Pass The Mic

Inspired by Bishop Marvin Sapp's Controversial Church Donation Tactics, this week on Pass The Mic we are unpacking church traditions that might need to be examined for 2025 and beyond. Whether its 'Preachers with Props', viral church moments, a lack of pastoral vetting, or an excess of gatekeeping, practices across all denominations are not above critique and should be interrogated as to their value in true Kingdom work. For those that missed it: Gospel legend and bishop Marvin Sapp faced major backlash after a resurfaced sermon clip from the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World convention went viral. In the video, Sapp instructs ushers to close the church doors until each of the 1,000 attendees donates $20, aiming to raise $40,000 on the spot. He even challenges the live stream viewers to do the same and tells pastors on stage to give $100 each. #MarvinSapp #ChurchControversy #GospelMusic #ChristianNews #ViralVideo #PentecostalChurch #MarvinSappSermon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alternate Title: Pass The Bible Pastor G. Tyler Burns and Dr. Jemar Tisby discuss different approaches to studying the Bible in light of the surprising post-pandemic growth of some church congregations. With so much conversation about people leaving church, why are some communities growing instead? Could it be their approach to Bible study? Pastor Burns shares his experience at Rise City Church in Pensacola, where studying scripture in community has helped grow the congregation and foster a communal approach to building a lasting legacy of faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Roadmap to Ruin explores the threats to American democracy under the current political regime, highlighting dangerous anti-democratic actions and the need for urgent church involvement. Dr. Jemar Tisby calls for the church to awaken, recognize the signs of democracy's unraveling, and mobilize for pro-democracy action to safeguard the future of the nation. This series aims to equip viewers with the knowledge to resist and actively fight for democracy. You Can Stream The Series Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJirfmKCiS0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

G. Tyler Burns and Dr. Jemar Tisby unpack the fast-growing #TargetFast/#BoycottTarget campaign sparked by the retailer’s rollback of its $2 billion pledge to Black entrepreneurs and other DEI commitments. They trace how Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant’s 40-day “Target Fast” evolved into a nationwide boycott and explore why economic withdrawals work only when they’re paired with proactive redirecting of cash toward Black-owned businesses. Along the way, they share practical ways listeners can swap everyday Target runs for sustainable “buy-Black” habits, highlight tools such as the US Black Chambers’ new ByBlack Product Search, and reflect on the historic theology of conscience-driven consumer action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a deeply symbolic Sunday announcement, Bishop T.D. Jakes—globally recognized faith leader, cultural influencer and founder of The Potter’s House—unveiled his plans to appoint Pastors Sarah Jakes Roberts and Touré Roberts as senior pastors of the Dallas-based megachurch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time. We need to move different. We started the Pass The Mic podcast late in 2013, now, more than a decade later, the podcast as you’ve known it is coming to a close. This is not so much an ending, but an evolution. We still have several more episodes airing every other week, and after the final episode, Tyler will continue on with the podcast under a new name and with a new exciting focus and Jemar will make occasional appearances.   This episode is the announcement but not the ending. We’re planning a live, online finale episode later this year that you will all be invited to.  So stay subscribed and stay tuned.  Let’s address the natural question: WHY?!?  First, Jemar, Tyler, and Beau are all good.  There was no fallout, blowup, or disagreement that led to this decision.  We are glad to say that closing out Pass The Mic did not come as a result of interpersonal drama or conflict.  We have been engaged in this conversation for nearly a year. We reasoned together and concluded that this season of Pass The Mic has come to an end.  Then we gave each other the time and space to process both the bitter and the sweet that comes with such a significant transition. You’ll hear it on this week’s podcast episode, our genuine love and affection for one another has never been stronger.  Our deepest thanks for the labor, the wisdom, and the friendship of the whole team both seen and unseen who have made this show possible. So the shift is not about drama, it is about adapting.  This decision did not arise from a place of fear or scarcity but of health and growth. We’ve been saying for several episodes now that we have to move differently.  The culture is changing. Our political situation is in crisis. The church is being called to witness in a new way.  Tyler is doing life-shifting work as a pastor, and he has so many more ideas for other projects that he is now free to pursue. Beau is doing the vital work of storytelling employing imagination to spark conversation and joy. Check out his upcoming show at MidnightHTX.com. Ryan has a new day job, and is faithfully serving his church community. Jemar has been sensing the Holy Spirit moving him to do more online teaching and acting as a bridge between academic study and the church practice. Be sure to follow his next project  “The Justice Journey: A Biblical Guide to Making Wrong Things Right.”  We will, of course, miss Pass The Mic.  This has been part of our lives for more than ten years. We have had so many laughs, memories, and bonding moments.  Most importantly, you, our listeners and viewers, have been with us for the journey.  What we will miss most is the community we’ve formed around the show and the ways you all have encouraged us, challenged us, and loved us throughout this show.  In times when the broader evangelical and Reformed community rejected us for our commitment to Christ and the blackness he gifted us with, you have been our steady and supportive siblings in the faith.  Remember to keep listening. We still have more episodes coming, a live finale episode, and a new show by Tyler launching on the same podcast feed.  With gratitude for what lies behind and expectation for what lies ahead, we say:  See you soon on the next…? But Why Tho?We Have to Move DifferentlyThanks to Our Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Stop Blaming White Cops?" Dr. Jemar Tisby & Pastor G. Tyler Respond to Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Pass The Mic, hosts Dr. Jemar Tisby and G. Tyler Burns respond to controversial remarks made by Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell in a recent sermon, where he stated: “Stop blaming white cops for the killing of Black children.” Jemar and G. Tyler unpack the implications of this statement, examining it through the lens of Black Christian ethics, systemic injustice, and the church's prophetic responsibility in addressing police violence and anti-Black racism. It's important to note that Pastor Mitchell has apologized for this statement, and they address his apology as well. They also reflect on how statements like these impact grieving communities, perpetuate harmful narratives, and reveal deeper tensions within American Christianity when it comes to race, justice, and pastoral leadership. Follow Us: Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Host Instagram: @jemartisby @gtylerburns EP Instagram: @incognitbeau Support the show: Want to help us keep creating content like this? Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/PassTheMic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some Christian influencers have called Ryan Coogler's Sinners 'Anti-Christian Propaganda' but is it? This week on Pass The Mic Dr Jemar Tisby and Pastor Tyler Burns give a full review of Sinners. This is a review filled with heavy SPOILERS so please do not watch unless you are ready to be spoiled. Sinners is a 2025 American horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Ryan Coogler. Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers who return to their hometown to start again, only to be confronted by a supernatural evil. The film co-stars Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton (in his theatrical-film debut), Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo. Sinners premiered on April 3, 2025, and was theatrically released in the United States on April 18, by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Coogler's direction and Göransson's score as well as the performances of Jordan, Steinfeld, Lindo and Caton. Sinners has grossed over $236 million worldwide, becoming the fifth highest-grossing film of 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some Christian influencers have called Ryan Coogler's Sinners 'Anti-Christian Propaganda' but is it? This week on Pass The Mic Dr Jemar Tisby and Pastor Tyler Burns give a full review of Sinners. This is a review filled with heavy SPOILERS so please do not watch unless you are ready to be spoiled. Sinners is a 2025 American horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Ryan Coogler. Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers who return to their hometown to start again, only to be confronted by a supernatural evil. The film co-stars Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton (in his theatrical-film debut), Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo. Sinners premiered on April 3, 2025, and was theatrically released in the United States on April 18, by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Coogler's direction and Göransson's score as well as the performances of Jordan, Steinfeld, Lindo and Caton. Sinners has grossed over $236 million worldwide, becoming the fifth highest-grossing film of 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look we talk about a lot of heavy topics on this podcast. This week we wanted to a break for some self-care but focusing on the three Gs: Gratitude, Gratefulness, and Giving Flowers. This one might be for us, but we hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Absolution or Accountability? Navigating Racial Justice in Christian Spaces... yeah, it's a very Pass The Mic type of episode this week. In this thought-provoking episode of Pass The Mic, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive deep into the complicated dynamics of Black Christians being expected to offer absolution to white Christians in the face of racism. They explore how some Black Christian leaders have been pressured — or at times have chosen — to position themselves as brokers of racial reconciliation, often using the role to build platforms rather than pursuing genuine, hard truths about justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are popular movements with explosive growth healthy in the life of a Believer? In this thought-provoking episode of Pass The Mic, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns take a deep dive into the rise of popular Christian movements, including the Young, Restless, and Reformed crowd, and examine the growing influence of celebrity pastors like Mike Todd. What does it mean when ministry becomes a platform and growth outpaces accountability? The hosts unpack the spiritual, cultural, and communal implications of rapid church expansion, the allure of influence, and the challenges of navigating faith in the age of viral sermons and curated theology. Whether you're leading a church or scrolling through Christian content online, this episode invites you to reflect on what true discipleship and sustainable growth really look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive into the evolving landscape of "Digital Discipleship"—what works, what doesn’t, and what it all means for the Church in 2025. Does technology reshape how we connect and grow in faith? What is the strengths of online ministry & digital community-building? What are the pitfalls of virtual discipleship & where does it falls short? And is the local church still the center of spiritual formation? All of these questions and more will be discussed on this week's Pass The Mic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Pass The Mic, Dr. Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive into the rich history of Black institutions and their ongoing significance in today’s world. From historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to Black churches, businesses, and media, these institutions have been pillars of strength, resilience, and progress for generations. Dr. Tisby and Pastor Burns explore why these institutions were created, the challenges they have faced, and why they remain vital for Black communities today. They also discuss the threats to these institutions—both external and internal—and what must be done to protect and sustain them for future generations. Key Topics Covered: The historical necessity of Black institutions in the face of systemic exclusion. The role of HBCUs, Black churches, and Black-owned businesses in community development. The cultural and spiritual significance of Black institutions. Modern threats to Black institutions, including economic pressures and political challenges. How Black communities can invest in, support, and preserve these vital spaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First is was Cultural Marxism, then Social Darwinism, Social Justice Warriors aka SJWs, then Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter.... Tesla Lives Matter?... then CRT... Y'all remember CuRT!? And let's not forget about Woke... but today all problems and everything wrong with everything comes down to 3 letters: DEI On a very special episode of Pass The Mic, Dr Jemar Tisby and Pastor G. Tyler Burns dive into the effects of the federal governments sweeping actions against DEI initiatives, how we must protect our Black institutions, Black boycotts, and where do we go from here. You can support this podcast at patreon.com/PassTheMic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Malcolm Foley serves as the Special Advisor to the President for Equity and Campus Engagement. In this role, Dr. Foley facilitates engagement and interaction with and among the many diverse members of our community and works collaboratively to develop initiatives designed to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus for all. Dr. Foley holds a B.A. in Religious Studies with a second major in Finance and a minor in Classics from Washington University in St. Louis. He then completed a Master of Divinity at Yale Divinity School, focusing on the theology of the early and medieval church, and a Ph.D. in Religion from Baylor. His dissertation investigates African American Protestants responding to lynching from the late 19thcentury to the early 20th century. From 2018-2020, Dr. Foley served as a student regent on the Baylor University Board of Regents. He is the former Director of Black Church Studies at George W. Truett Theological Seminary and is currently a pastor at Mosaic Waco, where he serves with his wife, Desiree. Support this podcast at patreon.com/passthemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Malcolm Foley serves as the Special Advisor to the President for Equity and Campus Engagement. In this role, Dr. Foley facilitates engagement and interaction with and among the many diverse members of our community and works collaboratively to develop initiatives designed to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus for all. Dr. Foley holds a B.A. in Religious Studies with a second major in Finance and a minor in Classics from Washington University in St. Louis. He then completed a Master of Divinity at Yale Divinity School, focusing on the theology of the early and medieval church, and a Ph.D. in Religion from Baylor. His dissertation investigates African American Protestants responding to lynching from the late 19thcentury to the early 20th century. From 2018-2020, Dr. Foley served as a student regent on the Baylor University Board of Regents. He is the former Director of Black Church Studies at George W. Truett Theological Seminary and is currently a pastor at Mosaic Waco, where he serves with his wife, Desiree. Support this podcast at patreon.com/PassTheMic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our videographer Ryan Gentry is back this week sharing his experience visiting the nation's capital for the National Prayer Breakfast and the choice to walk out at the surprise arrival and speaking of President Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rev Lorenzo Sewell & Rev Mariann Budde. 2 pastors with the opportunity to speak from the pulpit directly to the President of the United States. This week we are talking about the care and weight of the responsibility that fall on those with the gift of preaching and teaching as well as how the style of Black preaching can be abused in it deployment for self-advancement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The performance began with Kendrick Lamar and his backup dancers getting out of a 1980s Buick GNX and onto a stage resembling a giant PlayStation controller. The opening was a portion of the unreleased song "Bodies". Samuel L. Jackson appeared in a recurring role as Uncle Sam, who provided satirical commentary and advice to Kendrick between songs to illustrate the spirit of America. Lamar initially teased a performance of "Not Like Us," playing the beat and stating "I wanna play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue." Lamar played "Luther" and "All the Stars" with SZA before returning to "Not Like Us." Professional tennis player Serena Williams, who shares Lamar's hometown of Compton, made a cameo appearance as a dancer doing a crip walk during "Not Like Us", a reference to Williams performing a similar dance after her victory at the 2012 Summer Olympics, for which she faced criticism. Williams's appearance was also received as a diss towards Drake, with whom she was rumored to have dated several years earlier. The performance was capped off by "TV Off" with Mustard coming out as a special guest, finally with Lamar "turning the TV off" and the words "GAME OVER" being displayed through crowd wristband lights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices