Above the Divide

Paula Dannielle

There's nothing like division to make a movement powerless, and the Church is no exception. From voting, who can serve in leadership, or how senior pastors and associates work together, the Church has several places where we need to find common ground to point to a loving Savior. Jesus prayed that we might be one, even as he and the Father were one, so the world would know him. Above the Divide is here to help us reach that goal. To be one. To be unified. To show love in such a powerful way that the world sees God!

Episodes

  1. 11/14/2024

    Two Groups One Party: Ephesians 4

    In this episode of Above the Divide, Paula Dannielle and Pastor David Brown discuss the importance of unity and healing in a politically charged environment. They reflect on the recent election, the challenges of bridging divides, and the significance of Ephesians 4 in fostering community and understanding. The conversation emphasizes the need for humility and gentleness in navigating differing perspectives, recognizing that our identities and beliefs can often become intertwined with political issues. Ultimately, it underscores God's compassion and the significance of personal growth in navigating these challenges. David grew up in the beautiful foothills of Tennessee. He later graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Industrial Engineering. After he encountered the Lord, he followed His call into ministry. He received his Masters of Divinity and Masters in Christian Counseling from Gordon Conwell in Charlottte, NC. Recently, he earned a Doctorate in Ministry from Portland Seminary in Leadership and Spiritual Formation. David has served in pastoral and leadership roles in several churches in the Charlotte area. He desires for all to encounter the Father’s love and be transformed into the son or daughter of God they were created to be. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have 5 lovely daughters. David enjoys board games, hiking, and curating “dad jokes” for fun. Email David Brown at mailto:david.brown@aptchurch.org Connect with A Place at the Table Church Connect with Paula Dannielle on Instagram or via email Connect with Cohesion on IG or at mailto:connect@cohesionclt.org Follow Above the Divide on Instagram

    Two Groups One Party: Ephesians 4
  2. 11/07/2024

    Communicating with Dignity

    In this episode of Above the Divide, Pastor Paula Dannielle and Pastor Courage Molina discuss the importance of communicating with dignity, especially in a world where conversations can quickly turn indignant. They explore the significance of asking the right questions, understanding context, and the role of relationships in effective communication. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness, humility, and relinquishing control over outcomes to the Holy Spirit, particularly when addressing complex topics. Courage Molina is the lead pastor of Bold Faith Community Church, an online church for women ready to read, understand, and live out God's Word with boldness and confidence. She's the host of the Courageous Disciples podcast and creator of Courageous Disciples, a discipleship program and community where women learn to dive deep into the Bible and walk boldly in their faith, pursuing what God has called them to do and who He's called them to be. Author of Power Principles of Courageous Living, Courage shares real-life stories and practical insights to help women build unshakeable confidence through a deep, genuine relationship with God. Her mission? To equip women to seek, hear, and obey God's voice above all else. Off the clock. Courage is living and loving the family she's been blessed with in North Carolina, enjoying every good thing God has given her. Connect with Courage Molina on Instagram or via email Connect with Bold Faith Community Church on Instagram Connect with Paula Dannielle on https://www.instagram.com/paula_dannielle/ or at mailto:pdannielle@pauladannielle.com Connect with Cohesion or at mailto:connect@cohesionclt.org Follow Above the Divide on https://www.instagram.com/above_the_divide/

    Communicating with Dignity
  3. 10/30/2024

    Two Sides of the Same Coin: Justice & Righteousness

    In the Old Testament, the same word is used for righteousness and justice. The words are found together throughout the Bible, including in the New Testament. In many denominational traditions, Luke 4:18-19 is not just seen as referring to life after death but our life right now. This episode will discuss how justice and righteousness intertwine and indicate our love for God and our neighbor. This episode will also discuss how we use justice and righteousness in the voting booth to express our faithfulness to God and our love for our neighbors. Rev. Angela V. Walker, Ph.D., is an educator and pastor in Greater Charlotte. She has been engaged in ministry since 1995 and has served as pastor to six congregations over the span of 21 years. In May 2024, she launched a new ministry called Oasis City Mission, which currently meets at the Comfort Suites Northlake and aims to bring a healing touch to Charlotte communities via outreach. As an educator, Walker has taught both high school and college; her areas of interest are language and culture. Connect with Pastor Angela on Instagram or via email. Pastor Josué Rodriguez launched Casa Viva Church, a Spanglish church in Charlotte created to help bridge the gap between 1st and 2nd generation Hispanic families and multi-ethnic couples. Connect with Josué on Instagram or via email. Connect with Paula Dannielle on Instagram or at via email. Connect with Cohesion or via email Follow Above the Divide on Instagram Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 5-7 -- Sermon on the MountGenesis 3 -- Satan's deception of EveLuke 10:25-37 -- Parable of the Good Samaritan

    Two Sides of the Same Coin: Justice & Righteousness
  4. 10/23/2024

    Civic Engagement: Christian Responsibility or Secular Distraction

    All Christians are affected by and involved in politics, whether they recognize it or not. Opinions on whether Christians should intentionally engage with the political sphere range from encouraged disengagement to deliberate and concentrated participation. This episode discusses Biblical reasons for political engagement, why some traditions encourage disengagement, positive changes in our political landscape led by the Church, and how to handle the tension between responsibility and distraction. Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu is the Senior Pastor of Baptist Grove Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Rev. Akinbinu was ordained in September 2009 and has earned degrees from Washington Bible College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Duke University. In August 2007, Pastor Akinbinu married the love of his life, Angel. They are the proud parents of Alivia and Elijah. Connect with Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu on Instagram or at Pastor@baptistgrovechurch.org Connect with Baptist Grove Church Connect with Paula Dannielle on https://www.instagram.com/paula_dannielle/ or at mailto:pdannielle@pauladannielle.com Connect with Cohesion or at mailto:connect@cohesionclt.org Follow Above the Divide on https://www.instagram.com/above_the_divide/ Helpful Links from this Episode: Shcall, Jo Ann. Constantine's Effect on Early Christianity.Biblical Archeology Society. Who were the Essenes?Martin Luther King, Jr. & the Beloved CommunityWallis, Jim. The False White Gospel. Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 22:15-22 -- Render to Caesar what is Caesar'sAmos 5:24 -- Let justice roll down like a riverJohn 17:14-16 -- "in the world but not of the world" paraphrase

    Civic Engagement: Christian Responsibility or Secular Distraction
  5. 10/01/2024

    3 Stranded Cord: Great Commandment, Great Commission, Great Requirement

    Many of our church practices lean solely into getting people to a salvation confession moment, or we focus unevenly on loving others, and even sometimes, we are so justice-focused that we miss calling people to follow Jesus. These foci divide us from other churches, denominations, and each other, especially in high-tension political seasons. In this episode, Justin Taylor talks with Paula Dannielle about how these three may actually go together and form a world we have yet to experience. Let's listen together now to strengthen this cord. Today's guest is Justin Taylor. Justin was born and raised in South Africa and came to Charlotte, NC, to marry his true love, Amber, who grew up at Carmel Baptist Church, where Justin now serves as the Worship Pastor. They’ve been married for 16 years and have three boys. Justin is passionate about worship that is God-glorifying, Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, Theologically-rich, and Scripture-soaked. The congregation would sing together their heads, yes, but from the heart! Connect with Justin at justint@carmelbaptist.org Get today's music and more Carmel Baptist Church on Spotify Connect with Paula Dannielle on https://www.instagram.com/paula_dannielle/ or at pdannielle@pauladannielle.com Connect with Cohesion or at connect@cohesionclt.org Follow Above the Divide on https://www.instagram.com/above_the_divide/ Read more: Great Commandment in Matthew 22:34-40 Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 Great Requirement in Micah 6:8

    3 Stranded Cord: Great Commandment, Great Commission, Great Requirement

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

There's nothing like division to make a movement powerless, and the Church is no exception. From voting, who can serve in leadership, or how senior pastors and associates work together, the Church has several places where we need to find common ground to point to a loving Savior. Jesus prayed that we might be one, even as he and the Father were one, so the world would know him. Above the Divide is here to help us reach that goal. To be one. To be unified. To show love in such a powerful way that the world sees God!