In this episode of the J29 Coalition Podcast, Pastor Michael Thomas shares hard-earned wisdom from twelve years of pastoring Radiant Covenant Church, a deliberately multiethnic, multigenerational congregation in Renton, Washington. Michael discusses the challenges of cultivating real community beyond feel-good diversity optics, especially in a city like Seattle where progressive ideals often mask deeper divides. He explains how Radiant creates “good soil” through biblical preaching, honest conversations, and a discipleship model that refuses to separate Jesus from justice. Drawing from lived experience and local ministry, Michael lays out a compelling vision for kingdom-rooted preaching, civic discipleship, and pastoral courage in a polarized, performative age.
Michael Dineo Thomas Jr. is the founding and lead pastor of Radiant Covenant Church in Renton, Washington, where he has served since planting the church in 2013. Originally from Chicago, Michael leads a multiethnic, multigenerational congregation committed to Christ-centered reconciliation and biblical justice. Under his leadership, Radiant has grown into a vibrant faith community through expository preaching, contextual discipleship, and public witness—including city-wide events like the “March to Surrender” and annual faith and race conferences. Pastor Michael is a leader within the Evangelical Covenant Church and regularly trains and mentors pastors navigating multiethnic ministry in politically divided contexts.
