Welcome back to The Stoop Sessions—where we gather for honest, down-to-earth conversations about ministry and the life of the church, straight from a Baltimore stoop.
In this episode, Joel Kurz sits down with Duce (William "Duce" Branch), founding member of the legendary Christian hip-hop group Cross Movement, to trace the remarkable story of how God used hip-hop to shape one of the most influential gospel ministries of the last three decades.
Duce shares his testimony of growing up under the faithful evangelistic ministry of his father, wrestling with the pull of hip-hop culture, running from home, and eventually being drawn back to Christ through the gospel. Along the way, he reflects on the rise of hip-hop in New York City, the influence of Black evangelical leaders, and how God used Bible college to deepen his theological convictions and prepare him for ministry.
Together, Joel and Duce explore the origins of Cross Movement—not simply as a rap group, but as an evangelistic ministry committed to proclaiming the gospel with theological depth. They discuss the unique challenges of engaging culture without compromising biblical truth, the tension between artistry and ministry, and why distinctly Christian hip-hop became a bridge between generations, introducing countless young people to sound doctrine and the beauty of the gospel.
Whether you grew up listening to Cross Movement or are simply interested in the intersection of theology, culture, and urban ministry, this conversation offers an encouraging look at God's providence in raising up faithful gospel witnesses in unexpected places.
Joel Kurz is the Lead Pastor at The Garden Church and Director of ONE HOPE.
William "Duce" Branch is a founding member of Cross Movement, a Bible teacher, speaker, and one of the pioneers of distinctly Christian hip-hop.
🌱 Learn more about ONE HOPE: onehope.gives
❤️ Support the show: onehope.gives/donate
