Episode Description
Amid racial unrest and protests around the nation, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, we talk to Bishop Michael Grant Jr. about faith, anger, and communication. We also talk about his stint in the NFL and what church has been like during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I start (2:45) with some personal thoughts on racial injustices happening in our world today, then introduce our guest for the 27th episode of the Run the Race podcast: Michael Grant Jr. is Senior Pastor at Faith Worship Center in Columbus GA and CEO of Michael Grant Ministries International, the same name of his own podcast. The husband and father of 2 was a star cornerback at Mars Hill University then went on to play 2 years for the Cleveland Browns.
(4:49) Our chat starts by getting to know him, including how their church is about to start back with in-person service in their sanctuary.
Then we get into serious topics. (8:19) Pastor Grant talks about needing to have a different perspective and response to the racial injustices, as a "man of God." There are plenty of peaceful protests, but what if it goes beyond that and involves illegal activity? He talks about doing things differently, like Martin Luther king Jr. modeled.
(12:29) Communication is key! The Bishop discusses how we can handle anger over police brutality, plus steps to keep protests safe and peaceful. He talks about the power of prayer and if he's ever felt overt racism.
(16:00) Pastor Grant also gives his take on what churches can do during such divide and what Christians can do - being the voice of reason and living out your faith. Churches have also been changing because of the pandemic. He answers whether people have been gaining or losing faith during this health crisis.
Over the past few months, (20:55) COVID-19 has also had a big impact on sports. Bishop Grant discusses his days playing college football and as an NFL cornerback, cheered on by the "Dawg Pound." Then there's his experience with the business side of pro sports.
(24:22) Mixing ministry and football, Grant opens up with us on sharing about God with teammates of the Cleveland Browns and in NFL Europe. (26:15) Fast forward to post-pandemic, the former NFL player talks about how being off the field so long will impact the players and the product. It can also affect all of our fitness choices.
Along with staying fit physically, (28:42) Pastor Grant pulls no punches when it comes to spiritual self-discipline and being the successor of a faith pioneer, his mom Dr. Ann Hardman who passed away a few years ago.
He tells stories of (32:37) kind of running away from the ministry and pursuing a job as a football coach, starting with being an intern coach for the NY Jets and Arizona Cardinals. Which NFL team does he root for now?
(34:36) Faith is at the center of fatherhood and family for Grant, who also discusses how he talks to his sons, ages 8 and 12, about race relations. (37:18) We close our conversation with hopes for changes or the "new normal" after the pandemic and protests. And he prays.
(42:30) The "Food for Thought" segment touches on a 12-hour cycling ride for racial injustice and church attendance amid riots and the pandemic, My "Parting Gift" comes from the lyrics of the Mandisa song "We All Bleed the Same."
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