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Kevin Withem and Veronique Webber interview Anthony Galang about his newly launched ministry, Beyond the Pulpit, which is dedicated to helping pastors and ministers navigate the fourth quarter of their ministry careers and prepare for retirement. Together, they discuss the challenges of transitioning out of full-time ministry, finding a new sense of purpose beyond the pulpit, separating personal identity from ministry roles, and building a meaningful legacy for the next chapter of life. Anthony Galang is an elder and evangelist in Oahu, Hawaii. He and his wife, Saun, have served in ministry roles within the ICOC across North America, Asia, and the Middle East. They also served as anchors for the Kingdom News Network (KNN). Anthony holds a Master of Ministry Leadership from Rockbridge Seminary. Through Beyond the Pulpit, he helps ministry leaders approach retirement with clarity, financial confidence, and a compelling vision for what comes next. Learn more about Anthony's ministry at https://btpministry.org/. Don't miss this insightful conversation about ministry transitions, leadership succession, spiritual identity, and leaving a lasting legacy. We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. Thank you for supporting CGU and helping us continue this ministry. Also, don't forget to get your copy of the CGU book "One Kingdom: Essays in Honor of Christian Unity," featuring more than 30 unity-minded authors. You can find your copy on Amazon. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, "Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee."

Kevin Withem and Veronique Webber discuss Dr. Jeanie Shaw's newest book, "The Shared Life of God: How the Trinity and Atonement Invite Us into Healing and Transformation. Jeanie reframes traditional Christian faith by moving away from duty-driven religious obligation and inviting readers into a lived, relational experience with the Trinity. Drawing on her background in spiritual formation and discipleship, Shaw breaks down complex theological concepts using practical tools like charts and structured reflections to show how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit actively participate in daily human life. Rather than viewing salvation purely as a doctrine to defend, the book serves as a warm, actionable guide that demonstrates how prayer becomes dynamic companionship, obedience stems naturally from trust, and personal transformation unfolds through consistent connection with God. We survive on your donations: donate at [www.commongroundsunity.org/donate](http://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate). CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. CGU App: https://www.oddcircles.com/short/g/commongroundsunity Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

In this episode, we talk with Scot McKnight and Adrienne Gibson about their important book, The Traumatized Church. Together, they explore how trauma affects individuals, families, and faith communities—and what it means for the church to become a safer, healthier, and more trauma-informed place for people seeking healing and recovery. Scot McKnight is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and a recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. He is the author of more than ninety books, including A Church Called Tov, PIVOT, the award-winning The Jesus Creed, and The Blue Parakeet. Adrienne Gibson is a licensed professional counselor who helps individuals and families navigate trauma, attachment, and recovery. She also consults with faith communities seeking to implement trauma-informed care and ministry-safe environments. Her clinical experience, combined with her master's degree in New Testament, brings a unique perspective to this important conversation. If you haven't already, we also invite you to listen to CGU Episode 116 with Scot McKnight and his daughter and co-author Laura Barringer, where we discussed their books A Church Called TOV and PIVOT. We survive on your donations: donate at [www.commongroundsunity.org/donate](http://www.commongroundsunity.org/donate). CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. CGU App: https://www.oddcircles.com/short/g/commongroundsunity Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Drew Baker interviews Richard Beck about his latest book titled "The Book of Love: A Better Way to Read the Bible." Richard is an engaging author who never ceases to call us closer to the heart of God. Don't miss this conversation. You can get the book on Amazon and other book sellers. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1506496733?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. CGU App: https://www.oddcircles.com/short/g/commongroundsunity Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Tina Bruner and Veronique Webber have a conversation with Joel Peed and Sean St. Jean about The Eremos Way Academy and the crucial need for balance, and rhythms of rest, Sabbath, and solitude so that we can live as spiritually healthy Christians who are able to live and give from the overflow of God's love and rest. Rather than from a place of weariness, burnout, and a loss of joy that can so easily plague our ministries and spiritual lives. Reference Materials: Eremos site (https://www.eremosministry.org/). A 2-minute self-test that Christians can take to assess their burnout risk: https://sean-st-jean.mykajabi.com/pl/2148724927 Course trailer: The Eremos Way Academy: Now for All Disciples! https://youtu.be/EZP9ZWqUL_s Eremos Academy landing page: https://sean-st-jean.mykajabi.com/the-eremos-course-offers We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. CGU App: https://www.oddcircles.com/short/g/commongroundsunity Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Kevin talks with James Nored, who is the Executive Director for Next Generation for Christ. He has also written and produced "The Story of Redemption" Film Series, which is available in more than 70 languages. Check out the links ast https://www.nextgenerationforchrist.com and https://storyofredemptionfilms.com "We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. CGU App: https://www.oddcircles.com/short/g/commongroundsunity Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”"

Drew Baker and Kris Miller talk with Paul Murray, founder of "Receptive Ecumenism," professor at Durham University (UK), and a Catholic theologian, about finding common ground even in the greatest of differences. We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. CGU App: https://www.oddcircles.com/short/g/commongroundsunity Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Kevin Withem has an engaging conversation with Marty Solomon about his new book, co-authored with Reed Dent, "The Gospel of Being Human: How Asking Better Questions of the Bible Reveals Who We Are." The book is available on Amazon and other book sellers. We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. CGU App: https://www.oddcircles.com/short/g/commongroundsunity Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Our guest in this episode is Steve Cuss, who is the author of an amazing book titled "The Expectation Gap: The Tiny, Vast Space between Our Beliefs and Experience of God." Find your copy on Amazon. Learn more about Steve and his work at https://www.stevecusswords.com/ "We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. CGU App: https://www.oddcircles.com/short/g/commongroundsunity Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”"

Tina Bruner and David Bruce discuss Chuck DeGroat's newest book, "Healing What's Within: Coming Home to Yourself - and to God - When You're Wounded, Weary, & Wandering." The book is available on Amazon and other book sellers. We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. CGU App: https://www.oddcircles.com/short/g/commongroundsunity Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Cohosts Kevin Withem and Veronique Webber talk with Jeanie Shaw about her new book, "The Inside of the Cup: Spiritual Formation from the Inside Out," available on Amazon and other book sellers. We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the CGU App, newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. CGU App: https://www.oddcircles.com/short/g/commongroundsunity Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Cohosts Drew Baker and Tina Bruner talk with Jim Estep (Author, Professor, and co-founder of E2 Elders) about his book "Paul's Letter to Leaders: Philippians for Elders and Deacons. Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians is the only letter explicitly written to church leaders. You can find the book on Amazon. We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Drew Baker has a great conversation with Kris Miller about Spiritual Direction. Kris is an Assistant Professor of Theology and Director of the Institute for Christian Spirituality at Lipscomb University. We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Join for part two, Veronique Webber and Steve Staten discuss with Andy Fleming the paradigm shift within the ICOC that elevated the Evangelist within the leadership model of the International Churches of Christ. They examine what was good and what went wrong, as well as the lessons that can be learned. The discussion springs from a paper Andy wrote for his DMin at Abilene Christian University. There are important takeaways in this conversation for any and all, not just the ICOC. We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”

Veronique Webber and Steve Staten discuss with Andy Fleming the paradigm shift within the ICOC that elevated the Evangelist within the leadership model of the International Churches of Christ. They examine what was good and what went wrong, as well as the lessons that can be learned. The discussion springs from a paper Andy wrote for his DMin at Abilene Christian University. There are important takeaways in this conversation for any and all, not just the ICOC. We survive on your donations: donate at www.commongroundsunity.org/donate. CGU has a vision to create and support gatherings of unity-minded Christians around the globe. Imagine the good news of these gatherings modeling the prayer of Jesus in our divided world. Please give us feedback by posting your thoughts and suggestions on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068486982733 Please check out commongroundsunity.org to learn more about CGU, how to subscribe to the newsletter, join the Facebook group, or find the YouTube Channel. Check out our gatherings on the About page, where you can connect with other unity-minded Christians in your area. If you cannot find a gathering in your area, we can help you start one. It's not difficult or time-consuming, and we will help you out along the way. It really does, simply, start with a cup of coffee. If you want to volunteer or ask questions, please email John at [email protected]. Until next time, God bless, and remember, “Unity Starts With A Cup of Coffee.”