Ever had that moment when you realized you needed glasses for the first time or found yourself relying on coffee just to get through the day? This episode is an honest exploration of the Hip Hop genre’s 50-year milestone and the aging of its trailblazers. We contrast the often negative views of aging in American society with biblical teachings that celebrate growing older as part of the path to wisdom and spiritual growth.

Our discussion navigates the complex intergenerational dynamics within hip hop, examining how older artists strive to stay relevant instead of embracing maturity. We touch on the disconnect between maintaining a youthful image and the respect that should accompany age, highlighting timeless virtues like self-control and dignity. As we reflect on the beauty of aging with grace and wisdom, we suggest that aging can add meaningful depth to our lives. The episode wraps up with a hopeful prayer for aging gracefully to the glory of God, encouraging you to embrace your journey with dignity and grace.

Chapters

• Navigating the Realities of Aging

• Perception of Self

• Aging in Hip Hop

• Embracing the Glory of Old Age

About the Hosts

Shai Linne (@shailinne) (Host) is an author and recording artist who has released numerous acclaimed Christian hip-hop albums. After completing a pastoral internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C., Shai co-founded Risen Christ Fellowship, an inner-city church in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA. As an author, Shai’s most recent book is The New Reformation: Finding Hope in the Fight for Ethnic Unity (published in May 2021). Shai has been married to his wife Blair for 14 years. They have three children and live in Portland, OR.

Ben Otero (@benotero) (Co-host) is a senior web developer for a Church Plant Media, an organization that serves churches and missions organizations. Ben grew up in Tampa, Florida before moving to Philadelphia to study at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a degree in economics. In addition to being a student of hip-hop culture, Ben is an elder at Crown and Joy Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, where He lives with Jeraldine, his wife of 19 years, and their 8 children.

William “Duce” Branch (@ambassador215) (a.k.a. The Ambassador) (Co-host) is a pioneering Christian Hip-hop artist and professor. Duce served for over a decade as a co-founder and leader, and primary spokesperson for the nationally acclaimed Christian rap ministry, The Cross Movement. He also co-planted and co-pastored an urban church in North Philadelphia from 2004-2009. Duce is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., where he also serves as an adjunct professor for the College at Southeastern. He and his wife Michelle have been married for 27 years. They live in Wake Forest, NC and have four children

Credits

Executive Producer - Thomas J Terry

Recorded By - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Humble Beast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional Production Elements - Miguel A. Iniesta

Editing and Mixing by - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This season is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brilliance Labs

In this episode, we reflect on the continual learning and relearning essential for a vibrant spiritual life. From the importance of Bible reading and prayer to the vital role of church involvement, we discuss how life's trials and busyness can cause these practices to gradually wane. Maintaining them is crucial for spiritual health. We share practical insights on integrating the spiritual and secular aspects of life, prioritizing communion with God, and starting each day in His presence. Drawing inspiration from Jesus' early morning prayers, we illustrate how adopting such habits can deeply enrich one's walk with the Lord.

We also look at how the natural world's inherent rhythms are part of God's design and how routines teach us to seek nourishment and joy from Him continually. Unlike physical hunger, neglecting spiritual disciplines can lead to a diminished sense of need for God— even an increased appetite for worldly things, fostering a false sense of self-sufficiency. Conversely, consistently tapping into the means of grace, such as prayer and scripture, can increase our spiritual hunger and desire for God. Ultimately, spiritual disciplines are not mere obligations but opportunities to grow closer to God and delight in His presence.

Chapters

• Spiritual Disciplines for Christian Growth

• Practicing Spiritual Consistency Over Time

• Nurturing a Spiritual Appetite

About the Hosts

Shai Linne (@shailinne) (Host) is an author and recording artist who has released numerous acclaimed Christian hip-hop albums. After completing a pastoral internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C., Shai co-founded Risen Christ Fellowship, an inner-city church in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA. As an author, Shai’s most recent book is The New Reformation: Finding Hope in the Fight for Ethnic Unity (published in May 2021). Shai has been married to his wife Blair for 13 years. They have three children and live in Portland, OR.

Ben Otero (@benotero) (Co-host) is a senior web developer for a Church Plant Media, an organization that serves churches and missions organizations. Ben grew up in Tampa, Florida before moving to Philadelphia to study at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a degree in economics. In addition to being a student of hip-hop culture, Ben is an elder at Crown and Joy Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, where He lives with Jeraldine, his wife of 18 years, and their 8 children.

William “Duce” Branch (@ambassador215) (a.k.a. The Ambassador) (Co-host) is a pioneering Christian Hip-hop artist and professor. Duce served for over a decade as a co-founder and leader, and primary spokesperson for the nationally acclaimed Christian rap ministry, The Cross Movement. He also co-planted and co-pastored an urban church in North Philadelphia from 2004-2009. Duce is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., where he also serves as an adjunct professor for the College at Southeastern. He and his wife Michelle have been married for 26 years. They live in Wake Forest, NC and have four children

Credits

Executive Producer - Thomas J Terry

Recorded By - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Humble Beast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional Production Elements - Miguel A. Iniesta

Editing and Mixing by - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This season is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brilliance Labs

In the early 2000’s, the unlikely alliance between predominantly White Reformed evangelicals and the African American Christian hip-hop community shattered conventional church norms. Together, they embarked on a bold experiment to model unity in Christ across ethnic lines. Yet these partnerships faced multifaceted challenges. The optimism of the early 2000s gradually dissolved into frustration, significant fragmentation and disillusionment. This was largely fueled by the varying responses to the backdrop of ethnic tension in our culture.

We dissect the painful yet crucial conversations that these tensions provoked within multi-ethnic congregations. And seek to offer an honest look at the relational strife that emerged, stressing the urgency for a reset and a renewed commitment to love and understanding.

Our conversation delves into historical perspectives and the power of viewing each other through the gospel and New Creation lenses. Reflecting on figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and contrasting with Malcolm X’s approach, we discuss the importance of rejecting demonization of others and bearing witness to God’s kingdom.

Chapters

• A Marriage of Movements

• A Growing Divide in Gospel Rooted Partnerships

• Learning From the Past

• Unity Through the Gospel Amid Ethnic Injustice

• Navigating a Path Forward

Referenced Resources

Sermon by Shai Lynne: Faith Alone and Ethnic Unity

About the Hosts

Shai Linne (@shailinne) (Host) is an author and recording artist who has released numerous acclaimed Christian hip-hop albums. After completing a pastoral internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C., Shai co-founded Risen Christ Fellowship, an inner-city church in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA. As an author, Shai’s most recent book is The New Reformation: Finding Hope in the Fight for Ethnic Unity (published in May 2021). Shai has been married to his wife Blair for 13 years. They have three children and live in Portland, OR.

Ben Otero (@benotero) (Co-host) is a senior web developer for a Church Plant Media, an organization that serves churches and missions organizations. Ben grew up in Tampa, Florida before moving to Philadelphia to study at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a degree in economics. In addition to being a student of hip-hop culture, Ben is an elder at Crown and Joy Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, where He lives with Jeraldine, his wife of 18 years, and their 8 children.

William “Duce” Branch (@ambassador215) (a.k.a. The Ambassador) (Co-host) is a pioneering Christian Hip-hop artist and professor. Duce served for over a decade as a co-founder and leader, and primary spokesperson for the nationally acclaimed Christian rap ministry, The Cross Movement. He also co-planted and co-pastored an urban church in North Philadelphia from 2004-2009. Duce is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., where he also serves as an adjunct professor for the College at Southeastern. He and his wife Michelle have been married for 26 years. They live in Wake Forest, NC and have four children

Credits

Executive Producer - Thomas J Terry

Recorded By - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Humble Beast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional Production Elements - Miguel A. Iniesta

Editing and Mixing by - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This season is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brilliance Labs