The Faith and Race Podcast is designed to help churches of all colors host constructive dialogue about faith, race, and the Church. Every episode has a specific focus so as to intentionally think about the intersection of history, institutions, scripture, prayer, race, and justice. The audio recordings will help bring the diverse insights and experiences of interviewees into churches, homes, and hearts across Missouri and beyond. For the first season, all of the interviewees are African-American Methodists from Missouri, each with a powerful story to tell. In addition to the podcast, a small group curriculum is also available to help guide groups to discuss the issues raised in each episode and what these issues might look like in their church or community.
Why should you form a Faith and Race Small Group in your church?
The Small Group Curriculum was designed specifically with your church in mind as the interviewees and contributors for the first season are all pan-Methodists from Missouri. The Podcast and Curriculum is firmly grounded in prayer and scripture, and provides a safe, meaningful way into what can be a challenging conversation. In the words of the first interviewee, Rev. Cody Collier, “the discussion of race is essential if we’re truly to be the hands, heart, and face of Jesus Christ in a very sometimes violent and divisive time.” Though the curriculum provides everything you’ll need, the Small Group is self-led and leaders are encouraged to tweak the discussions to what would be most relevant in their context. Many discussion groups rely heavily on reading materials to provide the base for the conversation; in contrast, the Faith and Race Podcast provides a unique and accessible way into the topic while allowing the interviewees to set the tone in a deep and meaningful way It’s free!What if my church or community isn’t diverse?
If that’s the case, then it’s all the more important for you to participate in the Faith and Race Podcast. Through the interviews, your congregation will be able to hear stories and perspectives which you may not be getting on a day-to-day basis, and do so in an in-depth and faith-centered way that will broaden perspectives about race and diversity in our church and in our world.How’s It Work?
The podcast is meant to be heard and discussed in community. The materials for each session include pause points and discussion questions to aid in meaningful engagement with each interview. The Podcast will consist of 20-25 minute interviews released every Wednesday starting Feb.10th If you are unable to attend a Faith and Race Small Group (or can only attend sporadically), you may follow along at home by listening to the podcast.