Jude 3 Project

We’ve been taught that exhaustion means we’re doing it right. That carrying everything alone is strength. That rest can wait. But what if rest isn’t weakness — it’s trust? In this episode, Lisa Fields and Yvette Henry unpack why burnout isn’t a badge of honor, how hustle culture quietly shapes our faith, and why rest is actually an act of obedience. Drawing from John 15 and Yvette's new book "Release, Rest, Remain", this conversation invites you to loosen your grip, let go of control, and trust God with what was never yours to carry. Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do… is stop. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Is the Bible actually the problem… or are we? In this session from Jude 3 Project's 2022 Pastors and Leaders Conference, Dr. Charlie Dates dismantles common critiques around racism, patriarchy, authority, and Scripture—and calls us back to a cleaner, more faithful reading of the Bible. No dodging. No fluff. Just truth. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What does it mean to truly know who you are — when faith, culture, and history collide? This 2024 Courageous Conversation panel, moderated by Perrin Rogers and featuring Dr. Maliek Blade, Kobe Campbell, Khristi Lauren Adams, and Dr. Vince Bantu, wrestles with personhood, identity, and self-worth in the Black Christian experience. They move everything from generational trauma and cultural erasure to faith, belonging, and the image of God—naming the truths too often left unsaid. They also explore: - Is Christianity tied to whiteness? - How do we hold our cultural identity without losing our faith? - Can God meet us in gentleness, not just fear or performance? - What does healing look like for marginalized communities? Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Can Christians engage politics without compromising their faith—or weaponizing it? This panel dives headfirst into one of the most pressing questions of our time: how faith should (and shouldn’t) shape our political engagement. From Christian nationalism to Gen Z disillusionment to the legacy of the Black Church, this conversation challenges believers to think deeper, listen better, and engage more faithfully in the public square. This isn’t about party loyalty — it’s about discipleship, discernment, and what it means to seek God’s kingdom here and now. Moderator: Steven Harris Panelists: Michael McBride, Leah Daughtry, Treneé McGee, and Justin Giboney Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Power can heal—or destroy. Which one are we choosing? In this 2024 Courageous Conversations panel, this unfiltered panel takes on one of the most misunderstood forces in our faith, churches, and communities: power.  Moderated by David Bailey and featuring Mike Kelsey, Bishop Charley Hames Jr, Rahiel Tesfamariam, and Latasha Morrison, this panel explores power through the lenses of faith, leadership, pain, and responsibility. From the misuse of power in systems and churches to the quiet strength found in surrender, empathy, and love, this conversation challenges the narratives we’ve inherited—and the ones we perpetuate. You’ll hear reflections on: Power surrendered to God vs. power used for control How pain, suffering, and healing intersect The danger of adopting empire-driven views of success Leadership, stewardship, and succession in the Black church Why love must always be at the center of power Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

In this 2024 Courageous Conversations panel moderated by Jonathan Banks, a powerhouse group of leaders including Dr. Jessica Brown, Dr. Sarita Lyons, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr, and Dr. John C. Foster, unpack purpose beyond platforms, titles, and paychecks. From being created in God’s image to discerning calling, gifts, pain, and obedience, this panel challenges Western ideas of success and re-centers purpose on God’s glory.  They examine: Purpose vs. Assignment: Why being a pastor or professional is your assignment, but not necessarily your purpose. The "Why" Question: Moving from the what of doing to the why of being. The Myth of Individualism: How Western Christianity has sometimes distorted purpose into a pursuit of platform, power, and prestige. Image Bearing: Understanding our foundational purpose as "image bearers" of God in the earth. Navigating Detours: How God handles our "wrong turns" and hits a moving target. The "Vanilla Extract" of Life: Why God doesn't waste your pain or past trauma when building your future. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Have you ever felt like God has completely abandoned you? In this episode, Lisa Fields sits down with author Kristel Acevedo to discuss the "wilderness" seasons of life—those times when we feel lost, confused, and desperate for an exit. But what if the goal isn't just to get out? What if God has something for you right in the middle of the dry season? The two explore why the cross can sound disturbing to skeptics, how lament is a missing practice in modern Christianity, and why Jesus’ willingness to suffer changes how we think about pain, hope, and healing. This episode also unpacks discipleship in a time of division, the loneliness epidemic, and why faith was never meant to be lived alone. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Did Jesus actually claim to be God—or is that something later Christians added to the story? In this episode, we tackle one of the most important and misunderstood questions in Christianity. Many skeptics (and even churchgoing Christians) argue that Jesus never explicitly said He was God. So where does this belief come from—and does it actually hold up historically and biblically? Bible scholar Dr. Michael (Mikel) Del Rosario breaks down what Jesus said, what He did, and—just as importantly—how His original Jewish audience understood His claims. We explore the passages critics overlook, the historical context modern readers miss, and why Jesus’ divinity isn’t just a theological detail, but central to the Christian faith itself. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, deconstruction, or conversations with skeptics, this discussion will give you clarity, confidence, and language to engage thoughtfully. Topics include: Did Jesus ever explicitly claim to be God? Why Jesus spoke implicitly—and why it mattered What Jesus’ enemies understood that many miss today Why Christianity collapses if Jesus isn’t divine Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields is joined by author and apologist Abdu Murray for a deep, honest conversation about an ensuing cultural tsunami: artificial intelligence. Abdu explains how AI threatens to collapse our understanding of reality, fueling a technological desire to become "godlike" that mirrors the ancient Tower of Babel. They also dig deep into the theology of the Trinity, exploring why we aren't just "biochemical machines" or "gods," but beings made in the image of God. From the "God-talk" of Silicon Valley to the theology of the Trinity, they unpack what it truly means to be human in a digital age and how to find an anchor in a world where reality seems to be collapsing. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

So many are asking the same quiet question: “Can I trust God to provide… even here?” Moderated by Rasool Berry, this session brings together unapologetically honest voices — Ekemini Uwan, Dr. Danielle Brown, Dr. Michael Walters, and Dr. Bobby Manning — who open up about doubt, disappointment, financial pressure, and the ways God has shown up in the most unexpected places. From miraculous testimonies to hard conversations about systemic injustice, economic scarcity, and stewardship, this dialogue helps us see God’s provision with fresh eyes. It’s real, raw, and deeply needed. In this episode: How to stay grounded when finances feel unstable The difference between seed and bread Contentment vs. comparison Provision that isn’t flashy—but faithful Racism, reparations, and economic barriers to flourishing What it means to fight for “the least of these” How community becomes God’s provision Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

In this extended lecture from Jude 3 Project's Engaging African Spirituality course, Anglican priest Justice Okoronkwo breaks down the history, worldview, cosmology, misconceptions, and modern expressions of African traditional religion—and explains where it both overlaps with and clashes with the Christian faith. This talk explores: • What African spirituality really is (beyond stereotypes) • How African spirituality has been commonly perceived (truth vs misconceptions) • The spiritual worldview that shapes African cosmology • How Christianity addresses the deepest questions African spirituality raises • The tension points between African spirituality & Christianity • How Christians can thoughtfully reach and engage those who practice African spiritual religions If you’ve ever wrestled with questions of culture, tradition, faith, ancestors, or decolonization, this course will give you clarity, depth, and a biblical framework for understanding African spirituality through a truthful lens. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take more online courses that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

In this rich conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson to unpack the urgent crisis facing today’s youth — and the deep work required from mentors, parents, churches, and communities to guide them well. They discuss: Why young people (including Black youth) are leaving the church The role of parents, mentors, and intergenerational discipleship How essential Christian doctrine can be taught with clarity and relevance Why credible, truthful witnesses of the gospel matter now more than ever Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What does faith look like in an age of outrage, culture wars, and division? How do we pursue justice without losing our soul in the process?  In this timely conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Justin Giboney — co-founder of the AND Campaign and author of "Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around" — to unpack the lessons we must recover from the Civil Rights generation. From polarization and conflict entrepreneurs to local action, they discuss how Christians can confront injustice without losing compassion, think beyond party lines, and rebuild hope in a polarized moment. They discuss: Why today’s outrage culture is discipling the church How the Civil Rights generation fought injustice without losing their soul The danger of online “conflict entrepreneurs” shaping our worldview Local action vs. national chaos Why strategy > social media performance How the church should respond to today’s political, economic & immigration crises If you’re exhausted by the culture war — or searching for a faithful way forward — this conversation will challenge and refresh you. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What do you do when the Bible offends you? What do we do with seemingly problematic scriptures? From stories of slavery and violence to verses about gender and judgment, many people wrestle with the Bible’s hardest passages. In this unabashedly honest and thought-provoking discussion, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Jo Vitale and Dr. Esau McCaulley to unpack the context behind the controversy — and explore how understanding history, culture, language, and God’s heart can turn confusion into clarity. They confront: Divine Justice: Reconciling God's goodness with commands for war and annihilation (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:3, Deuteronomy 20:16). Slavery: Why the apostles instructed slaves to obey masters instead of condemning slavery outright. Sexual Ethics: The New Testament's warnings regarding same-sex relations and exclusion from salvation. Gender: Questions about women in leadership (1 Timothy 2) and ritual purity after childbirth (Leviticus 12:5). Eternal Punishment: How Christians should understand hell. Lot and Rahab: Wrestling with the problematic actions of figures called "righteous" or "faithful". Recorded live at the Museum of the Bible, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and deepen your faith. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields sits down with author and Bible teacher Yana Conner to unpack the real work behind her new book Living Beyond Offense: Doing the Hard Work of Forgiveness God’s Way. Together they explore what biblical forgiveness actually looks like, how to confront conflict with courage, and why “protecting your peace” isn’t the whole story. They discuss: Why forgiveness is not forgetting—and the powerful concept of "faithfully casting" the debt to God. The true meaning of "turn the other cheek" and how it calls for humble confrontation, not passive acceptance. How to counter cultural mantras like "protect your peace" with the biblical call to be a shalom-maker. The difference between biblical forgiveness (releasing the debt) and reconciliation (restoring the relationship). Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Too many of us want God’s blessings without giving Him full control. In this inspiring conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Tony Evans to unpack what it really means to live unleashed — when faith stops being part-time and becomes your whole life. They dive into: - How to live out your faith without compromise - Why giving God “part” of your life leaves you empty - The difference between religion and a kingdom relationship - The real definition of impact and purpose — beyond followers and fame Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What do you do when your prayers go unanswered? In this raw and honest conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with author and speaker Jennifer Lucy Tyler to discuss her book When Dreams Fall Apart—a powerful story about grief and the beauty of trusting God through disappointment. They open up about infertility, loss, and the tension between faith and control—while uncovering how lament, surrender, and God’s comfort can bring healing and hope. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

When the people and places meant to bring healing become the source of pain, where do you go from there? In this 2023 Courageous Conversations panel, pastors, psychologists, and theologians — including Dr. Christina Edmondson, Dr. Jessica Brown, Pastor Reginald Sharpe, and John Onwuchekwa — to unpack what church hurt really is, how to distinguish disappointment from spiritual abuse, and practical steps toward healing, wholeness, and compassion. They discuss: 🔹 The difference between “church hurt” and “spiritual abuse” 🔹 How power, intent, and neglect play a role in wounding 🔹 Whether taking time away from church can be healing 🔹 Why love and humility must remain at the center of leadership If you’ve ever been hurt by people in the church — or struggled to trust again — watch, reflect, and begin your journey from hurt to healing. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What happens when faith meets hard questions? In this Jude 3 Project 2023 Courageous Conversations panel — “Can God Handle My Questions?” — Dr. Esau McCaulley, Dr. Sarita Lyons, Rev. Janaye Pitts-Murdock, and Dr. Frederick Haynes III join Dr. Bobby Manning for an honest, unfiltered dialogue about doubt, suffering, injustice, and the Black Christian experience. They remind us that God isn’t intimidated by our pain or confusion — He invites our honesty. From biblical examples of lament to real stories of trauma and redemption, this conversation reminds us that faith is not the absence of questions — it’s the courage to bring them to God. Tune in for wisdom on: Why questioning God isn’t necessarily rebellion but relationship How Black Christians have long wrestled with hard questions around faith and oppression When our doubts can lead to deeper belief How the Church can create safe spaces for hard questions Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

The Jude 3 Project podcast is on hiatus for the next two weeks, but we didn’t want to leave you without encouragement this week! Instead, please enjoy this special message from Lisa Fields, preaching at Wheaton College on the "Chosen But Inexperienced". Lisa reminds us that God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called. Drawing from the story of Solomon, biblical wisdom, and her own personal stories, Lisa encourages us to embrace our divine calling, even when we feel unprepared or inadequate. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/