36 episodes

The Radical Middle Podcast is a place where we embrace tension and talk about the things you wish your church would talk about. The middle is not a centrist point of view, but rather it is a place of dialogue where we can search out the truth of Jesus by pushing into the tension of it.

The Radical Middle UYWI

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 2.7 • 3 Ratings

The Radical Middle Podcast is a place where we embrace tension and talk about the things you wish your church would talk about. The middle is not a centrist point of view, but rather it is a place of dialogue where we can search out the truth of Jesus by pushing into the tension of it.

    "Just Be Honest": Navigating Faith and Authenticity While Balancing the Sacred & Secular

    "Just Be Honest": Navigating Faith and Authenticity While Balancing the Sacred & Secular

    In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal welcome Alexander James, a poet, pastor, and author, to delve into his latest book, "Just Be Honest." Join the conversation as they explore the delicate balance between faith and conformity, particularly in urban settings. With a focus on integrating spirituality into everyday life, they encourage listeners to embrace authenticity and vulnerability. Prepare to challenge your perspective on living out faith genuinely and openly.
    Support the show & Follow Us
    ✅ Instagram
    ✅ Twitter
    ✅ TikTok

    • 40 min
    Inclusion: Balancing Belief and Relevant Media Consumption

    Inclusion: Balancing Belief and Relevant Media Consumption

    Join hosts Tommy Nixon, Vanessa, and Joseph Adam Cruz on  The Radical Middle podcast as they delve into the complex interplay between faith and engagement with secular music and media. In this thought-provoking episode, they tackle the tension of maintaining one's beliefs and truths while navigating the landscape of inclusion and tolerance.
    Through candid conversation and insightful reflections, the hosts explore the nuances between acceptance and approval, urging listeners to discern wisely in their media choices. They delve into how these decisions not only impact individual spiritual and emotional well-being but also influence the broader community.
    Drawing from their expertise in youth and young adult ministry, the hosts emphasize the importance of fostering a mature, relational approach to faith. They advocate for mindfulness in media consumption, encouraging young Christians to navigate a balanced path that upholds their faith convictions while engaging thoughtfully with popular culture.
    Tune in to discover practical insights and empowering perspectives on maintaining faith integrity in a secular world, while prioritizing spiritual and emotional health.


    Support the show & Follow Us
    ✅ Instagram
    ✅ Twitter
    ✅ TikTok

    • 33 min
    Reviving Evangelism: Embracing Modern Approaches to Share the Gospel

    Reviving Evangelism: Embracing Modern Approaches to Share the Gospel

    In this episode of  The Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy and Vanessa invite special guest Joseph Adam Cruz to explore the evolution of evangelism, discussing the changing tides of gospel outreach, acknowledging the fading effectiveness of traditional methods - championing a shift towards more personal, relational approaches that emphasize genuine connections over outdated tactics.
    Joseph Adam Cruz brings a unique perspective to the table, sharing how his passion for hip-hop  has become an unexpected yet powerful tool for spreading the message of faith. Through his experiences, he highlights the importance of striking a balance between public expressions of belief and the deeper, more intimate connections we forge with others.
    This episode isn't just about identifying the challenges facing evangelism today; it's about embracing the opportunities for growth and innovation. By redefining what it means to evangelize in the modern world, we can create spaces where people encounter the transformative love of God in the midst of their everyday lives.


    Support the show & Follow Us
    ✅ Instagram
    ✅ Twitter
    ✅ TikTok

    • 34 min
    Exploring Truth: Navigating Complexity in Youth Leadership

    Exploring Truth: Navigating Complexity in Youth Leadership

    In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Vanessa Cruz dive into the fascinating realm of truth as perceived by today's young leaders. They highlight an intriguing shift that's been happening since around 2016—a move towards a more nuanced understanding of truth, one that's less black and white and more about shades of gray. This shift emphasizes flexibility and acknowledges the existence of partial truths.
    Tommy and Vaness stress the importance of real-life evidence and personal stories in uncovering truth, particularly within the context of Christian beliefs. They argue that it's not just about what you're told but also about what you've experienced and seen for yourself.
    The conversation delves into the struggles that many young leaders face when it comes to expressing their beliefs openly. There's this constant tug-of-war between staying true to oneself and conforming to societal norms. The fear of being ostracized or labeled as different often holds them back from speaking up.
    Amidst these challenges, there's also a call for authenticity and humility in leadership. Tommy and Vanessa advocate for leaders to be genuine and open-minded, willing to listen and learn from the perspectives of younger generations. They highlight the transformative power of personal experiences, arguing that they often have a more profound impact on shaping faith than simply memorizing facts or doctrines.


    Support the show & Follow Us
    ✅ Instagram
    ✅ Twitter
    ✅ TikTok

    • 27 min
    Navigating Toxicity: Leading in Challenging Church Environments

    Navigating Toxicity: Leading in Challenging Church Environments

    Welcome to The Radical Middle - In this episode, we tackle the crucial issue of toxicity within church organizations. Join us as Len, a seasoned leadership development expert, joins forces with Tommy - together sharing invaluable insights gleaned from their diverse experiences. We will be discussing the following:
    How do you discern the toxicity levels in your church environment? How do you identify red flags, such as unhealthy power dynamics and a lack of transparency? Moreover, what are the actionable steps for effecting positive change within your organization, equipping you to foster a healthier ministry culture.
    And what if the toxicity becomes too overwhelming? Len addresses the difficult decision of when it's appropriate to consider moving on, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity in ministry.
    Whether you're striving to navigate toxicity or cultivate a culture of authenticity and growth, The Radical Middle provides the guidance and encouragement you need in today's church landscape.
    Tune in to gain insights on fostering positive change and navigating the complexities of ministry with grace and wisdom.


    Support the show & Follow Us
    ✅ Instagram
    ✅ Twitter
    ✅ TikTok

    • 33 min
    Navigating Urban Culture: Balancing Relevant Ratchetness and Holiness

    Navigating Urban Culture: Balancing Relevant Ratchetness and Holiness

    In urban settings, we often find ourselves caught between two worlds: the raw authenticity of our surroundings and the call to live lives that reflect God's holiness. It's a tension we can't ignore.
    We're faced with the challenge of staying relevant to our community while also striving to live lives that honor God. How do we reconcile the ratchetness, that is often tied to certain elements of urban culture, with the righteousness we're called to embody?
    It's about confronting the hypocrisy head-on. We can't ignore the realities of urban life, but we also can't use them as excuses to stray from our commitment to holiness.
    How do we strike that balance between being authentic and being holy? It's a question we need to wrestle with as we navigate the beautiful complexities of urban culture and our faith.
    Support the show & Follow Us
    ✅ Instagram
    ✅ Twitter
    ✅ TikTok

    • 49 min

Customer Reviews

2.7 out of 5
3 Ratings

3 Ratings

longlines today ,

Ok podcast

Some topics are outside of the scope of what the communicators know. Perspectives are not always thought out and may cause confusion and not bring clarity. I’m-giving an extra star for the effort to tackle tough issues.

Top Podcasts In Religion & Spirituality

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
The Bible Recap
Tara-Leigh Cobble
BibleProject
BibleProject Podcast
In Totality with Megan Ashley
Megan Ashley
Girls Gone Bible
Girls Gone Bible
WHOA That's Good Podcast
Sadie Robertson Huff

You Might Also Like