Kainos: Seeking the Multiethnic Church with Dr. Bryan Loritts

Political scientist and author Hahrie Han joins Pastor Bryan to unpack her book Undivided: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church—a seven-year look inside Crossroads Church’s “Undivided” journey. We talk small groups over rows, why formation beats hot-takes, designing diverse tables, the real cost of ethnic unity, and how grace and vulnerability change people. Practical takeaways for pastors and group leaders.Guest: Hahrie Han — Author of Undivided: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church; Professor of Political Science, Johns Hopkins University (pronounced “Hari,” rhymes with sorry).Topics:Why formation changes people more than headlinesThe Undivided structure: 6-week small-group journey + “on-ramps” beyond the seriesDesigning intentionally diverse groups; facilitator training; practicing empathyCulture lines: “We do hard things here,” “Belonging before belief”Reaching the ready, reluctant, resistant—and why vulnerability is the hingeCounting the cost: growth, loss, and staying in the struggleBryan on the gospel nucleus (grace, forgiveness, reconciliation, new identity)Resources:Undivided: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church — Hahrie HanUndivided program (founded by Pastor Chuck Mingo)Crossroads Church, CincinnatiTakeaways for leaders: move people from rows to circles; train facilitators; mix groups by design; set expectations for risk; pair truth-telling with belonging; keep gospel identity at the center.

Pastor Bryan Loritts joins Ricky Phillips to unveil his new book, Grace to Overcome: 31 Devotions on God’s Work Through Black History, releasing August 19. Each devotion weaves together biblical truth and snapshots of Black history—from abolitionist Olaudah Equiano and Olympic trailblazer Wilma Rudolph to cultural icons like Maya Angelou and innovators in science and technology—inviting empathy, unity, and seeing your story in God’s grace-filled narrative.Order his new book here:Grace to Overcome: 31 Devotions on God's Work Through Black History

In this conversation, Pastor Bryan and Dr. Malcolm Foley talk about Dr. Foley's new book "The Anti-Greed Gospel" and explore the dynamics of multi-ethnic churches, emphasizing the importance of ethnic unity over mere diversity. They discuss the historical context of economic exploitation in America, its impact on racial dynamics, and the need for churches to address these issues. Dr. Foley highlights the role of historical figures in advocating for justice and the necessity of building communities of economic solidarity, creative anti-violence, and prophetic truth-telling as strategies to combat exploitation and promote unity within the church. We'll also explore the intersection of economics and faith, discussing the implications of capitalism and socialism within the church context. Emphasizing the importance of generosity and community support, while also addressing the church's role in economic justice. This dialogue highlights the need for Christian leaders to actively engage in these discussions and implement practical solutions to foster a more equitable society.The Anti-Greed Gospel

In this inspiring and insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Stephen Newby — award-winning composer, jazz musician, worship pastor, professor, and biographer — as he shares his remarkable journey from the National Baptist Church tradition in Detroit to winning Dissertation of the Year at the University of Michigan for his symphony on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Newby talks about his rich and diverse musical training in classical, jazz, and gospel music, and how God prepared him for ministry in a multi-ethnic church. He also discusses his upcoming biography on gospel music legend Andraé Crouch, exploring the impact of Crouch’s music and legacy on the church and beyond. Through personal stories and deep wisdom, Dr. Newby offers invaluable advice for aspiring worship leaders — from cultivating a life of prayer and studying Scripture to embracing mentorship and balancing artistry with pastoral care. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about worship, music, and building a beloved community in the church.Soon and Very Soon BiographyDr. Stephen Newby

In this episode of the Kainos Podcast, host Pastor Bryan sits down with Pastor Teddy Johnson—a seasoned worship leader known for his transformative work at Hope Church in Las Vegas. With roots in Camden, New Jersey, Teddy shares his remarkable journey from a childhood steeped in church music to pioneering multi-ethnic worship ministry in one of the most diverse congregations he’s ever witnessed.Listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation about ethnic unity in the church, exploring how a primarily white worship environment can evolve into a vibrant, multicultural community. Pastor Teddy recounts his early days in a “chocolate church” and the personal challenges he faced stepping into leadership roles where he was often the minority, all while nurturing a spirit of inclusion and authenticity. He emphasizes that true unity begins with intentional relationships and courageous leadership—a principle that resonates deeply as Summit Church grows increasingly diverse.The discussion also spotlights the vital role of worship and music in bridging cultural divides and creating spaces where every language and nation is celebrated. This episode also highlights a few upcoming multi-ethnic Kainos cohorts hosted by Send Network, set to empower church leaders and congregations across Atlanta, St. Louis, and New York.Whether you’re a church leader, worship pastor, or simply passionate about fostering unity in today’s diverse mission field, this episode offers inspiring insights and practical wisdom for cultivating a gospel-centered community that truly reflects the beauty of God’s love.

Pastor Bryan chats with Michael Bethany (awarding winning Christian singer/songwriter) about creating multicultural worship services and his love for the multiethnic church. We are going to spend our next several episodes diving into worship and what it looks like to lead a multiethnic church service. Worship is a major culture maker within the church of Jesus Christ and we are going to spend all of eternity worshipping our God and that worship will not be homogeneous.

Pastor Bryan speaks with Dr. Korie Edwards (University Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Sociology and leading scholar of race and religion in the United States) and Rebecca Kim (Professor of Sociology and the Director of the Ethnic Studies program at Pepperdine University) about their new book "Estranged Pioneers". Estranged Pioneers reveals how pastors of color are leading the way towards a more united multiracial future.Estranged PioneersKorie Little EdwardsRebecca Kim

Pastor Bryan talks with Pastor Derwin Gray about how he came to Christ while playing in the NFL and where that journey has brought him. He gives insight into some of the ways he has crossed the racial and political divide in his ministry as lead pastor at Transformation Church, a multi-ethnic church in South Carolina. Resources:Building a Multiethnic ChurchHow to Heal Our Racial Divide

Carlos Lollett, pastor of Reality Church in Miami, Florida, gives insight into reaching our Hispanic and Latino brothers and sisters who currently make up around 20% of the total US population today.Resources:Harvest of EmpireBeing Latino in ChristManana

Pastor Bryan talks with Bobby Conway, lead pastor of Image Church, about his journey in coming to Christ, his struggles with addiction and doubting, his ministry on apologetics and why the Christian worldview still makes sense, and his church's passion for authentic multi-ethnic ministry.Pre-OrderDoes Christianity Still Make SenseOut 4/23/24

Pastor Bryan talks with Dr. Jared Alcántara about his book "Crossover Preaching" which analyzes the skill sets of Dr. Gardner Taylor in drawing a diverse audience to your preaching and teaching while staying biblically accurate to the text. 

Pastor Bryan speaks with David Platt about his newest book "Don't Hold Back" and the challenges he's faced at McLean Bible Church in becoming a multiethnic church that reflects the community around them. Resources:Don't Hold BackRadical

Pastor Bryan speaks with Pastor Mitchel Lee of Grace Community Church located in Fulton Maryland. As a Korean immigrant, Mitchel grew up in a Korean church where he thought he would stay as he grew older. However, God called him to Grace Community where he has been for the last eleven years and as lead pastor for the last seven. Mitchel gives us a view of what it's like from an ethnic perspective to lead an increasingly multi-ethnic church along with the blessings and trials that have followed in striving for ethnic unity.  

Pastor Bryan talks to author Jonathan Eig about his new book King: A Life, a biography of Martin Luther King Jr. -- who Jonathan believes may be the most important American ever born. The biography, which took six years of research, gives an intimate, comprehensive look into the life and legacy of MLK and is the first to include the recently declassified FBI documents. In this episode, Pastor Bryan and Jonathan unpack some of these details and discuss Jonathan's belief that "by hallowing [Dr. King] we actually hollow him" and lose sight of him as a human being.  

Pastor Bryan and Pastor Mike discuss what it's like for Mike to be a part of and be a Campus Pastor at McLean Bible Church, a majority white church, and also what steps Mclean has been taking to reach all ethnicities being in one of the most diverse counties in America.RESOURCEShttps://mcleanbible.org/

Discussion Questions Consider the following: What is the gospel, and what is the primary fruit of it?Rich talked about six layers of conversation and action—theological, historical, sociological, political, ecclesiological, and formational. How can these perspectives help you to better serve your people and community?Have you heard of the concept of family systems? How could it contribute to your ministry? Take some time and reflect on the ways you’ve been formed, considering them in light of the gospel.ResourcesThe Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of JesusGood and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World

Discussion Questions Emotional health is not a Christianized way to feel happy all the time; it’s about becoming familiar with what’s happening on the inside of your heart. And it’s impossible to become a loving person without becoming emotionally healthy. Have you ever considered this? What’s one way you can grow in emotional health this week? The goal is not to be a perfect church, but a healthy church—one where people can heal and grow. What ministries or resources do you have for each category? How can you better care for people with this in mind?How have you seen political idolatry or enmeshment in your context? How does the gospel challenge that?ResourcesEmotionally Healthy SpiritualityPete Scazzero - Emotionally Healthy Discipleship 

Discussion Questions Stressors are inevitable; stress is depending on ourselves rather than the Lord. What is one situation in which you need to depend on the Lord rather than yourself?Church planting starts with the community, not the church service. How can you better reach those in your community with the gospel?Leadership should be a reflection of our fellowship. Is this true of your church or ministry? If so, how can you showcase the gospel through that? If not, how can you take steps to make this so?Ask God to change your heart and show you the beauty of his multiethnic family through his Word. Ask him to give you someone with whom you can pursue a multiethnic friendship.ResourcesThe Stressless LifeHope Church