An Inner-city church and a suburban church have more in common than you might think.
Courageous Conversations Discussion Guide
Episode Summary
In this episode of Courageous Conversations, hosts Ray Jarrett and Gary Kendall sit down with Pastor LaRon Thompson and Pastor David McCowen to discuss their five-plus-year journey of cross-cultural partnership between Paseo Baptist Church (urban Kansas City, MO) and Community Covenant Church (suburban Lenexa, KS).
From building personal trust over meals and shared life experiences to launching "Crucial Conversations" small groups and a combined Pentecost worship service, this conversation reveals what it looks like to move beyond symbolic gestures into authentic, congregation-led unity. They address the fears, historical pushback, and spiritual perseverance required to follow the "Christ of Scripture" rather than the "Christ of Culture."
Key Scripture References
Amos 3:3 – "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"
Ephesians 2:14–16 & 4:1–6 – Christ breaking down the dividing wall of hostility to make one new humanity at the foot of the cross.
1 Samuel 16:7 – Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
2 Timothy 1:7 – "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Luke 10:25–37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan: Defining who our neighbor truly is.
Core Takeaways
Relationship Precedes Program: Authentic partnership starts at the personal level. Pastors Thompson and McCowen built trust through shared meals, family connections, officiating sports, and mutual respect before bringing their congregations together.
Moving from Fear to Curiosity: Reluctance and pushback often stem from fear of the unknown or past lived trauma. Stepping across barriers requires courage, curiosity, and listening with intentional respect.
Congregation-Led, Not Just Pastor-Driven: A true partnership goes deeper than a simple "pulpit swap." Long-term transformation happens when lay leaders, choirs, dance teams, and families plan events, share tables, and worship together.
The Christ of Scripture vs. The Christ of Culture: Following Christ means loving across racial, cultural, and socioeconomic lines, even when societal or political currents push toward division.
Start Where You Are (The "Zero-Grade Pool"): You don’t have to jump into the deep end immediately. Stepping in can begin with small steps—attending a bus tour, sharing a meal, or participating in a dialogue group.
Group Discussion Questions
Part 1: Icebreaker & Opening Reflection
Pastor LaRon and Pastor David discovered early on that they shared common ground in family values, officiating sports, and good barbecue. When interacting with someone from a different background, what common ground or shared human experiences usually help you break the ice?
What initial thought or story from this episode stood out to you the most?
Part 2: Overcoming Assumptions & Navigating Fear
The Root of Resistance: Both pastors acknowledged that pursuing racial reconciliation in the church often meets pushback—sometimes rooted in fear, historical hurt, or cultural assumptions. Why do you think people of faith often struggle with this journey?
The Power of Listening: Pastor David emphasized 1 Peter and 1 Samuel 16:7 regarding listening to people’s stories rather than making assumptions based on demographics. How does learning someone's personal story dismantle fear and prejudice?
Moving Past Hurt: Gary noted that once we have been hurt, stepping into grace and forgiveness is the only way fear loses its grip. How can extending grace protect us from staying stuck in fear or resentment?
Part 3: Building Real Partnerships
"Crucial Conversations": Before holding large joint events, both churches spent six months in small-group discussions with ~20 members from each congregation. Why is small-group vulnerability essential before attempting large-scale, combined community projects?
Beyond the Pulpit Swap: Ray and Gary pointed out that many church efforts stop at exchanging preachers for one Sunday. What made the partnership between Paseo Baptist and Community Covenant different and sustainable?
Christ of Culture vs. Christ of Scripture: Pastor David cited Martin Luther and challenged listeners to consider whether they are following cultural norms or biblical commands regarding who their neighbor is. Where do you see cultural pressures conflicting with biblical unity today?
Part 4: Practical Application & Next Steps
Stepping into the "Zero-Grade Pool": Gary compared engaging with racial reconciliation to entering a zero-grade pool—you can start by just getting your ankles wet. What is one small, tangible step you (or your small group/church) can take this month to build a bridge across a cultural or racial divide?
The Table Principle: Both congregations are now coordinating shared dinners and outings (like baseball games). Who is someone from a different background or neighborhood you could invite to share a meal or coffee with in the coming weeks?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You that at the foot of the cross, You have broken down every dividing wall and called us to be one body. Forgive us for the times we have allowed fear, comfort, or cultural division to dictate how we love our neighbors. Give us the courage to step across barriers with humility, curiosity, and grace. Bless the ongoing partnership between Paseo Baptist Church and Community Covenant Church, and inspire our hearts to be ambassadors of reconciliation in Kansas City and beyond. In Jesus' name, Amen.
