In the latest episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall, along with Esteban Shedd from Streetlights, explore the transformative power of the Bible when it is made accessible through modern methods like hip-hop beats. They discuss the troublingly low engagement levels among Christians, which they attribute to digi…

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal delve into the evolving landscape of Church practices in the wake of the pandemic, focusing on innovative approaches tailored to young adult ministry. They advocate for transformative changes that prioritize authenticity, community engagement, and discipleship. T…

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal delve into critical questions facing young adult leaders in Christian ministry. They examine the nuanced differences in cultural, ethnic, and church contexts and how these factors influence authenticity in leadership. The discussion probes the challenge of discer…

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal welcome Alexander James, a poet, pastor, and author, to delve into his latest book, "Just Be Honest." Join the conversation as they explore the delicate balance between faith and conformity, particularly in urban settings. With a focus on integrating spirituality…

Join hosts Tommy Nixon, Vanessa, and Joseph Adam Cruz on The Radical Middle podcast as they delve into the complex interplay between faith and engagement with secular music and media. In this thought-provoking episode, they tackle the tension of maintaining one's beliefs and truths while navigating the landscape of inclusion and tolerance. Through …

In this episode of The Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy and Vanessa invite special guest Joseph Adam Cruz to explore the evolution of evangelism, discussing the changing tides of gospel outreach, acknowledging the fading effectiveness of traditional methods - championing a shift towards more personal, relational approaches that emphasize genuine…

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Vanessa Cruz dive into the fascinating realm of truth as perceived by today's young leaders. They highlight an intriguing shift that's been happening since around 2016—a move towards a more nuanced understanding of truth, one that's less black and white and more about shades of …

Welcome to The Radical Middle - In this episode, we tackle the crucial issue of toxicity within church organizations. Join us as Len, a seasoned leadership development expert, joins forces with Tommy - together sharing invaluable insights gleaned from their diverse experiences. We will be discussing the following: How do you discern the toxicity le…

In urban settings, we often find ourselves caught between two worlds: the raw authenticity of our surroundings and the call to live lives that reflect God's holiness. It's a tension we can't ignore. We're faced with the challenge of staying relevant to our community while also striving to live lives that honor God. How do we reconcile the ratchetne…

Let's talk about something that can cause a lot of division in Christian circles – the whole idea of using violence to make things right. Take a look at what's happening in Israel and Palestine – it's a hot topic, right? One side fiercely believes Israel has the right to do whatever they need to to “handle” Palestine… Others vehemently defend the p…

How far should one go when it comes to showing honor to leaders? When does it cross the line into cringe-worthy territory, or worse, into a sinful or outright wrong practice? And who bears responsibility in this dynamic—the leaders who manipulate and demand honor, or the individuals who freely offer it, sometimes at their own expense? In this discu…

Unless you've experienced working or volunteering in an understaffed, under-resourced, or poorly-led organization, you may not fully grasp the challenges it entails. It can be a daunting prospect, and sometimes, downright frustrating! In this episode, we step back to examine the competitive landscape of Christmas productions across various ministri…

The concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can elicit various reactions, from enthusiasm to resistance, based on individual ideologies. In this episode, we explore a nuanced perspective on DEI, emphasizing that it is not the ultimate goal but rather the vehicle that can lead us to fulfill the will of God. We delve into the tensions that…

Have you ever pondered why organizations with questionable leadership or unethical practices manage to maintain their grip on power? It can be baffling to witness influential organizations thrive while others struggle to access even basic resources. In this discussion, we delve into the critical role of power dynamics in various aspects of our live…

The question of how to cast our votes is increasingly on the minds of young leaders today. Voting is often portrayed as our civic duty, a way to have our voices heard by those in power. However, in a world where politics has become intertwined with individual identity, it's challenging to strike a balance between participating in the electoral proc…

January 6th has gained infamy, being likened to other dark days in U.S. history. Among the distressing scenes witnessed on that day, one that stands out is a leader of the insurrection holding up a Bible and leading a prayer. This raises questions about how individuals can exploit Holy Scriptures to sow chaos and believe they are fulfilling a divin…

Nepotism, a concerning issue within church organizations, has become increasingly evident. It is disheartening to witness leaders favoring their relatives without considering merit or suitability for positions. In this episode, we delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and explore why churches often refrain from scrutinizing leadership trans…

Why does it seem like there's an ongoing rivalry between black and brown communities? Is it an innate instinct, a cultural phenomenon, or something driven by fear? Could there be a larger agenda at play behind this division? In this episode of The Radical Middle, Fredy and Tommy address the pressing issue of disunity among black and brown brothers …

Join Tommy and Fredy in this episode of The Radical Middle Podcast as they delve into the intriguing and contentious topic of whether it is possible for some individuals to prioritize worshiping The Bible over God Himself. They unravel the various perspectives within the Christian community regarding this matter and examine how certain viewpoints m…

Have you ever observed someone transitioning from their native language to a more widely accepted form of communication? This occurrence is quite common, and you might not even realize it. This phenomenon is what we refer to as "code-switching." In this episode, Tommy and Fredy delve into the concept of code-switching, exploring the reasons behind …

The concept of the "woke agenda" faces scrutiny, with a notable portion of the challenge originating not solely from traditional conservatives or religious individuals. Within progressive circles, there is an internal struggle to outdo one another in virtue signaling. This intensification of cancel culture is noteworthy. Influential figures once ce…

What exactly is "whiteness," and who does it encompass? These are the questions at the heart of today's episode featuring Tommy and Fredy. Often, we casually use the term "whiteness" to refer to individuals who are not minorities, without recognizing the rich diversity within the white community. Surprisingly, some white people share cultural and l…

Have you ever felt like we're constantly replicating the same type of churches? Well, you're not alone in thinking that way! We've observed that even exceptional church planters and planting movements can succumb to the allure of superficial metrics to measure success. In this conversation, Tommy and Fredy delve into the reasons behind this pattern…

There's a significant financial aspect to the Christian industry, where substantial profits are attainable. But is it ethically sound that this industry consistently favors a select few from a particular community, while simultaneously excluding BIPOC individuals? "The Radical Middle" podcast sets out to challenge the gatekeepers in this realm, aim…

Do men often feel under attack in today's society? It's a sentiment that's been voiced by many. But why is that the case? Join Tommy and Fredy as they explore the various reasons behind the perception that men are not treated fairly in society. They engage in a thoughtful discussion, acknowledging the validity of some arguments while also questioni…

Effective leadership should be driven by noble intentions and a genuine love for the cause. However, what occurs when narcissistic or unqualified individuals are entrusted with leadership roles within an organization? Poor leadership can lead to catastrophic outcomes! So, what are the warning signs of ineffective leadership that you need to be vigi…

Is church attendance still a vital aspect of our faith journey? In an era where we can access worship services and sermons online, often from our favorite artists and preachers, the question arises: What's the real purpose of physically attending church? Join Tommy and Fredy as they grapple with the notion that traditional church attendance might n…

In this episode, Tommy and Fredy dive deep into the pressing issue of why the church often faces hurdles when it comes to ensuring a healthy succession of ministries and leadership roles. They shed light on the noticeable tension that frequently arises between younger leaders, eager and prepared to take the helm, and their more experienced counterp…

On Easter Sunday, Trump shared a message on Truth Social that had Fredy awake all night. Amidst Trump's ongoing legal challenges, Tommy and Fredy engage in a crucial conversation about how some Christian leaders may inadvertently damage the church's reputation by excessively spiritualizing the charges against President Trump and failing to hold him…

Is it appropriate for Christian leaders to receive higher compensation? Is there a point where excessive financial success could undermine the effectiveness of urban leaders? In this episode, join Tommy and Fredy as they delve into the dilemma of whether poverty is virtuous and wealth is detrimental. We're on a quest for The Radical Middle. Support…

Father wounds have always been a captivating subject within our community, and the conversation surrounding them remains relevant. However, in this discussion, we shift the focus away from conventional father wounds. Instead, we delve into the realm of wounds inflicted by "spiritual fathers." Are you weary of leaders who exert control and manipulat…

We are at a time and point in history where there are white power structures and because of this, we have a demographic shift. Don’t look at it as a loss, but rather as the most Christian thing to do because that’s what Jesus did. We can actually lay down our power for the benefit of others. It’s a dub. We need to create a new leadership for a new …

How much of American Nationalism has seeped into the Church? We as Christians are in a spiritual battle against the evil forces of this world. When you add American nationalism to this battle, it creates enemies out of other people, and the reality is, those people are created in the Image of God. In this current reality, we see key groups of peopl…

“Who am I?” You might’ve asked yourself this question once, twice, maybe more. We have lost the piece that makes us who we are. As leaders, we have a crisis. We are called to serve the marginalized, but the color of our skin disqualifies us. What happens when your Christian Community is not fighting for the injustices within our country? Do you lea…

Time and time again, we have seen “whoever controls the Book, holds the Power.” This leads to a toxic Church AND Christian Leadership. We are going through the tension of how we read scripture and how we use it as a weapon to control people. How do we control the narrative when Pastors and Church Leaders are controlling the narrative to fit the Gos…

We have experienced a tremendous amount of suffering these past couple of years, but with this comes polarization. As followers of Christ, how can we learn to share the suffering of others? And how can we learn how to do this well? What if suffering is imposed? Can we change the “they” narrative of suffering to a “we” narrative? Support the show & …

Is The Church Full Of Hypocrites? The answer may shock you. It’s important that we recognize our hypocrisy and come with a posture of “I do not always live out what I believe.”The most Christian thing you can say is “I was wrong.” Why is it so hard to accept this? When we allow idolatry to play a part in our lives, of course, it’s going to be hard …

Is Social Justice a Sin? We have seen our Urban Brothers and Sisters go through social justice issues like abortion, immigration, and racism, but we fail to wrestle with this tension because we care more about being on the “right side.” So what happens when we embody the values of others as opposed to that of Scripture? We miss the mark. We can’t b…

What would it cost for the church to abandon its position on the left and the right? What if you didn't have to choose sides? What if the gray is actually where Jesus led from? Jesus was a paradox and wasn’t afraid to embrace the tension. In The Radical Middle podcast Tommy Nixon and Co-Host Fredy Romero break down the fundamental principles of the…

Luc interviews Paul and Julia as they share their journey following Jesus across borders and barriers. They share from their heart about the joys and challenges of learning to cross cultures in the way of Jesus. http://www.radicalmiddleministries.org/support http://www.facebook.com/radicalmiddle

Join us as Luc interviews Dave and Shannon Edmonson as they share their experiences crossing cultures. Their passion for loving the orphan is contagious. Dave and Shannon unpack the genesis story of One Generation Alliance and Rancho Hermosa and share the 'on the ground' stories of serving orphans. Their entire story is one miracle after another! G…

Luc interviews Tiffany Gunneman as she reflects on years of ministry and how her journey to the nations has radically changed her life. Tiffany unpacks the joys and sorrows of ministry, the learning curves of following Jesus and how crossing borders has given her passions she never knew she had! GIVE @ http://www.radicalmiddleministries.org/support…

Luc interviews Earl and Dana Kilgore as they share their talk about their experiences of ethnicity and culture. They unpack their moments of joy and sorrow learning to navigate race in the church and in their everyday lives. GIVE @ http://www.radicalmiddleministries.org/support http://www.facebook.com/radicalmiddle…

Luc interviews Luke Geraty who shares his journey pastoring, crossing cultures and the learning curves along the way. Luke describes the intersection of theology and missions and how thinking deeply in both areas has impacted him. GIVE @ www.radicalmiddleministries.org/support www.facebook.com/radicalmiddle…

Luc interviews Sequoyah Thornton as she unpacks her journey with Jesus and her discoveries regarding ethnic identity. She shares about the joys and challenges of coming from multiple cultural backgrounds and how that's impacted her faith along the way. GIVE @ radicalmiddleministries.org/support facebook.com/radicalmiddle…

Luc interviews Anthony and Erika Tate as they share their journey learning to forgive those that harm us. In beautiful vulnerability they expose us to the world from their eyes and the necessity of community as we learn to travel the narrow road of Jesus. GIVE @ http://www.radicalmiddleministries.org/support http://www.radicalmiddleministries.org h…

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