Forefront Podcast

Forefront Conversations with Lenny Duncan

In this episode, Lenny Duncan talks about what drew him to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America despite it being the whitest denomination in the country. He also talks about how growth is impossible without discomfort, how he sees the fate of Christ reflected in the death of Trayvon Martin, and how, despite history, he is optimistic for the future of a radically affirming church. Interviewers: Jim Rohner and Jonathan Williams ABOUT LENNY DUNCAN Lenny is the pastor of Jehu's Table in East New York, where he was called as a mission developer after getting his Master's of Divinity from United Lutheran Seminary. He pays special attention to Black Liberation movements in his work and has directed the two-part documentary Do Black Churches Matter in the ELCA? Unapologetic and outspoken in his beliefs, Lenny speaks truth to power when it comes to dismantling the white supremacy that has been a problem at the heart of the Lutheran Church. He believes in the radical love of Christ, the affirmation of LGBTQIA siblings, and the passionate grace of God. To purchase Lenny's new book, "Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the U.S.," visit: https://lennyduncan.com/order-dear-church

EPISODE 29: LENNY DUNCAN

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this episode, Lenny Duncan talks about what drew him to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America despite it being the whitest denomination in the country. He also talks about how growth is impossible without discomfort, how he sees the fate of Christ reflected in the death of Trayvon Martin, and how, despite history, he is optimistic for the future of radically affirming church.

Interview: Jim Rohner and Jonathan Williams

ABOUT LENNY DUNCAN

Lenny is the pastor of Jehu's Table in East New York, where he was called as a mission developer after getting his Master's of Divinity from United Lutheran Seminary. He pays special attention to Black Liberation movements in his work and has directed the two-part documentary Do Black Churches Matter in the ELCA? Unapologetic and outspoken in his beliefs, Lenny speaks truth to power when it comes to dismantling the white supremacy that has been a problem at the heart of the Lutheran Church. He believes in the radical love of Christ, the affirmation of LGBTQIA siblings, and the passionate grace of God.

To purchase Lenny's new book, "Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the U.S.," visit: https://lennyduncan.com/order-dear-church

PARABLES | Week 1 ”Sower”

Joel kicks off our series with the Parable of The Sower.

DEBUNKED | Week 6 “Feminine Jesus”

Sarah looks at how Jesus embodies many genders.

DEBUNKED | Week 5 “Baptism”

Jonathan explains how baptism is a gift for all of us.

DEBUNKED | Week 4 ”Honor Your Parents”

Mira takes a look at how to honor your heritage in her final sermon at Forefront.

Forefront Conversations with George Mekhail

In this first episode of the relaunch of Midrash NYC, George Mekhail and Jonathan Williams discuss their respective paths to arriving at the divisive decision to make their churches open and affirming of LGBTQIA members and about the consequences of a church's ambiguity around the topic of affirmation. Interviewer: Jim Rohner ABOUT GEORGE MEKHAIL George Mekhail has been involved in church his entire life, from growing up in the Coptic Orthodox tradition to serving in pastor roles within Evangelical and Mainline churches. He is currently the Executive Director of Church Clarity (https://www.churchclarity.org), a crowdsourced organization that seeks to verify if a church's stated policy is open and clear on a number of issues from affirmation of LGBTQIA members to women in leadership positions.

EPISODE 28: CHURCH CLARITY

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this first episode of the relaunch of Midrash NYC, George Mekhail and Jonathan Williams discuss their respective paths to arriving at the divisive decision to make their churches open and affirming of LGBTQIA members and about the consequences of a church's ambiguity around the topic of affirmation.

Interview: Jim Rohner

ABOUT GEORGE

George Mekhail has been involved in church his entire life, from growing up in the Coptic Orthodox tradition to serving in pastor roles within Evangelical and Mainline churches. He is currently the Executive Director of Church Clarity, a crowdsourced organization that seeks to verify if a church's stated policy is open and clear on a number of issues from affirmation of LGBTQIA members to women in leadership positions. 

DEBUNKED | Week 2 ”Sinner’s Prayer”

Jonathan looks at our common perception of sin and evil.

DEBUNKED | Week 3 ”Evolving Scripture”

Joe Boyd visits us and talks about his relationship with scripture over the years.