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 into everyday life, they encourage listeners to embrace authenticity and vulnerability. Prepare to challenge your perspective on living out faith genuinely and openly.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 candid conversation and insightful reflections, the hosts explore the nuances between acceptance and approval, urging listeners to discern wisely in their media choices. They delve into how these decisions not only impact individual spiritual and emotional well-being but also influence the broader community.Drawing from their expertise in youth and young adult ministry, the hosts emphasize the importance of fostering a mature, relational approach to faith. They advocate for mindfulness in media consumption, encouraging young Christians to navigate a balanced path that upholds their faith convictions while engaging thoughtfully with popular culture.Tune in to discover practical insights and empowering perspectives on maintaining faith integrity in a secular world, while prioritizing spiritual and emotional health.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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methods - championing a shift towards more personal, relational approaches that emphasize genuine connections over outdated tactics.Joseph Adam Cruz brings a unique perspective to the table, sharing how his passion for hip-hop  has become an unexpected yet powerful tool for spreading the message of faith. Through his experiences, he highlights the importance of striking a balance between public expressions of belief and the deeper, more intimate connections we forge with others.This episode isn't just about identifying the challenges facing evangelism today; it's about embracing the opportunities for growth and innovation. By redefining what it means to evangelize in the modern world, we can create spaces where people encounter the transformative love of God in the midst of their everyday lives.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 gray. This shift emphasizes flexibility and acknowledges the existence of partial truths.Tommy and Vaness stress the importance of real-life evidence and personal stories in uncovering truth, particularly within the context of Christian beliefs. They argue that it's not just about what you're told but also about what you've experienced and seen for yourself.The conversation delves into the struggles that many young leaders face when it comes to expressing their beliefs openly. There's this constant tug-of-war between staying true to oneself and conforming to societal norms. The fear of being ostracized or labeled as different often holds them back from speaking up.Amidst these challenges, there's also a call for authenticity and humility in leadership. Tommy and Vanessa advocate for leaders to be genuine and open-minded, willing to listen and learn from the perspectives of younger generations. They highlight the transformative power of personal experiences, arguing that they often have a more profound impact on shaping faith than simply memorizing facts or doctrines.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 levels in your church environment? How do you identify red flags, such as unhealthy power dynamics and a lack of transparency? Moreover, what are the actionable steps for effecting positive change within your organization, equipping you to foster a healthier ministry culture.And what if the toxicity becomes too overwhelming? Len addresses the difficult decision of when it's appropriate to consider moving on, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity in ministry.Whether you're striving to navigate toxicity or cultivate a culture of authenticity and growth, The Radical Middle provides the guidance and encouragement you need in today's church landscape.Tune in to gain insights on fostering positive change and navigating the complexities of ministry with grace and wisdom.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 ratchetness, that is often tied to certain elements of urban culture, with the righteousness we're called to embody?It's about confronting the hypocrisy head-on. We can't ignore the realities of urban life, but we also can't use them as excuses to stray from our commitment to holiness.How do we strike that balance between being authentic and being holy? It's a question we need to wrestle with as we navigate the beautiful complexities of urban culture and our faith.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 people of Palestine and their right to not only exist, but thrive! It is a wild scenario where two groups of people, both professing to love Jesus, do not agree - with one side embracing the “by any means necessary” mindset.But this scenario isn’t new… Take a look at the Bible: How do we make sense of all the violence written in its pages? You've got the Old Testament with all its battles and stuff, and then the New Testament comes along preaching love and peace. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, isn't it?What about violence in our own neighborhoods? Ever heard someone say, "Try Jesus, don't try me"? How do we handle conflicts and tough situations without resorting to fists or worse?Let's dive into this together and see if we can find some answers. In this episode, we unpack the myths and realities of violence in Christian spaces.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 discussion, we confront the tension that arises in this complex issue. It's evident that leaders are often surrounded by YES people who believe the leader can do no wrong, a phenomenon the world observes.We delve into the underlying reasons behind this leader worship, exploring why people sometimes fall victim to it. Additionally, we provide insights into how individuals can avoid becoming leaders who demand unwarranted worship from their followers.Furthermore, we explore the concept of the Radical Middle in this context, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between being a leader and maintaining humility, without seeking excessive attention.Join us as we navigate the intricate dynamics of honoring leaders, seeking a path that promotes genuine respect while avoiding the pitfalls of undue adulation.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 ministries and organizations. These entities often impose higher demands for bigger, better, and more extravagant productions on their already tired volunteers. It begs the question: Why do we consistently push the envelope in this manner?Is it so challenging to find contentment in simplicity? Can we, for the sake of our people, consider reevaluating the traditional Christmas production? These are some of the questions we aim to address.Furthermore, we explore the concept of the Radical Middle as a potential solution to this issue—a middle ground that allows us to honor the essence of Christmas while prioritizing the well-being of those involved.Join us as we delve into these important questions and more in this episode of The Radical Middle Podcast.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 exist within both sides of the DEI debate and introduce the concept of the Radical Middle, offering a holistic approach to this important topic.Join us as we navigate the complexities of DEI, seeking a path that aligns with our shared values and purpose.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 lives. We examine the tactics employed by organizations to preserve themselves and their influence, shedding light on how they prioritize maintaining existing power structures and cultures.The consequences of these actions have resulted in the emergence of monolithic organizations that often lack diversity, perpetuating the status quo.Join us as we explore the intricacies of organizational power dynamics, their self-preservation strategies, and their impact on the broader landscape.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 process and remaining true to our values.We find ourselves grappling with the fact that many candidates available to us may not align with the virtues of our faith. This raises questions about our role in a political system that sometimes seems flawed, and how we can avoid becoming mere pawns in the political game.In this complex landscape, we explore how Christians can engage in politics with integrity. We delve into the meaning of justice, our approach to laws and justice, the pursuit of truth, and the importance of maintaining a moral foundation.Ultimately, the question of whether to vote or not becomes a central theme in our discussion. Join us as we navigate these critical issues and seek to understand how to participate in the political process while upholding our Christian values.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 divine purpose.In this episode, we delve into the complexities surrounding the use of faith as a tool for disruption and chaos. We explore the various perspectives that lead people to believe they are justified in weaponizing their faith for political ends.Furthermore, we discuss how movements employ religion as a means to advance their power-driven agendas, shedding light on the mechanisms behind this troubling phenomenon.To gain deeper insights, we turn to the scriptures themselves to understand what they convey about such actions. Join us as we navigate these intricate topics and more in this enlightening episode.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 transfers involving family members.We'll begin by shedding light on the issue, exposing instances of nepotism in churches, and analyzing the absence of meritocracy in such situations. This will help us better understand the scope and gravity of the problem.Next, we'll delve into the root causes of nepotism within churches. By exploring the factors behind this practice and delving into the motivations of church leaders, we aim to uncover the underlying dynamics that enable nepotism to persist.Moving forward, we'll examine the unintended consequences of nepotism in churches. By sharing personal stories of individuals who have been adversely affected by this practice, we can gain a deeper understanding of how nepotism can harm both the church community and the families involved.Finally, we'll explore the delicate balance within ministries that involve multiple family members. We'll assess the potential harm in "keeping it in the family" and discuss the tension that can arise when family members are entrusted with significant leadership roles.Join us as we shed light on the hidden aspects of nepotism within churches, its far-reaching implications on ministries and families, and the urgent need for reform in these practices.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 and sisters, while also highlighting the potential for growth in this area among younger generations. They delve into the root causes of disunity and provide insights into historical socioeconomic and political factors that have historically fueled division between ethnic groups.Emphasizing God's call for unity, not uniformity, this episode explores the beauty of embracing and celebrating ethnic and cultural differences within The Kingdom. Join us to discover how unity can flourish when we unite with our diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 may inadvertently lead to harm.The discussion also sheds light on conflicting behaviors exhibited by fervent believers who elevate The Bible's importance to the point where knowledge surpasses living its teachings. Is there room for healthy debate and tension when it comes to interpreting scripture and its relevance in our lives today?Furthermore, the episode addresses the opposite extreme, where some Christians disregard The Bible entirely in favor of spirituality, or due to a belief that it holds no relevance in contemporary culture.Tune in to explore The Radical Middle's perspective on this thought-provoking issue: Does The Bible compete with God in the realm of worship and faith?Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 its prevalence, its necessity, and whether it should be considered problematic.Additionally, they address the feelings experienced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) when they find themselves in environments less accepting of their cultural backgrounds.What is the church's stance on this issue? How should leaders approach and embrace cultural and linguistic diversity within their leadership roles?All of these questions are thoroughly examined in this episode of The Radical Middle.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 celebrated by liberals as champions of the movement now face criticism for not aligning progressively enough with current ideals.Exploring the meaning of wokeness, its relationship with The Gospel of Jesus, and the necessity of adopting a woke perspective.Tommy and Fredy discuss their views of all the in-fighting that exists in these progressive movements and how the church is responding. They suggest different leadership conversations and approaches that lead people to The Radical Middle.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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 life experiences more closely with minorities than we might assume.Tommy and Fredy also dive into the racial disparities that sometimes create divisions among Christians, offering valuable discussion points to foster greater understanding and connection among all members of the faith community.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok

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. They also question whether this tendency is unique to American culture, where there's a drive to churn out numerous events, gatherings, and churches to boost numerical growth.The concept of "McJesus" comes into play, highlighting the concern that we might be generating artificial churches that prioritize quantity over quality, ultimately neglecting the crucial aspect of discipleship.Support the show & Follow Us ✅ Instagram ✅ Twitter ✅ TikTok