Around the Block with Pastor T The Crete Collective

In this episode of "Around the Block with Pastor T", host Thabiti Anyabwile speaks with Reverend Dr. Kendrick Curry, pastor of Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., about the history of their neighborhood from the 1950s to the present. They discuss early church planting, changing racial demographics, and major social change in the area. The podcast aims to encourage more Christians to join God in the margins and do gospel work with people in vulnerable and neglected places. Listeners are invited to think about the history of their own neighborhoods.
The episode highlights the importance of understanding the stories that shape a neighborhood in order to effectively communicate the gospel. These stories are diverse and interlocking, operating on individual, organizational, community, and national levels to create the ecology of a neighborhood. Church planters and pastors must learn these stories to effectively engage with the community and share the gospel. Even faithful Christians must find ways to integrate the gospel into the neighborhood ecosystem. The gospel is not limited to the church but is present in the wider community, and Christians should be a visible presence in the support system necessary to show that they are the hands and feet of Christ. By incorporating the stories of a neighborhood into the articulation of the gospel, transformation can occur, and the hurting needs of the community can be addressed.
Pastor Curry emphasizes the importance of addressing not only individual needs but also larger systemic factors that impact marginalized communities. He believes that the church has a responsibility to use its system to bring about systemic change that enables all to thrive and prosper. The church should be a support system that undergirds and embraces the community, demonstrating that they are the hands and feet of Christ. Pastor Curry draws on his personal experience of growing up in Dallas and learning about the power of organized groups to bring about change. He believes that by systematically eliminating all reasons why individuals cannot follow Jesus Christ and live a kingdom life, they can live more abundantly without being associated with the greed and scarcity often found in marginalized communities. The episode highlights the need to grapple with the notion of systems and systems change in a self-conscious and theological way to address the larger factors that impinge upon the lives of individuals.
Pastor Curry believes that the church has a responsibility to use its system to bring about systemic change and improve the health and prosperity of communities. He emphasizes the importance of addressing issues of greed and scarcity that are often found in communities of color, particularly black communities. The church must systematically eliminate all reasons why individuals cannot follow Jesus Christ and live a kingdom life. Pastor Curry acknowledges that systems are a reality of life and that the church must contend with them in marginalized communities. He and other pastors at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church have grappled with the notion of systems and systems change in a self-conscious and theological way, seeking to impact not just the needs of individuals but also the larger-scale demographic and social changes that shape local church ministry. They believe in creating a support system that undergirds and embraces the community to demonstrate that they are the hands and feet of Christ.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:01:35] Neighborhood history and change.
[00:07:23] Living in a changing community.
[00:10:16] Racial reconciliation at Pennsylvania Avenue.
[00:16:41] Organized groups and systems.
[00:18:18] The church's responsibility.
[00:23:23] Sankofa and the Gospel.
[00:27:25] Boldness in sharing the gospel.
[00:33:29] Literacy and the Gospel.
[00:35:37] Wealth redistribution in society.

In this episode of Around the Block with Pastor T, we dive into the necessity, practices and struggles of centering marginalized groups in order to effective reach the cities. While it's necessary to love and include everyone, we must address the specific needs and realities of different neighborhoods within a city. As we talk with the Reverend Duke Kwon about the history, diversity, and unique challenges of his Washington, D.C. neighborhood, we see how focusing solely on the city as a whole can hinder the successful establishment of churches in marginalized neighborhoods. To effectively reach and serve the city, it is crucial to first reach and connect with the diverse neighborhoods within it. That task, however, is easier said than done. 
 
Join us for part 1 of a 3 part talk with our brother Duke Kwon.
 
[00:01:43] Neighborhoods in the city.
[00:05:37] Historic neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.
[00:07:10] Neighborhood dynamics and challenges.
[00:13:19] Affinity spaces and community.
[00:15:29] Managing Cross-Cultural Community.
[00:19:43] Frustration and doubt in community.
[00:22:40] Framing justice for white evangelicals.
[00:26:38] Imbalance in preaching.
[00:29:10] Developing Non-Self-Conscious Presence.

In this episode of Around the Block, Pastor T and Duke Kwon continue their conversation by discussing the power of tears and how they help us see things with moral clarity. Duke emphasizes that unless we collectively weep with repentance and sorrow over the evil that has been perpetrated upon the African-American community, we will never be able to ask the right questions or center the right people. Tears have the capacity to communicate joy, sorrow, and wonder, and they also help us gain a deeper understanding of our painful histories and wrongs. The more painful our lives and histories, the more weeping should be present in our lives. Tune in to this thought-provoking conversation to explore the transformative power of tears.
 
[00:00:00] Tears and moral clarity.
[00:05:39] Centering the concerns of one.
[00:09:57] Shedding tears over injustice.
[00:12:01] Encouraging study and personal relationships.
[00:15:50] Spiritual formation in community.
[00:19:03] Embracing theological complexities.
[00:22:17] The dangers of control.
[00:26:24] Confronting the church's failures.

When it comes to conversations, Starting Points Matter. Starting conversations on both race and gender relations must begin from a place of empathy and understanding if they're ever going to go anywhere helpful. In this episode of Around the Block, Pastor T and Duke Kwon highlight the problematic nature of using certain Bible verses, such as "slaves obey your masters" and "women should not teach or have authority over men," as starting points for these conversations. They emphasize the need for deep contrition and repentance when it comes to the mistreatment of women in the name of biblical interpretation. The hosts also draw attention to the power dynamics and privilege that can be present in these discussions. Ultimately, they stress the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space for dialogue and understanding.
[00:00:09] Starting conversations on race.
[00:04:32] Roles for women in the church.
[00:10:05] Starting with broader theological context.
[00:13:22] Women's roles in the church.
[00:18:48] Women in the Me Too era.
[00:22:12] The shepherdess role.
[00:25:43] Women in church ministry roles.
[00:28:09] Resources on creating clarity.
[00:31:38] Women in the church.

In this episode of Around the Block, host Pastor T sits down with Ashley Davenport, the neighbor outreach director at Anacostia River Church. They discuss the importance of "neighboring well" and how it is crucial for building relationships and incarnating the gospel in their community. Ashley shares her experiences in different high schools, highlighting the racial segregation and stratification present in her city. They also touch on the significance of rooting themselves in the neighborhood and learning the local cultures to effectively serve their mission. Tune in to gain insights on building community and embodying the gospel in your own neighborhood.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:05] Racial segregation in high schools.
[00:07:22] Losing kids at a high rate.
[00:08:29] Racial segregation in Topeka.
[00:12:22] Celebrating diversity in schools.
[00:14:41] Understanding different perspectives.
[00:19:09] Southeast DC's diverse community.
[00:23:37] Outreach and community engagement.
[00:25:40] A community that's already working.

In this episode of "Around the Block," Pastor T is joined for part 2 of his convo with Ashley Davenport, the Neighbor Outreach Director at Anacostia River Church. They discuss the challenges of ministering in inner city neighborhoods marked by tragedy and loss. The conversation explores how to care for oneself while engaging with suffering, how to lament and continue, and how to let lament and sorrow shape ministry expectations. Tune in to hear their insights on ministering in the midst of grief and sorrow.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:01:19] Ministering in the midst of grief and sorrow.
[00:07:32] Learning to lament and grieve.
[00:09:22] Dealing with grief and trauma.
[00:14:31] Rhythms and practices in the church.
[00:18:45] Realistic expectations in urban ministry.
[00:22:11] Revolutionary patience and commitment.
[00:24:22] Long-term commitment in church planting.
[00:29:17] Revolutionary patience and hope.