Church On The Block

In this episode of Church on the Block, we discuss the importance of operating in authenticity when doing street ministry and being a light in dark places. We talk about our experiences on the streets and our mission to help marginalized individuals. The episode features guest Jeff Russell, who shares his journey from drug dealing to redemption. We also emphasize the need for the church to connect...

This episode of Church on the Block is a powerful exploration of the streets. Our special guest Marcellus Moore, an advocate who works with us at our Firehouse Community Arts Center on the west side of Chicago. We discuss his personal journey from the streets to salvation and the importance of mentorship. We also talk about the importance of having mentors who share a similar background and experi...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil delivers a sermon titled "Come Correct" from Soul City Church in Chicago. The sermon focuses on understanding God's mercy, emphasizing that our relationship with God is not based on merit but mercy. Pastor Phil uses the parable of the wedding banquet from Matthew 22:1-14 to illustrate God's grace and mercy. He encourages listeners to accept God's...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil and Pastah J, along with DJ Ruckus, discuss the intersection of hip hop, the church, and the streets. They explore the significance of hip hop as a form of unity, expression, and resistance, and its impact on their communities. The hosts share personal experiences, highlighting how hip hop has brought unity, validation, and healing to their lives...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil interviews professional basketball player and international champion, Britney Jones. Britney shares her journey of faith, from her initial encounter with God during a baptism service in college to her current role as a Christian athlete. She discusses the challenges and joys of living for God, the impact of her faith on her basketball career, and...

In this episode of "Church on the Block", hosts Pastor Phil, discusses hip hop, the church, and the streets with guests K-Drama and Emcee Monte, two Midwest hip hop artists. They delve into the philosophy behind their music, the importance of being positive role models, and their personal journeys in the music industry. The episode also touches on the role of faith in hip hop culture, the need for...

In this episode of Church on the Block, we welcome Ekemini Uwan, a second-generation Nigerian American public theologian. We discuss the role of women in ministry, challenging traditional views and emphasizing open dialogue. Ekemini shares her journey from corporate work to ministry, highlighting the importance of mentorship and her calling to make theology accessible to all. She also discusses he...

In this episode of the Church on the Block, Pastah J and DJ Ruckus discuss the topic of women in ministry. They highlight the recent decision by the Southern Baptist Convention to remove churches with women pastors from their denomination. Special guest, Reverend Cathy Glen shares her experience as a female pastor at Lawndale Christian Community Church, including her role in supporting and encoura...

In this podcast episode, Pastor Phil, welcomes Rev. Dr. Yolanda Fields to discuss the challenges faced by African-American women in ministry. They explore the oppressive theology that has marginalized women and the importance of embracing the callings and gifts of all individuals in the body of Christ. Dr. Fields shares her personal journey of accepting her calling and the struggles she faced in a...

In this episode of "Church on the Block," we discuss the topic of women preaching and pastoring in the church. Reverend Dr. Gail Rice joins us, sharing her personal experiences and perspectives on the issue. She believes that women should be allowed to preach and pastor, and she shares her own journey to ministry. Reverend Dr. Rice discusses the challenges and limitations placed on women in the ch...

In this episode of the "Church on the Block", Pastor Phil, Pastah Jay, and DJ Ruckus kick off a series of episodes dedicated to the issue of whether women should preach and assume leadership positions in the church. They emphasize importance of reading the Bible and the need for a contextual understanding of scripture. Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment. Let's us know your thoughts on women...

On this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil welcomes Dee-1, a rapper, professor, and minister, to discuss his art and its impact on the culture. Dee-1 shares his journey as an artist, starting from a place of pain and using music as therapy. They discuss the challenges faced in staying true to oneself as an artist, the merging of the sacred and secular in hip hop, and the power of using mu...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil, and DJ Ruckus discuss the challenges of raising Gen Z kids in the faith. They share personal experiences and struggles they have faced with their own children. They talk about how teenagers may question their beliefs and how parents should find a balance between setting expectations and allowing their children to explore their faith on their own...

On this episode of Church on The Block, we discuss "The Mongomery Alabama Brawl" where a white man refused to move his boat for a black man. We share our reactions and thoughts on the situation, highlighting the racial dynamics and the need to stand up against injustices. We also discuss the historical context of Montgomery as a slave depot and warehouse, connecting it to present-day racial tensio...

On this episode of Church on the Block; young faith. Pastor Phil and Ryan Mitchell have a conversation about Ryan's faith journey and the challenges he faced growing up in the church and in the world. Ryan shares his experiences of being actively involved in church activities but also facing challenges when seeking validation from his peers. They discuss the challenges faced by young people in und...

In this episode of "Church on the Block," we discuss the challenges and perspectives of young people in relation to faith and the church. Darren Glenn, a young leader from their ministry, shares his experiences and insights. We also discuss the influence of music, particularly hip hop, on young people's faith. Then we shift the conversation to the significance of mothers and share anecdotes about...

In this podcast episode, Pastor Phil and DJ Ruckus discuss the issue of youth and their faith or lack thereof. Is technology and social media to blame? They reflect on a recent incident in Chicago where young people caused chaos downtown and discuss the broader problem of young people's behavior and disconnect from faith. They share personal experiences and observations, highlighting the need for...

On this episode, Pastor Phil and Elroy Forbes discuss the history and impact of Christian rap in the church and the culture. They talk about the challenges faced by Christian rappers in the past and the importance of recognizing the OGs in the genre. Elroy shares his experience of growing up in a time when rap was considered worldly and sinful in some church communities, but how he and others were...

In this episode of the Church on the Block Pastor Phil and Pastor Jay are joined by guest Ron iRonic Lee Jr., a music producer and emcee from Detroit. They discuss Ron's journey into hip hop and his involvement in the culture. Ron shares his upbringing in an urban environment and how hip hop became the soundtrack of his life. He talks about his transition from secular to Christian hip hop and the...

In this podcast episode, we discuss the art of rap and its impact on the culture. Our guest, Chicago Master of Ceremony Phenom shares his journey into hip hop and the power it has to captivate an audience. We also discuss the history and impact of their work in the hip hop and poetry community, emphasizing the importance of mentoring young artists. We talk about the challenges and frustrations of...

In this episode of the Church on the Block our guest CHH artist Cannon joins us for a candid discussion on the role of rap music in a Christian context. We also address personal growth, toxic elements in music, and the power of music to inspire positive change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the "Church on the Block" podcast, Pastor Phil interviews renowned Christian hip-hop artist Derek Minor. They discuss the art of rap and how it connects with people on a deeper level. Derek shares his musical journey and how he incorporates new concepts into his music. They also talk about Derek's upcoming album, "Nobody's Perfect," and the inspiration behind his songs. They del...

On this week's Church on the Block, we welcomed the talented artist Point Ash, who shared his powerful music and thought-provoking insights on the harsh realities of growing up in the inner-city. This is an incredible episode that left us feeling inspired and enlightened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered if Christianity is the white man's religion? In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil, Pastah J and Dr. Vince Bantu discuss the African presence in the Bible, the significance of understanding Africa in our walk of faith, and the reality of justice and salvation from an Afrocentric perspective. The most valuable lesson from this episode is that cultural identity s...

In this episode we reflect on our previous black history episodes, our experience in Ghana and discuss our belief that African Americans can be a healing force for the tragedies that have occurred in Africa and America due to slavery and African American history. During our visit to Ghana, we were invited as guests on 93.1 FM to share our work with the Firehouse and discuss the connection between...