In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast, pastors Derrick Puckett and Mike Erre dive deep into the challenges and calling of leading churches through polarization, cultural change, and spiritual formation. Drawing from their diverse contexts—Chicago and Southern California—they unpack how the gospel shapes a unique political and pastoral imagination that defies partisan categories. Derrick shares how racial justice, discipleship, and theological depth hold together in his multiethnic congregation, while Mike reflects on how fear, cynicism, and ideology often shape believers more than Scripture. Together, they call pastors to preach a more beautiful gospel, stay rooted in Christ’s kingdom, and shepherd their people through the noise with humility, honesty, and hope.
Pastor Derrick Puckett is the founding pastor of Renewal Church of Chicago, a gospel-centered, multiethnic congregation committed to discipleship, justice, and the flourishing of its city. He also serves as the Executive Director of The Chicago Partnership, equipping church planters and pastors for urban ministry. With a strong commitment to racial reconciliation and pastoral formation, Derrick is a frequent conference speaker and contributor to conversations on church planting, multiethnic ministry, and kingdom justice.
Pastor Mike Erre is the lead pastor of Journey Church in Southern California and host of the VOX Podcast, where he explores culture, theology, and the Church’s public witness. A former teaching pastor at large evangelical churches, Mike now shepherds a community committed to deconstruction, reconstruction, and Jesus-centered discipleship. He is known for his honest, theological approach to tough issues—calling believers to trade fear and outrage for wonder, humility, and kingdom imagination.
