The Flip Side with Noah Filipiak

(5/31/18) Episode 3: Objectification - The Dehumanization of Women

Beyond the Battle author Noah Filipiak breaks down the third video in the BTB free small group curriculum, "Objectification: The Dehumanization of Women."  This gets us beyond the surface of simply telling ourselves, "Don't lust, it's bad," to retraining our brains to the point we don't even want to lust.  We look at Psalm 139 and discover who women really are, rather than the lie our oversexualized culture has taught both men and women to believe.

(5/8/18) Episode 2: Golden Gods with Golden Hair

Beyond the Battle author Noah Filipiak breaks down the second video in the BTB free small group curriculum, "Golden Gods with Golden Hair."  The idea of this episode is that men look to women to give them what only God can, which is always (whether that's in porn, fantasy, or even marriage) going to end in disappointment.  The same holds true for women looking to this from men.  The episode looks at what it is we are truly looking for in relationships and sex, and the only guaranteed way to have that need met.  This episode also looks at several Christian purity or marriage books which set marriage up as an idol and cater to our self-seeking sin nature in order to produce short-term results that have long term repercussions.

(4/26/18) Episode 1: Entitlement is Your Worst Enemy

In the inaugural episode, Noah breaks down the first video of the Beyond the Battle free small group curriculum, "Entitlement is Your Worst Enemy," giving an expanded explanation of the video.  He looks at Exodus 19, Romans 2:5, and Matthew 18:21-35 to look at how holy God is and how when we grasp this in balance with his grace, it brings tangible freedom to our struggles with sexual and relational sin. 

(10/16/18) THE FINAL EPISODE: Noah's new job, pornography, Does God hate people?

In this bittersweet episode, the Black & White Theology comes to a close.  Noah has taken a new job as a Church Consultant with Covenant Eyes.  We close out the podcast by answering the remaining questions in the mailbag.  We discuss, "Does God hate people?" like Romans 9 says he hates Esau.  We also discuss pornography and sexual sin and if there are differences between the reasons white people and black people struggle with sexual sin based on entitlement. 
If you'd like to keep up with Noah and Tyler, you can read Tyler's blog tylerpspeaks.com and subscribe to Noah's sexual purity podcast that he'll be continuing The Beyond the Battle Podcast, or read his blog at noahfilipiak.com

(8/25/18) Episode 8: Perseverance of the Saints & Partnerships Over Planting in African American Communities

Noah and Tyler finish the "TULIP" with Perseverance of the Saints, in which Noah takes some issue with the traditional Reformed view.  From the mailbag, we discuss if planting or partnering with existing African American churches is best in African American communities. 

(7/31/18) EPISODE 7: IRRESISTIBLE GRACE & SHOULD BLACK PEOPLE GO TO WHITE CHURCHES?

Pastors Noah Filipiak and Tyler St. Clair continue their breakdown of Reformed Theology's TULIP, discussing Irresistible Grace.  They also listen to an interview with Pastor Michael R. Jordan, a black pastor in Birmingham, AL who does not want a white megachurch putting a campus in his neighborhood and who is telling black people not to go to white churches.

(7/10/18) Episode 6: Limited Atonement & Cultural Appropriation

Episode 6 hits on the "L" in TULIP, Limited Atonement.  Noah argues the word should be TUDIP instead.  In the mailbag section, we talk about cultural appropriation and if it is stealing from a culture or respect for a culture. 

(6/22/18) Episode 5: Worship Style & Racism! Spray painted N-Words! Ferguson! Abortion! Jeff Sessions! Romans 13! Immigration! Limited Atonement???

Episode 5: Worship Style & Racism! Spray painted N-Words! Ferguson! Abortion! Jeff Sessions! Romans 13! Immigration! Limited Atonement???

(6/7/18) Episode 4: Unconditional Election, God's skin color, Steve Kerr, and megachurches

Noah and Tyler take on the "U" in TULIP for the theological topic of this episode, Unconditional Election.  Via the mailbag, they discuss God's skin color and why megachurches should not be seen as the definition of a successful church in America.  And Tyler can't help but bring up President Trump's cancellation of the Philadelphia Eagles' White House visit, in which we look to our special correspondent Steve Kerr for insight on. 
(Unconditional Election Bible verses referenced in the episode can be found here)

(5/23/18) Episode 3: Dr. James Cone's Black Liberation Theology

Pastors Tyler and Noah dive into the mailbag to answer questions about marijuana, binding and loosing, and goals to set for someone who wants to fight racism.  Our topic for the day is a combination of a race issue and a theology issue as we discuss Dr. James Cone's black liberation theology in light of Dr. Cone's recent death. 

(5/2/19) Episode 2: Total Depravity & The Starbucks Arrests

Pastors Tyler and Noah dive into the mailbag to discuss Joyce Meyer and why we are analyzing well-known people's theologies at all.  The theological topic for this episode is the "T" in Reformed Theology's "TULIP", Total Depravity.  The race relations topic for this episode is the two black men who were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks.  

(4/19/18) EPISODE 1 (or 42): THEOLOGY PREVIEW & ROCHESTER HILLS SHOOTING

Pastors Tyler St. Clair and Noah Filipiak introduce the Black and White Theology podcast by going over some of the theological topics they will be hitting on in upcoming episodes and discussing the recent Rochester Hills shooting.  We'd love to hear what topics you'd like to hear about and we'd love to hear your reaction to our take on the Rochester Hills / Brennan Walker shooting.

Episode 41: the final episode + 2 new podcasts from Noah

41 episodes has been a great ride!  This is the final episode of the Behind the Curtain Ministry Podcast.  Tune in to hear Noah's reflections on the past episodes, plus find out about two brand new podcasts he has started:
The Beyond the Battle Podcast
The Black & White Theology Podcast

Episode 40 - Hip hop artist James Gardin on insecurity, overcoming rejection, and using parables

Noah Filipiak interviews James Gardin's about overcoming rejection and persevering in the music industry.  About what it's like to get a song on ESPN and how to handle the insecurities.  James explains what his message is as a Christian artist, and last but not least freestyles about Noah's hometown of Oconomowoc!
Connect with James on social media:
On Facebook
On Twitter
On Instagram
Shop James's music.
Illect Recording artist James Gardin has used his multifaceted skill set of empowering rhymes, fun melodies, energetic stage presence, and deft fashion sense to become the most successful emcee in his hometown of Lansing, Michigan. He has performed hundreds of shows around the world, amassed thousands of plays and downloads with coverage on top web sites and publications (2DopeBoyz, HipHopDX, Rapzilla , DJ Booth etc). He has also had songs featured on ESPN, GaryVee TV, and Black&SexyTV. He has also shared the booth and the stage with artists such as Grieves, Macklemore, Dessa, Murs, Talib Kweli, Astronautalis, KING, and many more. James aims to use his art and message to inspire all those around him to live their life fully, and encounter their purpose daily.

Episode 39 - Tyler St. Clair (the sequel) on real life church planting in Detroit + the Contend Conference

Two years ago, Pastor Tyler St. Clair was interviewed in Episode 17 of the Behind the Curtain Ministry Podcast, discussing what it was like to gear up for his urban church plant in Detroit and what it was like to do fundraising as a black pastor.  Today, Noah Filipiak catches back up with Pastor Tyler to see what actually planting and pastoring has been like after all the hype has died down.  The two church planters talk about life in the trenches of pastoral / church planting ministry and about how important it is to keep realistic and biblical expectations as a pastor.  Tyler also discusses the Contend Conference, coming up in Detroit on February 28th.
Tyler on Twitter
Tyler on Facebook
Tyler on Instagram
Tyler’s Blog

Episode 38 - Kent Carlson discusses shifting the church he founded from a seeker-driven megachurch to a church of spiritual formation

Noah Filipiak interviews Kent Carlson on what led him and his team to shift the seeker-driven megachurch he founded into a church of spiritual formation. A shift that led to around 1500 people leaving the church. Kent is the co-author of Renovation of the Church, a book that chronicles the journey of Oak Hills Church and its leadership. He was mentored by Dallas Willard and currently serves as Vice President of Leadership Formation for the North American Baptist denomination. 
Connect with Kent on Twitter
 

BONUS Episode - Noah Filipiak breaks down his new book "Beyond the Battle"

In this bonus episode of the "Behind the Curtain" Ministry Podcast, host Noah Filipiak takes time to break down the content of his new book Beyond the Battle.  In the first half of the episode, Noah talks about his personal testimony of overcoming a pornography addiction, how he was tempted to get a divorce, and how going beyond symptom-based solutions to sexual sin transformed him as a man.  In the second half of the episode, Noah talks about the toll his book publishing journey did on his soul, and why he chose to publish independently.
Purchase copies of Beyond the Battle here, including discounts on group orders.
Check out the free 6-week men's small group video curriculum here. 

Episode 37: Dr. Mike Wittmer on the effects Christian celebrityism is having on the Church at large

Noah Filipiak interviews Dr. Mike Wittmer on the effects Christian celebrityism is having on the Church at large.  Prior to the internet explosion, good content would get a book published. Nowadays, the only thing that will get someone published is popularity (called "platform" in the publishing industry). Noah and Mike explore the effects this trend has on the souls of authors (namely, themselves!) and on the type of theology being put into the hands of Christians.  
Dr. Michael Wittmer is the Professor of Systematic & Historical Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
Connect with Mike on Twitter and Facebook
Mike's blog: MikeWittmer.blog 
Mike's books:
Heaven Is a Place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God by Zondervan
Becoming Worldly Saints: Can You Serve Jesus and Still Enjoy Your Life? by Zondervan
The Last Enemy: Preparing to Win the Fight of Your Life by Discovery House
Despite Doubt: Embracing a Confident Faith by Discovery House
Don't Stop Believing: Why Living Like Jesus Is Not Enough by Zondervan
Christ Alone: An Evangelical Response to Rob Bell's "Love Wins" by Edenridge Press LLC

Episode 36: Dr. John Perkins on the need for multi-ethnic churches as a key solution to race relations

Noah Filipiak interviews his faith hero Dr. John Perkins, focusing in on Dr. Perkins' emphasis on the need for multi-ethnic churches in America as one of the top solutions to our race problems. 
Dr. Perkins is 87 years old and has been a leader in the racial reconciliation movement as a Christian for many years.  His autobiography Let Justice Roll Down is a must-read.  Among many other incredible stories, Perkins describes how he was tortured and beaten within an inch of his life in the Brandon, Mississippi jail by white police officers.  He was put in jail for a peaceful demonstration he was leading along with some youth.  He describes how if he hated the white officers back that were beating him, he would become just like them: full of hate. Instead his life became based on the redemption and reconciliation that Jesus shows us as his lead example in bringing justice and love to the racial injustices of our country. 
Dr. Perkins co-founded the Christian Community Development Association and is the President of the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation. 
There are several opportunities to spend time with Dr. Perkins in Michigan coming up:
August 29-30, Pastor and Ministry Leader Retreat in East Lansing, MI www.coglretreat.org
August 30th, 7pm at Michigan State University's Kellogg Center, East Lansing, MI - public event
October 2nd, 7pm, book signing for Dr. Perkins' newest book Dream with Me: Race, Love, and the Struggle We Must Win at Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, MI.
October 4th-7th, National Christian Community Development Association Conference in Detroit, MI www.ccda.org
 
 
 
 

Ep. 35: Rory Noland on leading worship, experiencing God, and spiritual transformation

Noah Filipiak interviews longtime worship leader Rory Noland about key ways worship music leaders need to care for their souls in order to keep their motives and priorities straight.  They talk about the importance of lyrics, the problem of celebrityism, and the impact the Transforming Center has had on them.
Rory Noland is the director of Heart of the Artist Ministries.  He leads retreats for artists, speaks at workshops and conferences, mentors worship leaders, and consults with churches in the areas of worship and the arts.  Rory currently leads worship for the Transforming Center and is Head of the Worship Department at Nebraska Christian College where he teaches courses in worship and spiritual formation for artists.
Rory previously served as the music director at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, for twenty years and most recently as Pastor of Worship for Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
www.HeartOfTheArtist.org
Connect with Rory on Twitter @rorynoland 
Rory's books (Zondervan) :
The Heart of the Artist: A Character-Building Guide For You and Your Ministry Team
Thriving as an Artist in the Church: Hope and Help for You and Your Ministry Team
The Worshiping Artist: Equipping You and Your Ministry Team to Lead Others in Worship
Worship on Earth as It Is in Heaven: Exploring Worship as a Spiritual Discipline

Ep. 34: David Staal on Personal Presence, Transforming Community, & Bringing Hope

Noah Filipiak interviews author and Kids Hope USA President & CEO David Staal on what it means to show up.  Showing up with personal presence is a rarity in our noise-filled world of busyness, social media, and getting the next thing on our to-do list accomplished.  David's recent book Show Up: Step Out Of Your Story And Into Someone Else's is an approachable collection of examples of what it means to be present in someone's life with genuine love in a way that transforms them, you, and society as a whole.
David currently serves as President & CEO of Kids Hope USA, a fast-growing national non-profit organization that partners local churches with local elementary schools. Kids Hope USA trains churches to provide mentors for at-risk students, and is America’s largest faith-based mentoring program, serving over 20,000 kids through a network of 40,000 volunteers across 34 states.
Noah and David also discuss how the Transforming Community they are in together has shaped them as Christian leaders, helped them avoid burnout, and allowed them to be present before God so they can be present before others.
www.KidsHopeUSA.org
Show Up: Step Out Of Your Story And Into Someone Else's by David Staal
Connect with David on social media:
Twitter
Instagram

Ep. 32: Authors Sarah Arthur & Erin Wasinger on their year of living out radical faith in ordinary contexts, Pinterest Fails & the American Dream

Radical Christianity and New Monasticism are exciting movements of the faith.  But can they be applied to "ordinary" contexts like the suburbs, child-rearing and hectic schedules?  Sarah Arthur and Erin Wasinger seek to find out as they spend a year doing one intentional practice each month.  What they find out is refreshing and freeing for those who seek to serve Christ's Kingdom in deeper ways but wonder if they have room to do it.
Buy the book: The Year of Small Things: Radical Faith for the Rest of Us (Forward by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Brazos Press)
www.YearOfSmallThings.com
The Small Things Podcast with Sarah Arthur & Erin Wasinger
Follow Erin on Twitter
Follow Sarah on Twitter
www.SarahArthur.com
www.ErinWasinger.com
Listen to Noah's March 31st, 2016 interview with Sarah on spiritually healthy ways of measuring success here (Episode 19)
 

Doug Logan, Pastor & Author - Episode 31 - On Missions, Urban Ministry & following ALL of the Great Commission

Noah Filipiak interviews Pastor Doug Logan about planting an urban church in Camden, NJ; Camden was rated the most violent city in America in 2015.  Pastor Doug is an expert on missiology, urban ministry and what it looks like for the whole Church to live out the whole Great Commission.  He is the pastor of Epiphany Fellowship Church (Camden) and the author of On the Block: Developing a Biblical Picture for Missional Engagement (Moody Publishers).  He serves on the board for Thriving and for Acts 29 and is the proud father of 3 sons and grandfather of 3 grandkids.
Check out www.ontheblock.life for Pastor Doug's blog, along with free music downloads, more info on the book and upcoming On the Block Conference.
 
Connect with Pastor Doug on Social Media:
Twitter: @pastordeelowg
Facebook: Doug Logan
Instagram: @pastordeelowg

Bryan Loritts, Pastor & Author - Episode 30 - On Multi-Ethnic Church, Ministry Leadership & Identity in Christ

Pastor Bryan Loritts discusses how to become a multi-ethnic church, as well as the cost and challenges therein.  Noah Filipiak also asks Pastor Bryan for help in navigating the Christian subculture of church planting, pastoring and being an author in a way where we don't end up measuring ourselves by performance-oriented metrics. 
 
Connect with Bryan online:
Bryan's Tumblr blog
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
 
Bryan's Books:
Saving the Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity into Performance-Free Love
Right Color, Wrong Culture: The Type of Leader Your Organization Needs to Become Multiethnic
A Cross-Shaped Gospel: Reconciling Heaven and Earth
God on Paper: The Bible--the Wildest Story of Passion and Pursuit You'll Ever Read (Dialogue of Faith)
Letters to a Birmingham Jail: A Response to the Words and Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
 
Resources Mentioned During the Interview:
"Make Us One" Mount Hermon Worship Leader Conference - Jan. 30 - Feb. 2, 2017 (great for those desiring multi-ethnic churches)
Dream with Me: Race, Love, and the Struggle We Must Win by Dr. John Perkins
Reconciliation Blues: A Black Evangelical's Inside View of White Christianity by Edward Gilbreath

Shane Claiborne, Author & Activist - Episode 29 - on the death penalty, celebrityism as idolatry, speaking the truth in love, and how to engage in being an ordinary radical in marriage

Noah Filipiak interviews Shane Claiborne about how to engage churches
in helping the poor, activism and justice issues.  They talk about
celebrityism within popular Christianity, about what can be done to stop
the death penalty (Shane's latest book is Executing Grace: How the Death Penalty Killed Jesus and Why It's Killing Us),
and about how to be an ordinary radical as both a single person and as a
married person (and what to do if one spouse is moved toward this and
the other isn't). 
Connect with Shane on social media:
Shane's Twitter
Shane's Facebook
Shane's Books:
The Irresistible Revolution, Updated and Expanded: Living as an Ordinary Radical
Executing Grace: How the Death Penalty Killed Jesus and Why It's Killing Us
Common Prayer Pocket Edition: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals
Jesus for President: Politics for Ordinary Radicals
Red Letter Revolution: What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said?
Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers: Prayer for Ordinary Radicals
Follow Me to Freedom: Leading and Following As an Ordinary Radical
Economy of Love: Creating a Community of Enough
Jesus, Bombs, and Ice Cream Study Guide with DVD: Building a More Peaceful World
Iraq Journal 2003