Faith Under Construction Podcast

Our Daily Bread Ministries

What if faith isn’t about pretending to have it all figured out? Faith Under Construction centers Black Millennials and Gen Z voices wrestling openly with Christianity — its beauty, its baggage, and its place in our culture. As they engage in thoughtful conversations with experts at the intersection of faith and culture, the hosts Rasool Berry and Christin Thorpe dive deep into the big questions so many in the Black community are wrestling with—questions about God, justice, the church, and identity. Things like: • If I have Jesus, do I really need the church? • Is Christianity a white, oppressive religion? • What do I do with my doubts? … and so much more. This isn’t church PR. It’s real people navigating belief in public. Whether you’re committed, curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between — there’s space for you here. #FaithUnderConstruction #FaithAndCulture #BlackVoices #SpiritualQuestions

Episodes

  1. Hey God, It’s Me: Prayer 101 (Dr. Barbara Peacock)

    3D AGO

    Hey God, It’s Me: Prayer 101 (Dr. Barbara Peacock)

    Is prayer your first step, or last resort? It can be a little awkward to keep a conversation going with someone you can’t see or speak to in person. But what if our prayer time wasn’t meant to be an occasional check-in? What if our prayers were meant to be part of an ongoing chat with our best friend, someone who loves us, who wants to hear about all the details of our life, and who willingly comes alongside us in every moment? God created us to be in deep relationship with Him—two-way conversations included. Join your hosts Rasool Berry and Dr. Christin Thorpe as they sit down with Dr. Barbara Peacock to explore different ways we can maintain a daily dialogue with our Creator.    Guest Bio:   Dr. Barbara Peacock is a sought-after keynote speaker and writer, who engages audiences nationwide with wisdom, authenticity, and spiritual depth. Some of her published works include Soul Care in African American Practice, Spiritual Practices for Soul Care: 40 Ways to Deepen Your Faith, and her newest book, Soul Journey.   Additionally, Dr. Peacock is the founder of Barbara L. Peacock Ministries (2013) and Peacock Soul Care (2021), a Christ-centered institute that offers certification in Spiritual Direction and Formation. Dr. Peacock and her husband Gilbert enjoy traveling, writing, and staying active. They have a daughter, Vernee who is married to Michael, with two grandchildren, Eden and Eliah.    Verses Mentioned:   Matthew 6:6–13 John 14:26 Daniel’s Prayer (Daniel 9:1-19) 2 Chronicles 7:14 Luke 22:42 1 Samuel 16:7 Psalm 1:2 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Psalm 46:10 Featured Links:   Keep the conversation going with the Discussion Guide from this episode! Get your copy of Dr. Peacock’s NEW book, Soul Journey!  Connect with Dr. Peacock on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn   Faith Under Construction Landing Page: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/faith-under-construction VOICES Community: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices Follow VOICES on Instagram

    1 hr
  2. Marketplace Ministry: Calling or Career? (Rebekah Sharpe)

    APR 27

    Marketplace Ministry: Calling or Career? (Rebekah Sharpe)

    Have you ever struggled with feeling you’re supposed to be one type of way when you walk through the office doors, and a whole different type of way when you walk through the church doors on Sunday? Because we live in a culture that champions “work, hustle, grind, repeat,” we’ve gotten pretty good at separating our career paths from our faith paths. But God didn’t intentionally create each one of us with a unique blend of gifts, passions, and talents so we’d only use them certain times of the week. We’re called to be workers for His kingdom both inside and outside the church walls! Join hosts Christin Thorpe and Rasool Berry as they sit down with Rebekah Sharpe and explore how we can tap into the full power, potential, and rest God desires for us to experience.    Guest Bio:   Rebekah Sharpe is a graduate of The University of Michigan and has been employed with Ford Motor Company for thirteen years. She currently works as a senior manager in the Customer Service Division. In 2023, Rebekah was appointed the global chair of the Ford Interfaith Network, affording her the opportunity to deepen her sense of humanity and further the peace-making process through empathy, education, and empowerment around the world. She was ordained as a minister in 2018 and has since authored two faith-based books, Millennial Transformations and Truths from The Throne. In 2021, she and her father, Luis, were elected as Ambassadors with the NFL Hall of Fame to bring resources and inspiration to families impacted by substance misuse and behavioral health issues.  In addition to speaking and sharing her story of turning wounds into wisdom, Rebekah co-hosts “Sharpe Talk, a podcast about faith, family, and football with Luis. She ardently believes “what the enemy meant for evil, God will use for our good and the saving of many other lives” and is a living testament of this truth. Rebekah currently serves in leadership at her local church and can be found stewarding intercessory prayer, passionately sharing the church announcements, on the women’s ministry leadership team, and hosting the annual Women’s Conference.  Verses Mentioned:   2 Timothy 1:7 The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20)  Matthew 5:16 Colossians 3:23 Exodus 31:3 Exodus 20:8 Genesis 2:2–3 2 Timothy 3:16–17 Jeremiah 29:11 Ephesians 4:11–12 Ephesians 2:10 Featured Links:   Keep the conversation going with the Discussion Guide from this episode! Rebekah’s Website: https://www.rebekahsharpe.com/ Follow Rebekah on Instagram and LinkedIn!  The Whole Man Project: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/the-whole-man Faith Under Construction Landing Page: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/faith-under-construction VOICES Community: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices Follow VOICES on Instagram

    54 min
  3. Self-Care or Soul Care? (Charlotte Crabbe)

    APR 20

    Self-Care or Soul Care? (Charlotte Crabbe)

    Guest Bio:   Charlotte Crabbe is the founder and president of Cultivate Vibrance, whose mission is to inspire Black women in leadership to be well, lead with authenticity, and live vibrantly. Her experience is diverse—from leading a nonprofit in New York City, to conference and event planning, to creating a DEI program that successfully built pathways for emerging leaders of color. Charlotte is also the co-author of The Rest Guide, a workbook that invites Black women to rediscover soul rest in Jesus. Most importantly, she is a daughter, an auntie, a runner, a community builder, and a woman of faith.    Episode Summary:   Doesn’t it feel like stress and anxiety have been our society’s default setting recently? It’s no surprise that in a world that confuses productivity with purpose more younger people are seeking anything and everything to help keep their mental health in check. But prioritizing our wellbeing means more than just self-care and being open to the idea of God. If we’re leaning into spirituality but not Jesus, we’re missing the mark. If we’re focusing on our physical care, but not our soul, we’ve ignored the whole plot. Join your hosts Dr. Christin Thorpe, Rasool Berry, and special guest Charlotte Crabbe as we explore what it means to cultivate an abundant, rest-filled life knowing God cares about every need—and the emotions that come with them.    Verses Mentioned:   Philippians 4:6-8 John 10:10 1 Kings 18:16–19:15 Psalm 46:10 Joshua 1:8 1 Timothy 4:8 Isaiah 54:4 Featured Links:   Keep the conversation going with the Discussion Guide from this episode! Looking for a new resource to help prioritize personal rest, prepare for a season of leadership support, or just a quick five-minute read that gives you a dose of encouragement? The Rest Guide is a tool for Black women seeking soul rest through the words of Jesus. Designed as a small companion book, this resource includes practical examples, Scripture, mental health practices, and prayer prompts. Order your copy! https://www.cultivatevibrance.org/rest-guideCultivate Vibrance’s Website: https://www.cultivatevibrance.org/ Follow Cultivate Vibrance on Instagram and Substack!  The Whole Man Project: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/the-whole-man Our Daily Bread Ministries: https://www.odbm.org Faith Under Construction Landing Page: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/faith-under-construction VOICES Community: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices Follow VOICES on Instagram

    57 min
  4. I Love God, But His People are Weird (Briana McCarthy)

    APR 13

    I Love God, But His People are Weird (Briana McCarthy)

    Guest Bio:   Briana McCarthy is the director of engagement for African American Ministries at Our Daily Bread Ministries and the founder and president of The Brilliant Tribe, a discipleship organization committed to equipping the church to intentionally follow Christ in everyday life—not just on Sundays. Additionally, Briana has had the opportunity to write for and partner with organizations such as the Jude 3 Project, Christianity Today, and the AND Campaign, contributing to thoughtful conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and discipleship.    Episode Summary:   Let’s be real: Christianity is a little weird, right? Like, what do you mean we’re supposed to love everyone wholeheartedly? We’re actually supposed to offer forgiveness to those who hurt us? In a perfect world, our church families would be constant, grace-filled communities where everyone found a home. But in today’s reality, our churches are being called to disciple growing populations of those who are hurting, skeptical, or de-churched—and still need to unify them under Christ’s standards. But before we can hold accountability with one another, we need Christ-like relationships. And for Christ-like relationships to thrive, we need grace. Join today’s episode with Rasool, Christin, and special guest Briana McCarthy as we see how Scripture helps us define what it means to be part of a healthy church family.    Verses Mentioned:   1 Peter 2:9 1 Corinthians 11:1 Matthew 15:21–28 Luke 7:36–50 Romans 7 Featured Links:   Keep the conversation going with the Discussion Guide from this episode! Learn more about Briana’s work with The Brilliant Tribe on Instagram and Facebook! Briana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambrianamccarthy Faith Under Construction Landing Page: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/faith-under-construction VOICES Community: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices Follow VOICES on Instagram

    1h 3m
  5. Is Christianity A White Man's Religion? (Dr. Eric Mason)

    APR 6

    Is Christianity A White Man's Religion? (Dr. Eric Mason)

    Guest Bio:   Dr. Eric Mason is the founder and lead pastor of Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia, PA. He is married to Yvette and has three sons—Immanuel, Nehemiah, and Ephraim—and one living daughter, Amalyah. Dr. Mason has been graced by God to preach and teach at churches and conferences in the US and abroad. He is the recipient of multiple earned degrees, including a BS in psychology from Bowie State University, a master of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a doctoral degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is the founder and president of Thriving, an urban resource organization committed to developing leaders for ministry in the urban context. Dr. Mason has written several books, including Manhood Restored, Woke Church, Beat God to the Punch, Unleashed, Urban Apologetics, and Nehemiah For You. After over two decades of gospel ministry, Dr. Mason is known for his unquenchable passion for seeing the glory of Jesus Christ.    Episode Summary:   Have you met someone who dismissed the Christian faith because it’s the “white man’s religion”? The relationships between race, ethnicity, culture, and church doctrine have been hot topics since the very beginning. And the conversations get even more complicated when misconceptions about how the faith and story of the Bible have been passed down—and its intended audience—get in the way. But here’s the real truth: God wants a relationship with everyone, and the good news of Jesus is for anyone. Join our conversation with Dr. Eric Mason as we address past and present misconceptions and discover what it means to reclaim our dignity, identity, and significance as image bearers of God.  Verses Mentioned:   Titus 3 Ephesians 3:2-5 Acts 17:26-27 Ephesians 2:14-15 Genesis 11:1-9 Acts 2:1-12 Acts 6:1-7 Galatians 5:1-12   Featured Links:   Keep the conversation going with the Discussion Guide from this episode! Dr. Eric Mason’s Website: https://www.pastoremase.com/ Dr. Eric Mason’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastoremase/?hl=en Faith Under Construction Landing Page: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/faith-under-construction VOICES Community: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices Follow VOICES on Instagram

    1h 4m
  6. I Have Jesus—Why Do I Need the Church? (Dr. Brianna Parker)

    MAR 30

    I Have Jesus—Why Do I Need the Church? (Dr. Brianna Parker)

    Guest Bio:   Rev. Dr. Brianna K. Parker is a nationally recognized author, faith leader, and data-driven strategist shaping the future of the Black Church and community transformation. As founder and CEO of Black Millennial Café, LLC (BMC), she leads the nation’s foremost research consultancy focused on faith, justice, and culture within Black communities. Her work provides empirical data, cultural insight, and strategic support to churches, nonprofits, and national movements.   Besides her work with BMC, Rev. Bri has served in pastoral leadership and in higher education as Dean of Chapel and adjunct professor at Paul Quinn College and as associate professor of Religion at Jarvis Christian University. Additionally, her published works include What Google Can’t Give, I Still Believe in the Black Church, and the forthcoming The Black Church Effect.     Episode Summary:   Church can mean many different things depending on who you ask. For some, it’s their second home, representing the community that raised them. For others, it’s a constant reminder of past hurts, present doubts, and the big “God questions” they’re trying to answer. God’s love, power within, and purpose for our lives isn’t contained by the church walls—but He uses the people and relationships within them to reach out amid our storms and help bring us back to Him. Join hosts Dr. Christin Thorpe and Rasool Berry as they sit down with Rev. Dr. Brianna Parker to share personal stories and data-driven insights about finding God, rebuilding faith, and the importance of being an active part of the body of Christ.  Verses Mentioned:   Isaiah 64:6 Revelation 12:11 Matthew 18:18-20 John 16:33 2 Kings 4:1-7  Featured Links:   Keep the conversation going with the Discussion Guide from this episode! Follow Black Millennial Café on Facebook and  Instagram!  Rev. Bri’s Instagram  Faith Under Construction Landing Page:  https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/faith-under-construction Thriving Black Church Initiative: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices/thriving-black-church-initiative VOICES Community: https://www.odbm.org/en/voices Follow VOICES on Facebook and Instagram

    1h 12m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

What if faith isn’t about pretending to have it all figured out? Faith Under Construction centers Black Millennials and Gen Z voices wrestling openly with Christianity — its beauty, its baggage, and its place in our culture. As they engage in thoughtful conversations with experts at the intersection of faith and culture, the hosts Rasool Berry and Christin Thorpe dive deep into the big questions so many in the Black community are wrestling with—questions about God, justice, the church, and identity. Things like: • If I have Jesus, do I really need the church? • Is Christianity a white, oppressive religion? • What do I do with my doubts? … and so much more. This isn’t church PR. It’s real people navigating belief in public. Whether you’re committed, curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between — there’s space for you here. #FaithUnderConstruction #FaithAndCulture #BlackVoices #SpiritualQuestions

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