Unify Project

Pastor, historian, and author Alan Cross unpacks how racial division in the American South was shaped not just by racism, but by a deeper desire to protect a way of life. He offers a hopeful, practical path forward for pastors and communities today—one rooted in the reconciling power of the gospel.Alan outlines four key movements that can shape us for this work:-understanding who we are in Christ,-recognizing our social formation,-identifying the barriers we face, and-learning to practice hospitality.Rather than striving for quick solutions, he calls us to patient faithfulness—trusting that God is at work.

How do you respond when your community faces racial tension and a harrowing history? Pastor Marshall Blalock of First Baptist Church Charleston reflects on leading a 17th-century church through a modern movement of racial reconciliation. In the aftermath of the nearby Emanuel shooting in 2015, Marshall witnessed the power of gospel-rooted forgiveness—and the importance of relationships. He and Ed Litton discuss the challenges of bridge-building, the false peaks that discourage progress, and why reconciliation must be led by the Church. Through it all, Marshall reminds us: real change begins with the enduring hope of the gospel.

Last year, Missie Branch, former Director of Community Engagement at Stand for Life sat down with Ed Litton during SBC 2024 to discuss racial reconciliation, the power of forgiveness, and what it means to stand for life in a holistic way. Missie shares how she sees God moving in churches across the country as leaders lean into hard conversations with conviction and compassion.Together, they explore why reconciliation isn't just a social cause but a gospel calling, and how fear, comfort, and silence can keep us from living out God’s mission. Whether your church is navigating these conversations or just starting to engage, this episode will challenge and encourage you.If you’ve ever wondered what Ed Litton's British and Irish accents are like (impeccable) OR why forgiveness is so central to the Christian life, don’t miss this thoughtful and practical dialogue.

What does it mean for the Church to be a preview of heaven? In this episode, Brent Leatherwood, president of the ERLC, joins Ed to explore the Church’s essential role in pursuing racial unity. Drawing from Revelation’s vision of every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping together, Brent shares why this isn’t just a distant hope—it’s a present calling. He highlights the power of relationships, pastoral leadership, and gospel-

What does it take to pursue racial unity in the Church when the conversation gets hard, slow, or costly?In this episode, Pastor Michael Byrd shares his personal journey as a church planter in St. Louis and how the gospel compels him to stay in the work of reconciliation. Drawing from his experience as a Black pastor in the Send Network and broader SBC, Byrd offers a candid look at what it means to build bridges without compromising truth or identity.

Pastor Thomas McSwain of Southern Mississippi, talks about church replanting and racial unity in divided communities. Thomas shares the story of stepping into a struggling congregation and watching God bring new life. Ed and Dr. McSwain discuss the spiritual roots of division, the importance of setting “tables” for meaningful conversations, and how unity isn’t something we manufacture on our own.

Ed Litton sits down with Dr. Brett Golson, VP at William Carey University, to talk about his early experiences in a segregated town up to his current role in building strategic unity across church communities. Brett shares powerful insights on friendship, transformation, and the quiet strength of consistency. This episode offers a hopeful look at what’s possible when the church leads with love and conviction.