Around the Block with Pastor T

Going Deeper Together: Strengthening the Core Foundation (feat. Welton Bonner)

In this episode of "Around the Block with Pastor T," Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile explores the importance of laying a strong foundation in various ventures. Drawing from his conversation with guest Welton Bonner, they discuss the impact of having fewer expectations and focusing on the growth of faith rather than getting caught up in preferential debates. They also touch on the significance of starting new ventures in an effective manner to avoid potential pitfalls down the line. Join them as they delve into the gospel ecology of the city and the work of the gospel in the community.
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:13] People's expectations of church.
[00:07:26] The church landscape when planting.
[00:08:27] Prosperity gospel and easy believism.
[00:12:15] Life-on-life discipleship.
[00:17:00] What you win people with.
[00:22:07] What is best for East of the river?
[00:23:53] Closing the church and hope.

Learning from the Past: Reflections on Church Planting (feat. Welton Bonner)

In this episode of "Around the Block with Thabiti Anyabwile," Thabiti continues his conversation with Welton Bonner, a former pastor of Greater Love Church in Washington, D.C. They discuss the process of closing the church to focus on prayer, study, and reflection in order to replant it with a stronger foundation. They also touch on the topic of whether having children is required biblically, and the value of church programs like Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. Join them as they explore the gospel ecology in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods and cities, and the work being done to serve and minister in these communities.
TIME STAMPS
[00:02:09] Unity in church planting.
[00:06:13] Taking a programmatic approach.
[00:09:30] Despising small beginnings.
[00:13:30] Can you be a healthy church without a children's ministry?
[00:19:07] Programs not scripturally required.
[00:21:30] Church planning and skipping steps.
[00:25:29] Emergency landing in ministry.
[00:28:39] Confirmation and shutting down services.
[00:33:35] Future plans and church planting.
[00:35:17] Discernment and prayer in leadership.

Ordinary Faithfulness with Extraordinary Impact (feat. Eric & NaNa Dolce)

Living in a highly visual and aesthetic-centered culture can cause us to overlook the true essence of individuals. In this episode of Around the Block, host Thabiti Anyabwile sits down with Eric and Nana Dolce, a couple deeply involved in their local church and community. They discuss the importance of having a vision for family and raising children in a Christian home. The conversation also delves into the role of the local church in bringing people together and fostering discipleship.
The Dolce's delve into the subtle impacts of a society that values visuals and aesthetics over character and words. They highlight how easily people can become engrossed in the cultivated imagery of life, missing out on understanding others at a deeper level. Specifically, they discuss the influence of this visual culture on relationships and marriage proposals, noting the prevalence of pornography that dehumanizes individuals and hinders genuine connections and friendship.
They also address the challenges faced by young men and women in this highly visual culture, with men grappling with pornography and women adhering to a checklist of qualities that may not align with biblical values. Ultimately, the episode suggests that living in such a culture can impede the formation of deep connections and a true understanding of others' character.
The core conviction for Christian ministry, as discussed in the episode, centers around two key elements: hospitality and teaching God's word. According to the transcript, these two components are considered foundational to the Christian life and ministry.
[TIME STAMPS]
[00:00:00] Lack of vision for family.
[00:05:09] Cross-cultural ministry experiences.
[00:08:46] Small cultural bridges.
[00:16:45] The changing neighborhood dynamics.
[00:19:31] Lack of vision for family.
[00:24:30] Visual culture and character-centeredness.
[00:28:51] Ministry in the word.
[00:33:09] Unemployed men and community outreach.
[00:36:42] The ordinary means of grace.

Unpacking Identity: Moving Beyond Labels (feat. Eric & NaNa Dolce)

In this episode of "Around the Block," host Pastor T speaks with Eric and Nana Dolce, who serve at New Macedonia Baptist Church in southeast Washington, D.C. They discuss the importance of engaging with the city and its diverse stories while emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods marked by vulnerability and neglect. 
They emphasize the importance of focusing on the significance of ministering to individuals rather than relying on generalizations or abstractions. While there are general truths, it is crucial not to disengage from showing love and ministering to individuals. It is acknowledged that ministering to generations requires ministering to individuals. Join Pastor T as he explores the gospel ecology of these predominantly black and brown neighborhoods, seeking to understand how the gospel is shaping lives and communities on the block.
[TIME STAMPS]
[00:02:13] Fruitful ministry in making disciples.
[00:06:59] Time of confession and prayer.
[00:11:32] The impact of the city.
[00:16:46] Struggling with church commitment.
[00:21:33] Nana's book and its growth.
[00:23:48] The Seed of the Woman
[00:27:01] Begin by praying.
[00:31:19] God's work through their efforts.