram