In this episode of Above the Divide, Pastor Paula Dannielle and Pastor Courage Molina discuss the importance of communicating with dignity, especially in a world where conversations can quickly turn indignant. They explore the significance of asking the right questions, understanding context, and the role of relationships in effective communication. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness, humility, and relinquishing control over outcomes to the Holy Spirit, particularly when addressing complex topics.

Courage Molina is the lead pastor of Bold Faith Community Church, an online church for women ready to read, understand, and live out God's Word with boldness and confidence. She's the host of the Courageous Disciples podcast and creator of Courageous Disciples, a discipleship program and community where women learn to dive deep into the Bible and walk boldly in their faith, pursuing what God has called them to do and who He's called them to be. Author of Power Principles of Courageous Living, Courage shares real-life stories and practical insights to help women build unshakeable confidence through a deep, genuine relationship with God. Her mission? To equip women to seek, hear, and obey God's voice above all else. Off the clock. Courage is living and loving the family she's been blessed with in North Carolina, enjoying every good thing God has given her.

Connect with Courage Molina on Instagram or via email

Connect with Bold Faith Community Church on Instagram

Connect with Paula Dannielle on https://www.instagram.com/paula_dannielle/ or at mailto:pdannielle@pauladannielle.com

Connect with Cohesion or at mailto:connect@cohesionclt.org

Follow Above the Divide on https://www.instagram.com/above_the_divide/

In the Old Testament, the same word is used for righteousness and justice. The words are found together throughout the Bible, including in the New Testament. In many denominational traditions, Luke 4:18-19 is not just seen as referring to life after death but our life right now. This episode will discuss how justice and righteousness intertwine and indicate our love for God and our neighbor. This episode will also discuss how we use justice and righteousness in the voting booth to express our faithfulness to God and our love for our neighbors.

Rev. Angela V. Walker, Ph.D., is an educator and pastor in Greater Charlotte. She has been engaged in ministry since 1995 and has served as pastor to six congregations over the span of 21 years. In May 2024, she launched a new ministry called Oasis City Mission, which currently meets at the Comfort Suites Northlake and aims to bring a healing touch to Charlotte communities via outreach. As an educator, Walker has taught both high school and college; her areas of interest are language and culture.

Connect with Pastor Angela on Instagram or via email.

Pastor Josué Rodriguez launched Casa Viva Church, a Spanglish church in Charlotte created to help bridge the gap between 1st and 2nd generation Hispanic families and multi-ethnic couples.

Connect with Josué on Instagram or via email.

Connect with Paula Dannielle on Instagram or at via email.

Connect with Cohesion or via email

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Scriptures Referenced:

• Matthew 5-7 -- Sermon on the Mount
• Genesis 3 -- Satan's deception of Eve
• Luke 10:25-37 -- Parable of the Good Samaritan

All Christians are affected by and involved in politics, whether they recognize it or not. Opinions on whether Christians should intentionally engage with the political sphere range from encouraged disengagement to deliberate and concentrated participation. This episode discusses Biblical reasons for political engagement, why some traditions encourage disengagement, positive changes in our political landscape led by the Church, and how to handle the tension between responsibility and distraction.

Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu is the Senior Pastor of Baptist Grove Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Rev. Akinbinu was ordained in September 2009 and has earned degrees from Washington Bible College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Duke University. In August 2007, Pastor Akinbinu married the love of his life, Angel. They are the proud parents of Alivia and Elijah.

Connect with Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu on Instagram or at Pastor@baptistgrovechurch.org

Connect with Baptist Grove Church

Connect with Paula Dannielle on https://www.instagram.com/paula_dannielle/ or at mailto:pdannielle@pauladannielle.com

Connect with Cohesion or at mailto:connect@cohesionclt.org

Follow Above the Divide on https://www.instagram.com/above_the_divide/

Helpful Links from this Episode:

• Shcall, Jo Ann. Constantine's Effect on Early Christianity.
• Biblical Archeology Society. Who were the Essenes?
• Martin Luther King, Jr. & the Beloved Community
• Wallis, Jim. The False White Gospel.

Scriptures Referenced:

• Matthew 22:15-22 -- Render to Caesar what is Caesar's
• Amos 5:24 -- Let justice roll down like a river
• John 17:14-16 -- "in the world but not of the world" paraphrase