Our Urban Voices

Anita Rahma currently lives with her family in the slums of Jakarta, Indonesia. She discusses discipleship, incarnational urban ministry, and loving Muslim neighbors.  Book: Downward Discipleship Book: Beyond Our Walls WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Definition of "slum" What downward discipleship is Building relationships in Jakarta ABOUT THE GUEST:  Anita’s high school years were spent as an Americ...

Dr. Ryan Martin discusses the importance caring for our missionaries well and how to engage the local church.  Book: Holding the Rope Blog: The Upstream Collective - Cultivating Missions Awareness WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: When does missionary care start Practical ways the local church can care for their missionaries How pastors can help their congregation be aware of the missionaries' needs ABOUT T...

Dr. Ryan Martin discusses the importance of missional awareness in the local church, particularly through local international ministry.  Book: Holding the Rope Blog: The Upstream Collective - Cultivating Missions Awareness WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: What missional awareness is Three practical suggestions for engaging the local international community What missional discipleship looks like ABOUT THE G...

Dr. Mark Glanville discusses how churches can love the stranger because Yahweh loves the stranger so you are to love the stranger. Book: Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul Book: Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Yahweh loves the stranger so you are to love the stranger Challenging the fear-based ethic approaches to refug...

Dr. Mark Glanville discusses how churches can adapt to and impact their own neighborhoods in a post-Christian world. Book: Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul Book: Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Christian vs Post-Christian Culture Four Key Questions of Scripture Beauty is a Glimpse of God ABOUT THE GUEST:  Dr. Ma...

Dr. Darren Hercyk discusses the local church developing a heart for mercy ministries. Dr. Hercyk is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University School of Divinity and the program director for the online Masters in Humanitarian Action and Human Right WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The balance between social gospel and evangelism Ministering to the community in which you are placed Broadening the impact of the...

Dr. Darren Hercyk discusses the importance of humanitarian training for missionaries and the heart for mercy ministries. Dr. Hercyk is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University School of Divinity and the program director for the online Masters in Humanitarian Action and Human Right WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: What is humanitarian work? Evangelism includes some type of humanitarian work Developing the he...

Pastor Drew Hyun, HOPE Church NYC, shares the unique challenges of leading and pastoring in urban settings as well as the importance of emotionally healthy leaders. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: What is Emotionally Healthy Discipleship? New City Network (of Churches) Five Values Unique needs and challenges faced by urban ministers ABOUT THE GUEST:  Drew Hyun is the Founder and Pastor of Hope Church NYC,...

Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller, an Anglican author, pastor, and professor, discusses interpreting the book of Revelation. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Purpose of the book Revelation Discussing Revelation with Muslim background people Focus on "Who is Jesus?" ABOUT THE GUEST:  Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller was born in Montana and grew up in Colorado and Puebla (in Mexico). He completed a BA in philosophy...

Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller, an Anglican author, pastor, and professor, discusses interpreting the book of Revelation. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Genre of Revelation and Its Importance Old Testament and Revelation link Host's & Guest's Interpretation Example ABOUT THE GUEST:  Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller was born in Montana and grew up in Colorado and Puebla (in Mexico). He completed a BA in p...

Temeko Richardson, a seasoned Executive Producer, Director, and Writer, is known for her inspirational films that combine business acumen with artistic vision, earning her eight awards. Her latest film is "At the Cross." About film: At the Cross WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Embracing different types of people in the church Keeping the focus on Biblical teaching and the kingdom Call to ministry vs pleas...

Henry O. Arnold III releases a new book, "The Mercy Seat," the first volume of "The Urban Chronicles" series.  Henry O Arnold III's website WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Identifying with people and their needs Art and literature as a call to action How to start ministering to the unhoused population ABOUT THE GUEST:  Henry's career as an actor and author spans over five decades with multiple stage...

Henry O. Arnold III releases a new book, "The Mercy Seat," the first volume of "The Urban Chronicles" series.  Henry O Arnold III's website WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Importance of talking about conflict & dichotomy Jesus came to give us His heart so that we can reflect His heart to the world Willingness to sacrifice ABOUT THE GUEST:  Henry's career as an actor and author spans over five dec...

Quilen Blackwell is the president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House, whose mission is to train inner city youth in sustainable social enterprises to alleviate poverty. The Chicago Eco House’s signature program is Southside Blooms, an off-grid flower farm youth social enterprise where participants convert vacant lots into commercial flower farms using solar powered rainwater irrigation. ...

Natisha Matthews, an ordained elder and attorney, shares about the importance of estate planning for Christians, particularly in the urban community. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Cost of not planning for your estate (even if you think you don't have anything) What are wills, power of attorney, health care proxy? Mindset for estate planning ABOUT THE GUEST:  Rev Matthews areas of practice are Trust...

David ministers among Muslim immigrants in a major US city. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How Ramadan affects outreach Sharing the gospel more effectively Practical steps in cross-culture ministry ABOUT THE GUEST:  David and his family serve as the Strategy Coordinator and unit on the Global Gates West African Team. Though they have a specific people group focus, the vision is reaching the ends of the E...

David ministers among Muslim immigrants in a major US city. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Being a missionary in your own backyard Connecting with immigrant people groups Common barriers in cross-culture contact ABOUT THE GUEST:  David and his family serve as the Strategy Coordinator and unit on the Global Gates West African Team. Though they have a specific people group focus, the vision is reaching the...

Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY. He shares his journey in shepherding a church through leadership and theological changes. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Preach the Word Patience and Grace Apologetics and Care ABOUT THE GUEST:  Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the teaching pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in The Bronx, NY. He has lived in various places in...

Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY. He shares his journey in discovering the Biblical truths that moved him from denominational theology to denominational theology. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How to Search for Answers Big God Theology Letting God be True ABOUT THE GUEST:  Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the teaching pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in Th...

Pastor Isaac Adams explores how the local congregation might faithfully respond to their local community about deep-seated and lingering racial strife. Regardless of the headlines and from a pastoral perspective, he invites Christians to engage in prayerful, truthful conversations about race — gospel hope-filled conversations that glorify God, are for the good of the community and build the church...

Dr Alfonse Javed, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Metuchen, shares a Christmas message on Jesus, God's Message of Love. Only by celebrating Christmas with an Easter perspective do we experience how Jesus, God’s message of love is what angels said on the first Christmas, “ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! ” (Luke 2:14, ESV). WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The...

Pastor Mark Lee sharing on pastoring a church to change and grow in a culturally diverse community. Churches are declining in the United States. What can be done to replant and grow a declining church? Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is leading his congregation in embracing and engaging the ethnically diverse community around them. WHAT YOU'LL...

Pastor Mark Lee sharing on pastoring a church to change and grow in a culturally diverse community. Churches are declining in the United States. What can be done to replant and grow a declining church? Pastor Mark Lee has served at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since 2019. He is leading his congregation in embracing and engaging the ethnically diverse community around them. WHAT YOU'LL...

Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum discusses Israelology — a key to understanding prophecy and Jesus' earthly ministry. The systematic study of Israel also provides context for understanding the rapture, end times and Jesus' second coming. Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum unpacks Jesus' example of leadership and what that means for modern day discipleship. Bonus Content:  Come and See, Ariel Library Resources Wh...

Pastor Peter Pendell re-thinks women and their calling and role in complementarian Christian ministry. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Has the evangelical Christian community reflected Jesus' attitude about women? Complementarian vs Egalitarian (definitions, limitations, strengths, and weaknesses) Women in Ministry (ordination, leadership, teaching, authority and headship) ABOUT THE GUEST:  Pastor Peter P...