Episode 126
#126. Becoming All Things to All People in Order to Save Some
Carl Jamal dedicated his life to serving underserved communities, equipping churches, and empowering individuals through faith-based outreach.
Our conversation today will center around effective urban ministry—how churches can serve inner-city communities with dignity, navigate challenges, and build lasting relationships. We’ll also explore Carl’s unique approach to ministry through hip-hop, prison rehabilitation, and youth outreach.
Book Link: Urban Missionary Survival Guide
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- People, Not Projects
- Do's and Don'ts of Urban Ministry
- Role of Urban Missionaries in the Church
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Carl Jamal is a dedicated community leader and music educator who has overcome significant personal challenges to empower others. Finding refuge in music during a difficult youth, Carl relocated to Atlanta over ten years ago and committed himself to community outreach and charitable work, earning recognition as a respected leader and volunteer. His passion for hip hop fuels his impactful work in prison rehabilitation and youth outreach programs, where he teaches music production and fosters self-expression. Through his resilience and dedication, Carl shares his wisdom and skills, empowering marginalized communities and inspiring positive change.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Carl Jamal faced many challenges in their youth as their mother struggled with addiction and father was absent. Despite these obstacles, Carl Jamal found hope and inspiration in music, channeling their faith and creativity into a pathway toward a brighter future.
After relocating to Atlanta over ten years ago, Carl Jamal dedicated his life to community outreach and charitable work, becoming a respected local leader and volunteer throughout the nation. His passion for hip hop music inspired his life's work in prison rehabilitation, and Youth outreach where he teaches prisoners and at-risk teens the art and technical know-how of music production, writing, and engineering.
Carl Jamal’s unique approach to hip hop education helped him pioneer a new way to reach and connect with local youths. His workshops and events encourage youth to unleash their creativity through hip hop as a means of self-expression and empowerment.
Despite the many setbacks and obstacles Carl Jamal encountered in their young life, they persevered with grace, skill, and ingenuity. Now Carl Jamal shares his wisdom, his love of hip hop, and life skills with others, continuing his journey of empowerment and positivity in the world.
RELATED LINKS:
TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:
00:38 - Introducing Carl Jamal Rumsey
02:38 - How has Carl Jamal's childhood experiences shaped him?
03:14 - ...visited Atlanta and saw church community and Christ
04:59 - ...full-time in urban ministry
05:44 - ...Maverick City Music Initiative
06:24 - ...dedicated life to be a voice for the voiceless
06:42 - Importance of Principle: People, Not Projects (Book)
06:59 - ...church may treat people as a project or a program
08:24 - Top 10 of Do's and Don'ts of Urban Ministry
11:31 - ...why are you serving in urban ministry?
11:53 - Importance of Serving with Dignity
12:11 - ...Where is your heart?
12:42 - Role of Urban Missionaries in the Church
12:57 - ...use urban interests
13:30 - ...be a missionary anywhere
13:37 - ...be mission -minded
14:56 - ...examples of using urban interests
18:49 - ...staying away from labels that have stigma
19:51 - How Carl Jamal's ministry are the hands and feet of Jesus
21:58 - Care about the things that Jesus cares about
22:39 - Upcoming Events
22:56 - ...awareness of mass incarceration
23:08 - Contacting Carl Jamal Rumsey
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