Episodes

  • Lisa Fields and Dr. Vincent Bacote wrestle with one of Christianity's most uncomfortable questions: what do you do when one of your heroes is racist?

    Using Abraham Kuyper as a case study, Dr. Bacote shares how discovering the theologian's racist writings forced him to wrestle with whether profound theological insights can be separated from serious moral failures.

    Together, they examine:

    Why we put Christian leaders on pedestalsThe psychology behind the "halo effect"How hero worship fuels disappointment and cancel cultureWhether we should reject everything a fallen leader taughtWhy Jesus—not any pastor, theologian, or celebrity—is the only perfect hero

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

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  • In this honest conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Esau McCaulley to discuss the difficult reality of fallen leaders, public scandals, and the impact they have on those who looked up to them.

    Drawing from Lisa's book When Heroes Fall, they explore what Scripture teaches about accountability, grace, trauma, healing, and the danger of confusing gifting with character. Together, they wrestle with questions many believers face:

    • Can someone do genuine good and still cause great harm?• How should Christians respond when trusted leaders fail?• What does biblical accountability actually look like?• How do we process disappointment without losing our faith?

    This conversation offers a thoughtful framework for navigating grief, disillusionment, and healing while keeping our eyes fixed on Christ—not human heroes.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

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  • When a leader falls, why does it affect us so deeply?

    Lisa Fields sits down with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Stacie Otey Scott to unpack the emotional, spiritual, and psychological impact of hero failure. Together, they explore how unresolved trauma, misplaced expectations, and unhealed wounds can shape the way we respond when people we admire disappoint us.

    From forgiveness and accountability to restoration and healing, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone struggling with betrayal, church hurt, broken relationships, or the fallout of a fallen hero.

    Together they unpack:• Why we place people on pedestals• How trauma influences our reactions to disappointment• The difference between accountability and punishment• Why forgiveness is essential for healing• How unresolved pain can shape future relationships• What true restoration really looks like

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

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    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • What do young people really think about Christianity?

    At Jackson State University, Jude 3 Project's ASK Initiative brought students and scholars together for an honest conversation about faith, doubt, suffering, sexuality, science, church hurt, and the reliability of the Bible. No question was off limits.

    Featuring Lisa Fields, Dr. Quonekuia Day, and Damon Richardson, this discussion creates space for the questions many people are asking but few are willing to discuss openly.

    Whether you're wrestling with faith, exploring Christianity, or looking for thoughtful answers to difficult questions, this conversation is for you.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

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    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • What does it mean to be Black and evangelical?

    Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Vincent Bacote to explore the history, tensions, and contributions of Black evangelicals in America. From the legacy of leaders like John Perkins and Tom Skinner to the ongoing challenges of faith, belonging, and justice, this conversation uncovers a story that is often overlooked but deeply important.

    They discuss:• The origins of the Black and Evangelical documentary• How the meaning of "evangelical" has changed over time• The unique experience of Black evangelicals in predominantly white spaces• Why faith must connect belief with action• Lessons from church history that still matter today

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • In this episode, host Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Esau McCaulley to unpack the tension people feel around Paul’s writings on slavery, gender, sexuality, and biblical authority — while confronting the ways Scripture has been misused throughout history.

    Is Jesus the loving Savior while Paul is the strict legalist? Dr. McCaulley breaks down the distinct cultural contexts of Jesus's and Paul's ministries to explain why their approaches and audiences were so different.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

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    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • In this powerful conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. JP Foster to unpack the pain, distortion, and truth surrounding faith in the Black community. From the slave Bible to Christian nationalism to deconstruction to liberation, this episode explores how the gospel was misused—and how Jesus still brings freedom, dignity, and hope.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

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    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • What does the Bible really say about women in leadership?

    In this episode, Lisa Fields and Preston Sprinkle go beyond the usual talking points and actually wrestle with the text — context, language, and all. From Old Testament prophets and the cultural backdrop of the early church to New Testament witnesses and the meaning behind key Greek words, this conversation breaks down why some verses aren’t as simple as they seem — and why that matters for how we understand leadership today.

    This isn’t about avoiding hard Scriptures. It’s about engaging them honestly without preconceived notions.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

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    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • Teens are spending hours on their phones… but what if that time actually led them to Scripture?

    On this episode, Pastor Stan Williams shares how his app Biblez is turning screen time into discipleship - helping students read more, stay consistent, and even want to engage with the Bible.

    Watch now and discover how the next generation can be drawn back to the Word.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • Is God male?Did we misunderstand the story of Jesus’ birth?And how does this shape how we view women, humanity, and the image of God?

    In this eye-opening conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Amy Peeler to unpack one of the most debated — and often misunderstood — topics in Christianity: the gender of God and the virgin birth.

    This episode tackles the questions many are afraid to ask:

    Is God male...or something beyond gender?Have we unknowingly sexualized the story of Mary and Jesus?How does Christianity differ from other ancient religious stories?What does the incarnation actually reveal about God’s nature?And why this conversation matters for how we view women, power, and identity today

    If you’ve ever wrestled with how to explain the virgin birth or the language we use for God… this is the conversation you need.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • Many believers say alcohol is fine as long as you’re not getting drunk. But what happens when it slowly becomes your way of coping with stress, anxiety, or pain?

    In this episode, Ericka Andersen shares how she struggled with alcohol for nearly 20 years while still active in church—and the moment she realized something had to change.

    They further unpack:• The hidden drinking struggles many Christians face• When alcohol becomes a coping mechanism• Why conviction around drinking looks different for everyone• The role of community in breaking addiction

    This is an honest conversation about faith, freedom, and confronting the habits we often hide.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • Are angels still at work today—or have we misunderstood the unseen realm?

    In this episode, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Dan Morrison to unpack what the Bible actually says about angels, demons, spiritual warfare, and the unseen realm in the New Testament. From Paul’s angelic encounters to modern conversations about deliverance, renouncing, and spiritual experiences, this discussion brings balance to a topic often filled with fear and hype.

    They explore:

    Why Scripture shows angels most often appearing in moments of isolation.How culture has overemphasized the demonic.Why a "demon under every rock" mentality can sometimes be a way to avoid personal responsibility and human agency.If “renouncing” things is actually biblical.Why spiritual maturity isn’t measured by supernatural fascination—but by Christlike love, responsibility, and community.Common misconceptions about the end times, Revelation, and the tendency to center modern events (especially in America) in apocalyptic interpretations.

    If you’re tired of sensationalized takes on the unseen realm and want a balanced, Scripture-rooted perspective, this conversation is for you!

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • In a world dominated by social media scrolls and "therapy talk," how do we find authentic spiritual formation? In this episode of the Jude 3 Project Podcast, host Lisa Fields sits down with author and speaker Elizabeth Woodson to discuss her latest book, Habits of Resistance.

    Together, they dive deep into the "false narratives" that steal our peace - from the trap of radical individualism to the escapism of binge-watching. Elizabeth shares how we can reclaim ancient spiritual disciplines like fasting and lament to navigate life's "bitter and sweet" seasons.

    In This Episode:

    Spiritual Formation vs. Social Media: How memes are shaping our character more than Scripture.The Loneliness Epidemic: Why "ghosting" and isolation are replacing deep, communal relationships. Navigating Disappointment: What to do when the life you have isn't the life you hoped for. AI & Connection: How real-world relationships act as a resistance against digital dependency.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • In this lecture from Jude 3 Project's 2022 Pastors & Leaders Conference, Alycia Wood walks through nine of the most common reasons people walk away from Christianity — from science, “blind faith” and moral issues to the problem of evil, church hurt, and the perception that religion is irrational or outdated.

    This isn’t about attacking atheists. It’s about understanding the questions behind the deconstruction—and learning how to engage them with clarity, compassion, and intellectual honesty.

    We explore:• Has science replaced God?• Is morality possible without a Creator?• Are atrocities proof religion is the problem?• Is faith blind—or evidence-based?• What does atheism actually offer in place of Christianity?

    If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt…If someone you love has left the faith…If you’ve been told Christianity is for “irrational thinkers”…

    This conversation is for you.

    Christianity doesn’t fear hard questions. It invites them.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • We’ve been taught that exhaustion means we’re doing it right.That carrying everything alone is strength.That rest can wait.

    But what if rest isn’t weakness — it’s trust?

    In this episode, Lisa Fields and Yvette Henry unpack why burnout isn’t a badge of honor, how hustle culture quietly shapes our faith, and why rest is actually an act of obedience. Drawing from John 15 and Yvette's new book "Release, Rest, Remain", this conversation invites you to loosen your grip, let go of control, and trust God with what was never yours to carry.

    Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do… is stop.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • Is the Bible actually the problem… or are we?

    In this session from Jude 3 Project's 2022 Pastors and Leaders Conference, Dr. Charlie Dates dismantles common critiques around racism, patriarchy, authority, and Scripture—and calls us back to a cleaner, more faithful reading of the Bible. No dodging. No fluff. Just truth.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • What does it mean to truly know who you are — when faith, culture, and history collide?

    This 2024 Courageous Conversation panel, moderated by Perrin Rogers and featuring Dr. Maliek Blade, Kobe Campbell, Khristi Lauren Adams, and Dr. Vince Bantu, wrestles with personhood, identity, and self-worth in the Black Christian experience. They move everything from generational trauma and cultural erasure to faith, belonging, and the image of God—naming the truths too often left unsaid.

    They also explore:- Is Christianity tied to whiteness?- How do we hold our cultural identity without losing our faith?- Can God meet us in gentleness, not just fear or performance?- What does healing look like for marginalized communities?

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • Can Christians engage politics without compromising their faith—or weaponizing it?

    This panel dives headfirst into one of the most pressing questions of our time: how faith should (and shouldn’t) shape our political engagement. From Christian nationalism to Gen Z disillusionment to the legacy of the Black Church, this conversation challenges believers to think deeper, listen better, and engage more faithfully in the public square.

    This isn’t about party loyalty — it’s about discipleship, discernment, and what it means to seek God’s kingdom here and now.

    Moderator: Steven HarrisPanelists: Michael McBride, Leah Daughtry, TreneĂŠ McGee, and Justin Giboney

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

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    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • Power can heal—or destroy. Which one are we choosing?

    In this 2024 Courageous Conversations panel, this unfiltered panel takes on one of the most misunderstood forces in our faith, churches, and communities: power.

    Moderated by David Bailey and featuring Mike Kelsey, Bishop Charley Hames Jr, Rahiel Tesfamariam, and Latasha Morrison, this panel explores power through the lenses of faith, leadership, pain, and responsibility. From the misuse of power in systems and churches to the quiet strength found in surrender, empathy, and love, this conversation challenges the narratives we’ve inherited—and the ones we perpetuate.

    You’ll hear reflections on:

    Power surrendered to God vs. power used for control

    How pain, suffering, and healing intersect

    The danger of adopting empire-driven views of success

    Leadership, stewardship, and succession in the Black church

    Why love must always be at the center of power

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

    Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org

    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

  • In this 2024 Courageous Conversations panel moderated by Jonathan Banks, a powerhouse group of leaders including Dr. Jessica Brown, Dr. Sarita Lyons, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr, and Dr. John C. Foster, unpack purpose beyond platforms, titles, and paychecks. From being created in God’s image to discerning calling, gifts, pain, and obedience, this panel challenges Western ideas of success and re-centers purpose on God’s glory.

    They examine:

    Purpose vs. Assignment: Why being a pastor or professional is your assignment, but not necessarily your purpose.The "Why" Question: Moving from the what of doing to the why of being.The Myth of Individualism: How Western Christianity has sometimes distorted purpose into a pursuit of platform, power, and prestige.Image Bearing: Understanding our foundational purpose as "image bearers" of God in the earth.Navigating Detours: How God handles our "wrong turns" and hits a moving target.The "Vanilla Extract" of Life: Why God doesn't waste your pain or past trauma when building your future.

    Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it.

    Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate

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    Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/