Episodios

  • EP. 80: Chip Luter's Journey
    Jul 9 2025

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    What does it mean to live at the intersection of cultures, churches, and callings? Pastor Chip Luter—son of the first African American president of the Southern Baptist Convention—shares his powerful story of navigating identity, legacy, and reconciliation across racial and denominational lines. From being “Chip” at church and “Fred” at school to becoming a bridge-builder in ministry, Chip offers candid insights on growing up between worlds and how those experiences shaped his gospel-centered approach to unity. He challenges listeners to pursue reconciliation not just during moments of crisis, but through consistent, everyday relationships rooted in Christ. Whether you're navigating cultural complexity or seeking practical tools for unity, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a vision for lasting reconciliation.

    📣 Join us for the Living Reconciled Celebration on September 25 at Mississippi College’s Anderson Hall as we continue the conversation and celebrate what it means to live reconciled through Christ.

    Special thanks to our sponsors:

    Nissan, St. Dominic's Hospital, Atmos Energy, Regions Foundation, Mississippi College, Anderson United Methodist Church, Grace Temple Church, Mississippi State University, Real Christian Foundation, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Christian Life Church, Ms. Doris Powell, Mr. Robert Ward, and Ms. Ann Winters.


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    48 m
  • EP. 79: Living Across Lines with Pastor Wayne Hall
    Jul 2 2025

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    What does real reconciliation look like across racial and economic lines? Pastor Wayne Hall shares his compelling journey from growing up as “the only white kid” in one of Meridian’s poorest neighborhoods to leading a diverse church at Jackson First. Wayne reflects on the early influence of an inclusive church, the painful shift of racially divided friendships in high school, and the calling that shaped his ministry. With bold honesty, he challenges listeners to examine whether their faith truly reflects Christ’s call to reconciliation. Rooted in empathy, Scripture, and lived experience, this episode offers a powerful vision of the Church as a place where everyone belongs.

    📣 Join us for our annual Living Reconciled Celebration on September 25th at Mississippi College's Anderson Hall as we continue the conversation on what it means to see one another as Christ sees us.

    Special thanks to our sponsors:

    Nissan, St. Dominic's Hospital, Atmos Energy, Regions Foundation, Mississippi College, Anderson United Methodist Church, Grace Temple Church, Mississippi State University, Real Christian Foundation, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Christian Life Church, Ms. Doris Powell, Mr. Robert Ward, and Ms. Ann Winters.

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    52 m
  • EP. 78: Bridging Worlds with Jermaine Van Buren Jr.
    Jun 11 2025

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    Jermaine Van Buren Jr. opens up about the painful realities of living between two worlds—navigating white academic spaces and Black church communities while struggling with a fractured sense of identity. Labeled an “Oreo” and exhausted by code-switching, Jermaine found healing in Black mentorship and spiritual truth: "God made you Black on purpose." Now leading campus ministry at Jackson State University, Jermaine shares how anchoring identity in Christ—rather than cultural expectations—can free the next generation. This episode dives deep into race, reconciliation, and how authentic faith breaks down walls of ignorance. Tune in to hear one man’s journey of becoming whole and helping others do the same.

    Special thanks to our sponsors:

    Nissan, St. Dominic's Hospital, Atmos Energy, Regions Foundation, Mississippi College, Anderson United Methodist Church, Grace Temple Church, Mississippi State University, Real Christian Foundation, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Christian Life Church, Ms. Doris Powell, Mr. Robert Ward, and Ms. Ann Winters.

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    45 m
  • EP. 77: Biblical Reconciliation with Rev. Stephen Cook
    May 21 2025

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    Dr. Stephen Cook shares powerful wisdom from his journey growing up in rural Mississippi, serving in the military, and leading in ministry. Drawing from his parents' example and life experiences, he outlines his practical framework for unity—Three V’s (Voice, Vision, Victory) and Four M’s (Meeting, Making time, Meeting needs, Manifestation)—that turns reconciliation into daily practice. With stories of choosing love over hate and building bridges across racial lines, Dr. Cook reminds us that authentic reconciliation begins with presence, listening, and meeting people where they are. Learn how faith, discipline, and compassion can transform communities.

    Special thanks to our sponsors:

    Nissan, St. Dominic's Hospital, Atmos Energy, Regions Foundation, Mississippi College, Anderson United Methodist Church, Grace Temple Church, Mississippi State University, Real Christian Foundation, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Christian Life Church, Ms. Doris Powell, Mr. Robert Ward, and Ms. Ann Winters.

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    29 m
  • EP. 76: Speaking Life with Chris Vowell
    May 14 2025

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    What does it take to bring real change to a city that’s been written off? Pastor Chris Vowell shares how hope is rising in Greenville, Mississippi, through intentional unity across racial and denominational lines. From launching a community feeding ministry with a neighboring Black church to helping shift a city’s mindset from despair to possibility, this episode explores what happens when churches stop competing and start collaborating. Learn how everyday faith and persistent relationship-building are breathing life into the Mississippi Delta—and how you can be part of that movement wherever you are.

    Special thanks to our sponsors:

    Nissan, St. Dominic's Hospital, Atmos Energy, Regions Foundation, Mississippi College, Anderson United Methodist Church, Grace Temple Church, Mississippi State University, Real Christian Foundation, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Christian Life Church, Ms. Doris Powell, Mr. Robert Ward, and Ms. Ann Winters.

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    51 m
  • EP. 75: Diversity and Reconciliation with Paula Smith
    May 7 2025

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    From childhood mission learner to Director of Multicultural Ministries, Paula Smith’s journey is a powerful testimony to the beauty of mutual learning in cross-cultural ministry. In this episode, Paula shares how experiences—from Uruguay to Mississippi—reshaped her view of reconciliation, moving from a one-way model to true partnership. With practical insights and heartfelt stories, she reminds us that real change starts with simple steps: a smile, eye contact, and shared humanity. Tune in for wisdom on living reconciled in a diverse world.

    Special thanks to our sponsors:

    Nissan, St. Dominic's Hospital, Atmos Energy, Regions Foundation, Mississippi College, Anderson United Methodist Church, Grace Temple Church, Mississippi State University, Real Christian Foundation, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Christian Life Church, Ms. Doris Powell, Mr. Robert Ward, and Ms. Ann Winters.

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    48 m
  • EP. 74: Finding Joy in Suffering with Smiley Abrams
    Apr 16 2025

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    In this heartfelt episode, Jason “Smiley” Abrams of InterVarsity shares how his father’s suffering and steadfast faith redefined his view of Christianity—from performance to relationship. We explore how authenticity, not polish, is the key to reaching younger generations, and how genuine relationships rooted in the fruit of the Spirit can bridge even our deepest racial and generational divides. Tune in for a powerful reminder that suffering can birth purpose, and real connection begins with being real.

    Special thanks to our sponsors:

    Nissan, St. Dominic's Hospital, Atmos Energy, Regions Foundation, Mississippi College, Anderson United Methodist Church, Grace Temple Church, Mississippi State University, Real Christian Foundation, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Christian Life Church, Ms. Doris Powell, Mr. Robert Ward, and Ms. Ann Winters.

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    36 m
  • EP. 73: Elizabeth Perkins on Faith and Justice
    Apr 9 2025

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    Elizabeth Perkins, daughter of civil rights legend Dr. John Perkins and co-president of the Perkins Foundation, shares what it was like growing up in the heart of the movement. From family dinners with Fannie Lou Hamer to navigating her own journey of faith and justice, Elizabeth reflects on the legacy her parents built—and the work still ahead. She challenges us to move beyond diversity toward true reconciliation: deep, cross-racial relationships grounded in love and truth. Through stories from the Perkins Justice Pilgrimage and her own experiences, Elizabeth reminds us that healing often begins with pain—and that faith, community, and courage are essential to lasting change.

    Special thanks to our sponsors:

    Nissan, St. Dominic's Hospital, Atmos Energy, Regions Foundation, Mississippi College, Anderson United Methodist Church, Grace Temple Church, Mississippi State University, Real Christian Foundation, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Christian Life Church, Ms. Doris Powell, Mr. Robert Ward, and Ms. Ann Winters.

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    39 m