#60: Drill SGT-turned-Pastor on Hope for you & Black Lives Matter

Just in time for Easter, our guest for the 60th episode of this podcast is a former Army drill sergeant who now leads a racially diverse church in Georgia. We talk about how all of us can bridge the racial divide, the meaning of the upcoming holiday, this pastor's Vegan lifestyle and how he takes care of his body, lessons learned from 20 years in the military, and more. After a quick overview of (2:43) a recent hiking adventure with my son, and how much Jesus walked on a daily basis, we get into the chat. (5:40) Pastor Derrick Shields, of Christ Community Church in Columbus GA, was recently featured in the national magazine Guideposts. He opens up in that editorial and with me about Black Lives Matter, lending some context to that phrase and how it can be divisive inside and outside the church. He also explains how and why the church he leads is so multiracial. (12:34) In the "Fast Four," we learn about his current mission, losing good fitness habits during the pandemic and new goals to get fit, plus (17:39) leadership lessons learned as a drill sgt. and airborne instructor. (19:50) What can churchgoers and nonbelievers do to develop more racial diversity around us? He has a simple answer. (23:54) Pastor Derrick also talks about the "Super Bowl for churches" which is Easter, how it brings hope for a better tomorrow. He also explains how the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us about the effectiveness of online ministry. No meat, no problem. (28:25) He details why he's vegan, how it helps him with fitness, sluggishness, focus, and following the Bible's teachings on how our body is a temple. (34:44) Pastor Derrick is honest about he sabotaged opportunities to move up the ranks during two decades in the Army, but how that time as a soldier taught him about diversity. Despite rebellion and resistance, he gave into the call to ministry a decade after the Army. (45:50) He gives us a closing prayer, following by my "food for thought" segment on diversity issues in gyms and a "parting gift" about Easter. Thanks for listening! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to this podcast. And please share it with your friends using #RunTheRacePodcast. Also, write a quick review about it. For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.