What can happen when folks stay in a place, learn that place, and grow to love the people in a place over a long period of time? This episode of RTN Theology explores the power of conversation, creativity, and working in generative ways across difference and division. Chris has a conversation about conversation with C. Christopher Smith, author of How the Body of Christ Talks. Bob and Chris also got the chance to talk with Will Acuff of Corner to Corner in Nashville, TN about the amazing community organizing and empowerment work he, his wife Tiffany, and their team are doing with the youth in their community. Throughout the episode you’ll hear music from Russ Mohr, from his recent collaborative project, The Kingdom Sessions.

 C. Christopher Smith (Indianapolis, IN) is a long-time member of the Englewood Christian Church community on the urban Near Eastside of Indianapolis, founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books, and acclaimed author. His newest book is How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering The Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019).

 Corner to Corner (East Nashville, TN) was founded by Will and Tiffany Acuff in 2011. Based on their core belief that Jesus and Generous Justice go hand in hand, Will and Tiffany sought to create a faith-based nonprofit that focused on both. In partnership with the McFerrin Park Rec Center and key support from City Church, the first program they began was aimed at equipping former offenders with the skills they needed to gain meaningful employment and an invitation to discipleship. Since those early days Corner to Corner has grown to have programming in 5 communities, all in vital partnership with neighbors.

 Music by Russ Mohr and the Kingdom Sessions (St. Louis, MO). The Kingdom Sessions is a collaborative worship project featuring 12 different writers, 70 musicians, 17 engineers, 3 producers (from 9 different cities) representing various musical, racial, cultural, & denominational backgrounds. Buy, share, and stream their work across all platforms and follow them on social media (@kingdomsessions).

This episode was hosted and produced by Bob Crawford and Chris Breslin and edited by Gary Fletcher.

Other Episodes in the RTN Theology Series:
RTN Theology #1: The Intersection of Christianity & Culture in the United States
RTN Theology #2: Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?
RTN Theology #3: A Conversation with Kate Bowler
RTN Theology #4: Kutter Callaway on Reconstructing Our Cultural and Spiritual Norms.
RTN Theology #5: Jeremy Begbie on Theology Of And Through the Arts
RTN Theology #6 The Road to Hope? The Challenges of Faith in Politics
RTN Theology #7 Remembering Walter B. Jones: Living by Faith and by Truth
RTN Theology #8 Elizabeth Seton and Catholics in Early America w/ Catherine O’Donnell
RTN Theology #9: Burying White Privilege: Resurrecting a Badass Christianity w/ Miguel De La Torre
RTN Theology #10: The Life and Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
RTN Theology #11: The Character of Virtue w/ Stanley Hauerwas