In this episode, we are diving deep into the connection between art, faith, and leadership development. During their recent trip to Ghana, Pastor Phil and DJ Ruckus were invited as guests on 93.1 FM to share their work with the Firehouse and the community.

The episode starts off by reflecting on the previous episode about black history in Ghana and how African Americans can be a healing force for the tragedies that have occurred in Africa and America due to slavery and African American history. They also discuss the racial profiling of black people and the exploitation of Africa’s resources by other countries.

Creativity and Faith

The conversation then shifts to the topic of art and faith and how they can be used to develop leaders. The group discuss the Firehouse Community Arts Center, which is a space for young people to express themselves through art and develop their leadership skills. They believe that art and faith can be used to inspire and empower young people to become leaders in their communities.

They also touch on the issue of millennials feeling disconnected from the church and the need for churches to serve a greater purpose in the community and connect with younger generations. Pastor Phil emphasizes the importance of infusing the arts, specifically hip hop, into their work to stay connected with the younger generation.

They also discuss plans to create a program that brings young people from the United States to Ghana to learn about their African heritage and culture. They believe that this will help African Americans reconnect with their lost identity and understand their ancestors’ struggles.

Overall, this episode highlights the importance of living out one’s faith and using creativity to develop leaders who can make a positive impact on society. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation!

As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts and feedback with us. Tune in to the full episode to hear more from Pastor Phil and DJ Ruckus on the impact of art and faith in and on our communities.

Missed an episode? Check out our podcast page for full episodes. And tune in Sundays at 10 am est. | 9 am cst. to Church on the Block on Holy Culture Radio, Sirius XM Channel 154. Want to support the work? shop our online store today!

TIME REFERENCES:

Black History through the eyes of West Africa [00:00:29] The hosts discuss their previous episode about black history through the eyes of West Africa, specifically Ghana.

Connection between Art and Faith [00:01:35] The hosts introduce a conversation about the connection between art and faith and how they can be used to develop leaders.

Low Moment in Ghana [00:04:26] Rashana Bouy shares her low moment of being searched for drugs by military police after leaving a club in Ghana.

Low moments in Ghana [00:05:58] Discussion about the unfair relationship between America and Ghana, including issues with cocoa pricing and historical injustices.

Exploitation in Ghana [00:08:10] Discussion about how foreigners take resources and minerals from Ghana, including an example of an expensive gold chain made from Ghanaian gold.

Art and faith for leadership development [00:08:47] Introduction to the topic of using art and faith to develop leaders, specifically discussing the House and Firehouse Community Arts Center.

The Power of Art and Faith [00:09:21] The hosts discuss how art and faith can be used to empower and transform young people’s lives.

Art and Faith: A Meshing of Sacred and Secular [00:12:23] The hosts challenge the idea that art and faith should be separated and discuss how they should be meshed together.

Injustice of Separating Art and Faith [00:12:41] The hosts discuss the theological injustice of separating art and faith, which they believe was imposed by white European epistemology and theology.

Faith in Creative Space [00:13:22] Discussion on the acceptance of faith in creative spaces, with examples from the UFC and American schools.

Touchable Faith [00:14:59] The importance of having a faith that can be practically applied in daily life, with reference to doubting Thomas and the need for a “touchable faith.”

Developing Leaders [00:16:29] Terence Foster, a life coach, discusses his work with young people who have lost their cultural identity and the importance of positive male role models.

Millennials and the Church [00:19:58] Discussion on millennials not feeling connected to the church and the issue of churches not serving the community.

Art and Faith [00:19:24] The connection between art and faith and how they can be used to develop leaders.

Someone You Need to Know [00:18:28] Introduction to the podcast “Someone You Need to Know” and the types of guests interviewed, including everyday heroes, former NFL players, entrepreneurs, artists, and actors.

The Evolution of Church Music [00:22:33] The hosts discuss the evolution of church music and how it has changed over time, from demonizing blues music to accepting instruments like synthesizers, drums, guitars, and bass in church.

Challenges with Liberalism in Christian Music [00:23:08] The hosts discuss the challenges with liberalism in Christian music, citing an example of K Franklin being bashed for not acknowledging God when he went to pick another award.

Infusing Hip Hop into Faith and Art [00:25:02] The hosts discuss the importance of infusing hip hop into faith and art to keep it real and in touch with the current generation. They also talk about the need for churches to become holistic restorative institutions that help people with their basic needs like food and job creation.

Building Relationships [00:26:11] Terrance AKA DJ Ruckus talks about his role as a navigator and how he builds relationships with young people to help them deal with their inner trauma.

From Mentor to Staff [00:28:05] DJ Ruckus talks about how he mentored a young guy named Qui and how he is now on staff with them.

Disseminating Information about Art and Faith [00:29:56] Rashanah Baldwin shares her opinion on disseminating information about art and the relevance of God in it.

Art and Faith [00:30:07] The hosts discuss the connection between art and faith and how they can be used to develop leaders.

Being Independent Thinkers [00:31:02] Rashanah Baldwin shares her low moment of being searched for drugs by military police after leaving a club in Ghana and emphasizes the importance of being free thinkers and not being held hostage to one belief.

Balanced Relationship with God [00:33:31] The hosts talk about the need to have balanced relationships with God and how actions speak louder than words in showing young people the way.

Leadership and Faith [00:34:37] The hosts discuss the dangers of creating a dependency on a leader instead of encouraging personal growth and critical thinking.

Living Out Faith [00:37:04] The hosts emphasize the importance of living out one’s faith in a practical way, rather than just preaching it.

Challenges in the System [00:37:57] Korku Lumor asks if there are plans to change minds and assesses the situation regarding challenges in the system.

Bringing Young People to Ghana [00:38:17] Discussion on the plan to bring young African Americans to Ghana to understand their ancestry and culture.

Partnerships and Media [00:40:43] Discussion on plans to create partnerships and work with media houses, including podcasters, to share stories and connect with the community.

Similarities between Accra and Downtown Chicago [00:41:56] Discussion on the similarities between the busyness, traffic, and consumerism of Accra and Downtown Chicago.

Black on Black Crime [00:43:09] Discussion on the increase of black on black crime in Chicago and the reasons behind it, including trauma and lack of resources.

The Narrative of Black on Black Crime [00:45:12] The hosts and guest discuss the need to change the narrative around black on black crime and focus on the lack of resources, education, and health care in black communities.

Low Moment in Ghana [00:42:48] Rashanah shares her experience of being searched for drugs by military police after leaving a club in Ghana.

Church in Ghana [00:47:39] The hosts discuss the possibility of attending church in Ghana and the importance of creating a space for young people to see progress in their faith.

Art and Faith [00:48:47] The guests discuss the connection between art and faith and how they can be used to develop leaders.

Rashanah’s Low Moment [00:49:05] Rashanah shares her low moment of being searched for drugs by military police after leaving a club in Ghana.