Reflecting on Chaos or Community: Black History Month, Faith, and Social Justice in America

The latest episode of the "To Be Encouraged" podcast, hosted by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble , offers a powerful and timely conversation centered on Black History Month and its relevance to the current social and political climate in the United States. Using the lens of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s poignant question, "Where do we go from here—Chaos or Community?", the hosts explore the challenges facing communities and the church's role in advocating for justice, inclusion, and dignity for all.

Here’s a recap of the episode and three key takeaway points:

1. The Golden Rule and Methodist Social Principles: A Foundation Under Challenge

Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble reflect on the enduring principles of the Methodist Church, particularly its early social creed from 1908. This creed championed the fair treatment of workers, protection of children, and, importantly, the Golden Rule—treating others as you would want to be treated. Despite being radical in its time, these values remain both relevant and challenged today. The hosts lament that such basic rights and forms of respect have become controversial in modern society, highlighting how the erosion of compassionate democracy threatens to replace community with chaos.

2. Standing Up for Justice: The Church’s Moral Imperative

Throughout the conversation, the hosts emphasize the church’s responsibility to speak out against injustice, particularly when it comes to immigration raids, harassment of vulnerable communities, and abuses of power by authorities. Bishop Julius C. Trimble shares stories of church missions disrupted by ICE and calls attention to how the targeting of undocumented immigrants and people of color undermines the core Christian values of justice, mercy, and hospitality. Both hosts agree that prayer and protest must go hand in hand—that faith communities must be willing to challenge unjust systems, advocate for those who cannot vote, and protect spaces meant for sanctuary and service.

3. Hope and Agency: Choosing Community Over Chaos

Despite the bleakness of current events, Bishop Julius C. Trimble finds hope in community responses—clergy and churches standing up, people finding their voices, and the growing recognition that everyone possesses dignity and sacred worth. Drawing lessons from social justice leaders like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Congressman John Lewis, he urges listeners not to be bystanders. Voting for candidates who serve the least among us, advocating for children, and defending “the least of these” are practical ways the church and its members can choose community over chaos. The episode closes with the biblical encouragement from the book of Joshua: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This call to action is both a word of hope and a challenge to keep compassion at the center of our public life.

Final Thoughts

"To Be Encouraged" delivers not just an analysis of the current state of affairs, but a rallying cry for faith-led justice and community. Whether you are a local church pastor, layperson, or concerned citizen, the episode encourages us all to seek out beloved community, honor everyone’s story, and remember that we can—and must—stand up for justice, dignity, and mercy. Revisiting King’s vision of community and the Methodist social creed may be exactly what we need in these troubled times.

Listen, reflect, and choose community over chaos.