<![CDATA[BaddestChaplain’s Newsletter]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!PPoc!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F664fc656-5c21-46b8-a0be-2e3d7a936c8f_500x500.pngBaddestChaplain’s Newsletterhttps://www.baddestchaplain.comSubstackSun, 14 Jun 2026 20:18:50 GMT<![CDATA[What we do?]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/what-we-dohttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/what-we-doWed, 10 Jun 2026 01:12:44 GMTSo if you’ve been following me on social media (@BaddestChaplain on Facebook, Threads, and IG) you occasionally see me post “Morning Meds.” It’s a snippet of me exploring a principle or story from scripture.

Today I am trying a new format I am going to call “Morning Meds Deluxe” where I let the commentary breathe a bit.

Let me know what you think!

BaddestChaplain’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

]]><![CDATA[These are the days we will always remember]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/these-are-the-days-we-will-alwayshttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/these-are-the-days-we-will-alwaysSun, 31 May 2026 19:05:24 GMT

This phrase, “these are the days we will always remember,” jumped into my mind as I made my way to the church. I thought about the hill and gully ride this journey in ministry continues to be. And, in all of it, we give thanks.

Thank you for joining me on this very special occasion. God is great.

BaddestChaplain’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

]]><![CDATA[Talking all that Jazz with George Cruz]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/talking-all-that-jazz-with-georgehttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/talking-all-that-jazz-with-georgeWed, 27 May 2026 20:08:07 GMTIt is always a joy to speak with George Cruz!

I am such a fan of his music and am excited for you to check out his music too.

He is a key part of the burgeoning Jazz scene in Richmond, Virginia and on this episode of BaddestChaplain, we talk about his journey.

From growing up in Norfolk, living in the Philippines, and blending his roots in the church with his brilliance in jazz, this is a conversation you will want to hear!

Follow George at his website www.georgecruzmusic.com

BaddestChaplain’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

]]><![CDATA[The Spectacle of the Spirit]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/the-spectacle-of-the-spirithttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/the-spectacle-of-the-spiritWed, 27 May 2026 00:10:30 GMT

I had a great time preaching in my new call as Associate Pastor at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church. It is a special week in my work there as next Sunday I am formally installed and ordained into this role.

It’ll be on YouTube and I’ll be sure to post it here next week!

Speaking of YouTube, today’s service can be viewed in its entirety below.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Building a Love Revolution in North Carolina]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/building-a-love-revolution-in-northhttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/building-a-love-revolution-in-northTue, 19 May 2026 16:39:04 GMTGet inspired by today’s conversation with Dr. Sadler where he emphasizes the importance of love in action within governance. He discusses how faith, moral values, and community engagement can transform North Carolina’s policies and society.

Learn more about Dr. Sadler’s vision for North Carolina here.

BaddestChaplain’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

]]><![CDATA[Proof of Concept]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/proof-of-concepthttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/proof-of-conceptSat, 16 May 2026 23:42:59 GMT

Earlier today I had the joy of returning to Davidson College to speak at Baccalaureate.

Very much still processing this wonderful opportunity. For now, I can say that it was truly an honor to share some words with the graduates and I hope what I shared is helpful.

Watch the full service here.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[In Conversation with Patricia Bradby Moore]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/in-conversation-with-patricia-bradbyhttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/in-conversation-with-patricia-bradbyMon, 27 Apr 2026 22:36:20 GMT

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Pursuing Healthy Forms of Masculinity in an era of Chaos ]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/pursuing-healthy-forms-of-masculinityhttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/pursuing-healthy-forms-of-masculinitySat, 25 Apr 2026 19:26:38 GMT
Man paddling a traditional canoe through water
Photo by Sushanta Rokka on Unsplash

One birthday my Mom and I took the bus to my favorite mall. While sitting on the bus, I heard a man toward the back of the bus arguing with other passengers. He was shouting his opinion about the state of the world, the plight of Black people, and who was responsible. Although he started out shouting, somehow his voice…

Read more

]]><![CDATA[How Safe House Project Is Filling Gaps in Survivor Support]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/how-safe-house-project-is-fillinghttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/how-safe-house-project-is-fillingWed, 01 Apr 2026 22:09:04 GMTToday I had the honor of conversing with Alia Azariah from Safe House Project.

We discuss the complexities of human trafficking, the importance of long-term aftercare, and how faith-based and community efforts can make a difference.

Our conversation emphasizes trauma-informed practices, survivor-centered approaches, and the vital role of community in eradicating exploitation.

Learn more about Safe House Project here.

Resources

Safe House Project

OnWatch Training Series

Simply Report App

Trauma-Informed Admission and Intake White Paper

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Aftercare in Human Trafficking

04:16 The Role of Partnerships in Aftercare

05:33 Identifying Gaps in Traditional Shelter Models

08:02 Restorative vs. Safe Environments

10:22 Faith-Based Approaches to Aftercare

17:57 Individualized Support for Survivors

22:10 Trauma-Informed Intake Processes

26:09 Myths and Blind Spots in Professional Training

27:29 Media Narratives and Public Perception of Trafficking

29:43 Understanding the Reality of Trafficking

32:34 The Lifelong Impact of Trauma

35:23 Faith and the Call to Action

40:56 Safe House Certification: A Gold Standard

45:25 Legal Barriers for Survivors

49:25 Upholding Dignity and Choice

Favourite Quotes from this convo

“Hope without resources is cruel.”

“Lifelong trauma requires lifelong support.”

“God is closest to us in our suffering.”

BaddestChaplain’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

]]><![CDATA[That you may have life]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/that-you-may-have-lifehttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/that-you-may-have-lifeSun, 22 Mar 2026 18:52:32 GMT
a person's hand reaching out of a window in the rain
Photo by Clay LeConey on Unsplash

In today’s sermon we explore the mysteries of God’s timing, the ubiquitous nature of suffering, and the importance of faith and God’s faithfulness. I pray that this sermon encourages you to keep going in spite of the challenges.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Dying of Thirst ]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/dying-of-thirsthttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/dying-of-thirstMon, 09 Mar 2026 18:23:04 GMT
water drop
Photo by Jimmy Chang on Unsplash

In today’s sermon we explore the divine nature of Jesus as demonstrated by omniscience in John 4. This is a call to love and demonstrate hospitality. I pray that you are encouraged to trust in God’s plan and activate your compassion in a divided world.

Watch the full service here.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Disturbin' the Peace: A Journey of Inspiration]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/disturbin-the-peace-a-journey-ofhttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/disturbin-the-peace-a-journey-ofTue, 03 Mar 2026 17:01:33 GMTOn today’s episode of BaddestChaplain, we hear from Mike Sales and discuss his graphic novel “Disturbin’ the Peace”. We explore the inspiration behind its creation, the visual aesthetics that convey emotional depth, and the balance between authenticity and universal appeal. We delve into the significance of subverting traditional hero tropes, the role of spirituality in storytelling, and the importance of community and justice.

Sales emphasizes the significance of creating heroes from within one’s own experiences and the journey of a creator, while also reflecting on redemption through storytelling and the impact of hip hop on narrative. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the essence of true peace and the aspirations for future storytelling.

Get your copy of “Disturbing the Peace” here: https://5137732626126.gumroad.com/l/hvvup

BaddestChaplain’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

]]><![CDATA[With the Assist!]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/with-the-assisthttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/with-the-assistMon, 02 Mar 2026 20:19:12 GMT
ice-capped mountain at daytime
Photo by Mads Schmidt Rasmussen on Unsplash

In this sermon, we explore themes of chaos, war, and hope, while emphasizing the importance of faith and community in times of uncertainty. You are invited to reflect on the impact of decisions made today on future generations and encouraged to trust in God's active presence in your life.

This is a call for col…

Read more

]]><![CDATA[The Lifting of Humanity]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/the-lifting-of-humanityhttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/the-lifting-of-humanityWed, 25 Feb 2026 03:04:33 GMT

Close-up of a statue of jesus christ on the cross.
Photo by MAURO FOSSATI on Unsplash

This sermon explores the significance of Lent as a time for self-examination and spiritual growth, the challenges posed by modern distractions like social media, the nature of sin as separation from God, and the redemptive role of Jesus in offering grace and love. I pray that after hearing this you are better able to embrace the importance of community and interconnectedness in faith, and are encouraged to embrace God’s love and grace in your life.

Watch the full service here.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Kendrick Lamar episode of Theology of Hip-Hop Recap]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/kendrick-lamar-episode-of-theologyhttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/kendrick-lamar-episode-of-theologyThu, 12 Feb 2026 01:47:26 GMT
Get more from BaddestChaplain in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Kendrick Lamar: A theology of thirst, doubt and redemption]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/kendrick-lamar-a-theology-of-thirsthttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/kendrick-lamar-a-theology-of-thirstWed, 11 Feb 2026 19:18:06 GMT

And there you have it folks. Ten episodes of Theology of Hip-Hop are live!

I feel overcome with gratitude that this idea has been realized and shared with the world. Working on this has been a lot of fun and hearing how it has impacted people is truly humbling.

This latest episode on Kendrick is no exception.

The good people at Presbyterian Outlook share…

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Clipse: Survivor’s guilt and irresistible grace]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/clipse-survivors-guilt-and-irresistiblehttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/clipse-survivors-guilt-and-irresistibleThu, 05 Feb 2026 02:23:48 GMT

So excited to share this episode with you!

I love this description our friends at the Presbyterian Outlook provided:

In this episode of “Theology of Hip-Hop,” host Chris Burton and guest Brianna Burton explore the Grammy-winning return of Clipse, a duo featuring Pusha T and Malice, and the spiritual gravity that has marked their music from the beginning.

M…

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Clipse Episode of Theology of Hip-Hop Recap]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/clipse-episode-of-theology-of-hiphttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/clipse-episode-of-theology-of-hipThu, 05 Feb 2026 01:25:44 GMT
Get more from BaddestChaplain in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Don't Dim Your Light]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/dont-dim-your-lighthttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/dont-dim-your-lightSun, 01 Feb 2026 19:21:14 GMT
clear glass bulb on human palm
Photo by Rohan Makhecha on Unsplash

In today’s sermon we explore the themes of courage, faith, and the importance of speaking up against injustice.

We hear the story of Nicodemus and how it relates to our own journeys of faith, emphasizing the need for a limitless imagination in our understanding of God.

I pray that you are encouraged to live out your faith and foster a community that supports and uplifts one another.

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Rapsody: The holy work of formation ]]>https://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/rapsody-the-holy-work-of-formationhttps://www.baddestchaplain.com/p/rapsody-the-holy-work-of-formationFri, 30 Jan 2026 20:30:11 GMT

Rapsody doesn’t just rap — she testifies.

Read more

]]>