Derwin Gray on Turning from Political Idolatry to Kingdom Politics and How to Heal our Racial Divide

Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Derwin Gray joins the podcast to talk about his football career, faith, and shares his thoughts on the racial divide and what he thinks it’ll take to heal it.

About Derwin Gray: After graduating from Brigham Young University, Derwin played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ and experienced God’s faithfulness and direction as He moved their hearts to know Him and make Him known.

Derwin and Vicki began an itinerant speaking ministry in 1999, One Heart At A Time Ministries. Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, with a concentration in Apologetics, where he was mentored by renowned theologian and philosopher, Dr. Norman Geisler.

Following God’s call on their lives and their desire to shepherd people towards transforming their world through the mission of Christ, the Lord transitioned Derwin from his primary role of itinerant speaker to serving as the Lead Pastor of Transformation Church in January of 2010. Coupling his dynamic speaking style with a shepherd’s heart, his intense passion for seeing lives and culture transformed is both contagious and inspiring. 

Key Takeaways:
1. Derwin talks about how he transitioned from being an NFL player to becoming a pastor.
2. He talks about the relationship between modern-day politics and religion in the US.
3. He speaks to white leaders looking to diversify their churches.
4. If you’re not developing your character, you’re not going to have longevity as a leader.

Quotes From the Episode:
“If you’re filtering your faith through Republican politics or Democratic politics, that is idolatry.”
“Only a theological cure can heal a theological problem.”
“Why don’t white people go to minority lead churches?”
“Leadership is the development of your character.”
“Do not compare, bigger is not better, better is better.”

Resources Mentioned:
How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Dr. Derwin Gray
The Good Life by Dr. Derwin Gray
Multiethnic Church Roundtable
Building a Multiethnic Church by Dr. Derwin Gray
Transformation Church
Conformed to His Image by Kenneth Boa

Connect with Derwin:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter