The Diversity of Unity: Is the Black Church Cultural? – w/ Rev John Cager

March 7, 2024

In this episode, Kevin Mannoia interviews Rev. John Cager, the presiding elder of the Midwest North District in the AME Church. Rev. Cager shares the history and uniqueness of the Black Church, which was founded due to racial segregation. He explains that the Black Church became a place of self-actualization for African Americans who faced oppression and discrimination in society. The church served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for education, communication, and acceptance. Rev. Cager also discusses the influence of the Holiness Movement on the Black Church, which led to more lively and expressive worship styles. He emphasizes the importance of the church empowering people and meeting their needs beyond just providing a place to shout and celebrate.Key TakeawaysThe Black Church was founded due to racial segregation and discrimination.The church became a place of self-actualization for African Americans who faced oppression in society.The Black Church served as a center for education, communication, and acceptance within the community.The Holiness Movement influenced the lively and expressive worship styles in the Black Church.The church must continue to empower people and meet their needs beyond just providing a place for celebration.Helpful Bible ReferencesGalatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”Acts 2:1-47 – Demonstrates the unity and diversity of the early church, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Black Church.1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – The church as one body with many diverse parts, all equally important and necessary.KeywordsBlack Church, AME Church, racial segregation, cultural expression, Holiness Movement, self-actualization, worship, diversity, unityLinks and ResourcesKevin Mannoia’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com/About the Podcast”Anchored & Reaching” is a weekly podcast for those eager to explore God’s ongoing story and find their place in it. Host Kevin Mannoia engages in thought-provoking conversations, offering practical insights and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to live dynamically, rooted in faith while actively engaging with the world.

Email: [email protected] Website: https://anchoredandreaching.com

Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Incoming Elders
Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Incoming Elders

The Free Methodist Church in Southern California proudly introduces our incoming Elders for 2025. These nine leaders have completed their journey toward ordination and represent diverse ministry contexts across our conference. Each brings unique gifts and perspectives while sharing a commitment to our core values of life-giving holiness, love-driven justice, and Christ-compelled multiplication.

This video introduces:
• Liz Cornell – Commission Church, Rancho Cucamonga
• Brian Scott – Foothill Community Church, Azusa
• Eleitino Tuiasosopo – Chapel of Change, Paramount
• Andrea Vaudrey – Commission Church, Rancho Cucamonga
• Reginald Wadlington – Centerpoint Church, Murrieta
• Jaime Winslow – Foothill Community Church, Azusa
• Meg Wolfgram – Santa Barbara Free Methodist Church, Santa Barbara
• Jessica Zittel – The Lamb’s Fellowship, Lake Elsinore
• Paul Zittel – The Lamb’s Fellowship, Lake Elsinore

Please join us in celebrating these leaders as they prepare for ordination at our Annual Conference.

FMCSC Annual Conference 2025: “Generation to Generation: His Power, His Glory, Our Future” May 16-17, 2025 at CenterPoint Church, Murrieta

Learn more and register: https://ac25.fmcsc.org

Follow us: @the_fmcsc
#FMCSCAC2025 #FreeMethodistChurch #SouthernCalifornia #Ordination #Elders

Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Conference Ministerial Candidates
Generation to Generation: Meet FMCSC’s 2025 Conference Ministerial Candidates

Join us in welcoming the Free Methodist Church in Southern California’s 2025 Conference Ministerial Candidates (CMCs). These emerging leaders represent the future of our denomination and embody our commitment to bringing wholeness to the world through healthy biblical communities.
This video introduces:

• Daniel Garzaro González – Avenue Church, Riverside
• Caitlin Jordan – Lamb’s Fellowship, Lake Elsinore
• Mia Shin – Formation Church, San Luis Obispo
• Christopher Spolar – Expressions Church, Pasadena
• Moriah Summers – Avenue Church, Riverside

We invite you to pray for these candidates as they complete their ordination journey.

FMCSC Annual Conference 2025: “Generation to Generation: His Power, His Glory, Our Future” May 16-17, 2025 at CenterPoint Church, Murrieta

Learn more and register: https://ac25.fmcsc.org

Follow us: @the_fmcsc
#FMCSCAC2025 #FreeMethodistChurch #SouthernCalifornia #MinisterialCandidates

Fresh Oil, Fresh Anointing: Breaking Spiritual Bondage with Bishop Kenny Martin
Fresh Oil, Fresh Anointing: Breaking Spiritual Bondage with Bishop Kenny Martin

Bishop E. Kenneth Martin delivers a prophetic challenge to the Free Methodist Church, confronting deep-rooted issues of spiritual bondage, systemic oppression, and the church’s complacency. “Churches are dying in a cage,” he declares, calling for a radical shift in how the church addresses:

– Spiritual chains of sin and oppression
– Historical and ongoing impacts of slavery
– Diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges
– The church’s reluctance to engage difficult conversations
– Breaking free from “nasty” church politics and self-serving leadership

“This is a season of manifestation,” Martin says, urging a breakthrough from 2025 to 2035 that will transform the church locally and globally.

#ChurchTransformation #SpiritualFreedom #RacialReconciliation #ChurchReform #HolySpirit