Maina Mwaura, Urban Faith Contributing Writer

Civil Rights & Civic Engagement: An Interview with Rep. Jim Clyburn

by Maina Mwaura, Urban Faith Contributing Writer | Oct 27, 2022 | Black History, Commentary, Faith & Work, Headline News, Heritage, Social Justice |

Congressman Jim Clyburn Interview

by Maina Mwaura

Jim Clyburn has led a remarkable life that has been marked by the pursuit of a more just society. As the child of a minister and a Christian himself, his faith has been a driving force in his public work for justice. He was an early members of SNCC (Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee) working alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jon Lewis who became his fellow Congressman. He now serves as a Congressman in South Carolina and one of the senior ranking members of the United States House of Representatives. President Joe Biden credits him directly with helping him win the presidency. UrbanFaith sat down with Congressman Jim Clyburn to discuss his faith, his legacy, HBCUs and his work to strengthen democracy and justice in the United States. The full audio interview is above!

Stop Asking For Permission with Stephen Chandler

by Maina Mwaura, Urban Faith Contributing Writer | Oct 13, 2022 | Commentary, Headline News |

Have you ever wondered how to press into your purpose? You may recognize that God has gifted you and believe He has a plan for you, but are uncertain how to realize your purpose. Pastor Stephen Chandler has one of the fastest growing churches in the United States at a time when people are attending church less and less. How is he growing and walking in purpose in the midst of such transition and apathy all around us? UrbanFaith contributor Maina Mwaura sat down with Pastor Stephen Chandler to talk about his new book Stop Asking For Permission which helps us unlock our God given potential. The interview is above more about the book is below.

From the pastor of one of America’s fastest-growing churches, Union Church in Maryland, Stephen Chandler releases his debut book, Stop Waiting for Permission: Harness Your Gifts, Find Your Purpose, and Unleash Your Personal Genius (September 27, 2022, WaterBrook) with a foreword by New York Times bestselling author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell. This bold, inspiring manifesto will show readers how to dream, plan, and ultimately achieve their great calling in life.

Stephen Chandler is the senior pastor of Union Church, based in Maryland, and the author of Stop Waiting for Permission. Through his unapologetic pursuit of fulfilling his God-given purpose, Union Church has become known for its unrelenting desire to unite people with purpose. Since its launch in 2011, Union Church has grown from fifty to thousands in weekly attendance, with tens of thousands joining live online every week. It has expanded to multiple campuses across Maryland. Stephen’s obsession with people, systems, and culture resulted in Union Church (formerly Destiny Church) being named the fastest-growing church in America by Outreach magazine.

Killing Comparison: An Interview with Nona Jones

by Maina Mwaura, Urban Faith Contributing Writer | Oct 6, 2022 | Commentary, Headline News |

We have to get past the constant assault of comparison. It keeps us insecure, negative, and disappointed. Author, speaker, and business leader Nona Jones helps us get past the temptation of jealousy and attack of inferiority in her new book Killing Comparison. UrbanFaith sat down with her to discuss the book and her journey to overcoming insecurity and embracing more of her identity in Christ. The full interview is above, more information on the book is below.

Nearly all of us deal with the struggle of comparison and finding ourselves lacking. But there is a way to break free from internal and external messages communicating a lack of self-worth.

It starts with identifying the basis of your urge to compare and ends with securing your identity to the unchanging confidence of God’s love for you.

Nona Jones knows this journey all too well. Throughout her life and in her career–most recently as an executive for the world’s largest social media company–Nona discovered that despite professional success, true confidence can only be achieved by defeating toxic comparison and securing our identity to God’s approval alone.

The Journey: An Interview with Dr. Tony Evans & Priscilla Shirer

by Maina Mwaura, Urban Faith Contributing Writer | Oct 4, 2022 | Commentary, Headline News | 1 comment

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the most influential pastors and theologians in the United States and his daughter Priscilla Shirer is one of the most well-known authors and speakers. UrbanFaith sat down with them to discuss their documentary Journey with Jesus and their book Divine Disruption written as a family holding onto faith in the midst of grief.

Faithful Service: An Interview with Rep. Val Demings

by Maina Mwaura, Urban Faith Contributing Writer | Sep 28, 2022 | Commentary, Faith & Work, Headline News |

Val Demings describes herself as “a little rough around the edges.” She says what she thinks and cares more about serving people than political partisanship. She was raised by Christian parents, graduated from Florida State University, and stayed in her hometown of Orlando. She was a career police officer and then police chief who helped reduce crime by 40% in Orlando while she served as chief of police. But an invitation to run for congress changed her life and catapulted her onto the national stage. She is now running for US Senate in Florida.

Above is an UrbanFaith exclusive interview with US Congresswoman Representative Val Demings on how she got started in politics, how she maintains her faith as a public servant, and her hopes for a united future for our nation.