Living Reconciled

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. 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...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. 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, Manifestat...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. 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 poss...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. 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...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. 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 bri...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. 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 ahe...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. What does God really think of our worship when it lacks justice? In this powerful episode, we unpack the convicting words of Amos 5 with hosts Brian Crawford, Neddie Winters, and Austin Hoyle. Together, we explore how worship disconnected from justice becomes noise to God’s ears—and how true worship calls us to embody justice in every area of...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. How can Christians bridge deep political divides? In this episode of Living Reconciled , Forest Thigpen, Senior Advisor for Empower Mississippi, shares how faith-driven engagement can transform public discourse. Drawing from his experience in policy work, he highlights the power of personal connection over political battles, from uniting legi...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. In this episode of Living Reconciled , we talk with Felecia Marshall about her journey through grief after the murder of her daughter, Alexia. She shares how faith transformed her pain into purpose, leading to the creation of Grant Me Justice , a nonprofit supporting families affected by violent crime. Felicia’s story is a powerful reminder o...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. Can faith and politics work hand in hand? In this powerful episode of Living Reconciled , Representative Ronnie Crudup Jr. shares his journey from political skepticism to a faith-driven calling in public service. We dive into the challenges of being a Christian politician, the importance of integrity, and how reconciliation moves beyond theor...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. What happens when a Philly native dives into Southern culture and discovers a deeper faith? In this episode of Living Reconciled , Chris DiGiovanni shares his journey from Pennsylvania to Mississippi, exploring how his time at Jackson State University, an HBCU, opened his eyes to untold Black history and the power of diverse voices. We discus...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. What if your financial decisions could reflect your deepest values and faith? In this episode, we sit down with financial advisor Chris McAlpin, who shares his journey from high-stakes finance to faith-driven stewardship. We explore how money, societal values, and personal beliefs shape our sense of contentment and purpose. Chris unpacks bibl...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. What if recognizing every person as an image bearer of God could heal our divided society? In this episode of Living Reconciled Neddie and Austin join Brian to explore how Genesis 1:26 calls us beyond political and racial divides to embrace our shared humanity. Through personal stories and historical insights, we confront the dangers of letti...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. What does it truly mean to reflect God’s image in today’s world? In this episode, Brian, Austin, and Neddie have a deep and thought-provoking conversation and explore the divine identity we all share. Neddie reminds us of humanity’s intrinsic value, while Austin challenges us to see our divine reflection before our flaws. They also tackle the...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. Join us as Dr. Seth Parry, history professor at Belhaven University, shares his journey from Cleveland, Ohio, to Jackson, Mississippi, exploring how faith, history, and education intersect. From his early life in a predominantly white Methodist congregation to his work promoting diversity and racial reconciliation, Dr. Parry offers insights i...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. Reverend Terry Williams takes us on a heartfelt journey through his life and mission in Greenwood, Mississippi, sharing how his faith has fueled his dedication to reconciliation. We uncover his personal experiences growing up in a divided community and the strides made toward unity, from increased representation of black officials to integrat...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. How does faith shape the way we engage in a post election culture? On this episode of Living Reconciled , Austin, Neddie, and Brian unpack what it means for Christians to stay true to their identity in Christ while navigating the political sphere. Grounded in scripture like 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Peter 2:16-17, they explore how praying for leaders...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. Brett Barnhill's journey from Alabama to the mission field is nothing short of remarkable. Growing up with Texas roots, Brett discovered his passion for ministry during his time at Mississippi College, spurred on by a powerful sermon on the Great Commission. His path was further illuminated by a life-changing intercultural communication...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. What sparks a couple to leave behind their familiar life in Wisconsin and immerse themselves in the heart of Mound Bayou, Mississippi? Take a journey with us as we sit down with Phil Shaik, executive director of C2K Ministries. Phil shares how volunteer trips transformed into a life-altering commitment, and how living authentically can bridge...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. Join hosts Brian Crawford, Neddie Winters, and Austin Hoyle in this episode of Living Reconciled, as we prepare for the 2024 Living Reconciled Celebration. The guys highlight the significance of this event and its approach to dealing with reconciliation holistically. Get a sneak peek at the conference starting in the afternoon and the evening...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. This episode we sit down for an INCREDIBLE conversation with Dr. Ronnie Kent and Dr. James Kent, Co-founders of Twelve:Thirty in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Together, they offer invaluable insights into their ministry and its profound impact on their community. We delve into the intersection of personal well-being and communal reconciliation th...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. What happens when a shy pastor's kid overcomes his reluctance and becomes a significant change agent within the local church church? Tune in to this compelling episode of Living Reconciled as we welcome Pastor Brian Ivey, recently retired from Highland Baptist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Pastor Ivey reveals his inspiring journey of...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. Join Neddie and Brian as they interview Elliot Sands, the executive director of Live Faith First, sharing his compelling story of growing up in Livermore, California, and relocating to Nigeria during his high school years. Elliot's narrative sheds light on how these cross-cultural experiences profoundly impacted his faith and understandi...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. Join us on this compelling episode of Living Reconciled as we take a look at the 4th of July through the powerful words of Frederick Douglass. Neddie and Brian delve into Douglass's life and his iconic speech, "The Meaning of July the 4th for the Negro," delivered in 1852. Tune in for a great discussion on the broader implicati...

We would love to hear from you! Send us a text message. What does Juneteenth mean to us today, and why is its celebration crucial for understanding American history? Join Neddie and Brian as they uncover the significance of Juneteenth, a day marking the enforcement of emancipation for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865. The guys explore the integral part of Juneteenth plays in the American...