Two Baptist churches in Macon - one black and one white – are located right next to each other. Both churches have been segregated since the end of the Civil War. Now, the leaders of the churches want to bridge the racial divide. They will lead joint discussions with church members on racism in the history of the U.S. and their congregations. We speak with the two church leaders – First Baptist Church of Christ Reverend Scott Dickison and First Baptist Church Reverend James Goolsby - about moving their congregations to reconciliation. 

Then, Tybee Island reverend Michael Elliott’s congregation doesn’t gather in pews on Sunday mornings. Instead, they listen to his sermons from bar stools most any night of the week. Elliott says his decision to minister in a bar rather than a traditional house of worship gives more people the opportunity to practice their faith and gives him the chance to reach more people. Elliott and one of his congregants, David Cahill, speak with us about finding faith in unusual spaces. 

And, ​a significant demographic change occurred in the past eight years since Barack Obama first ran for president in 2008. White Christians went from making up 54 percent of the country to comprising less than half. This decline is important in understanding today’s political landscape, according to Robert Jones. Jones is the CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute and author of the new book, “The End of White Christian America.” Jones will present a public talk on his book at Emory University on Wednesday, September 7. We revisit our conversation with Jones about the political and social implications of this demographic shift.

Tags: OST Full Show  Atlanta  Georgia