Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey: Episode 1205 | ‘I Was a Murderer’: From Abortion to Gospel Redemption with April Chapman
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 1205 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, host Alisa Childers engages in a profound and heartfelt conversation with April Chapman, the host of Unshakeable with April. This episode delves deep into April’s transformative journey from struggling with the prosperity gospel and personal turmoil to finding redemption through the Gospel. April shares her compelling testimony, discussing themes of abortion, personal growth, and the quest for spiritual and political alignment.
Guest Background
April Chapman introduces herself as a wife, mother, and Christian content creator who addresses politics, faith, and cultural issues from a biblical perspective (02:30). She recently rebranded her show to better reflect her mission of exploring and sharing her faith journey.
Impact of the Prosperity Gospel in Black Churches
Alisa begins by highlighting the controversy surrounding April’s previous discussions on the prosperity gospel, particularly its prevalence in black majority churches (02:19). The prosperity gospel, which emphasizes wealth and success as signs of divine favor, has been a contentious topic, especially within predominantly black congregations.
April responds by explaining her perspective on racial unity within the church. She argues that the Gospel itself reconciles believers to one another, rendering additional efforts like “racial reconciliation” unnecessary. “If the gospel, if we’re honest, what the gospel does is it takes this group of people who are just filthy, wretched sinners and then provides us a way to be reconciled to God, and then we’re reconciled to each other” (04:50). April emphasizes that while cultural and ethnic differences exist, they should not be amplified to the detriment of Christian unity.
Personal Testimony of Abortion and Redemption
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around April’s personal struggles with abortion and her path to redemption. She recounts her experiences with abortion before truly understanding the Gospel (13:13).
After her first abortion, April sought solace in her community's church, hoping to alleviate her guilt without fully grappling with the gravity of her actions. “I have to humanize those image bearers in the womb… saying the words, I was a murderer” (27:44). This acknowledgment was a crucial step in her healing process. April explains how overcoming the trauma of her second abortion led her to reject the performative aspects of the prosperity gospel and embrace a more authentic faith grounded in grace rather than works (17:06).
Political Evolution from Liberal to Conservative
April discusses her shift from liberal, feminist ideologies to a more conservative worldview, largely influenced by her marriage and newfound role as a mother (38:36). Initially supporting Obama and identifying with feminist principles, her experiences as a small business owner and observing the support from diverse, non-black allies in her industry led her to reassess her beliefs. “I realized they are running a psyop on us to make us be more divided” (40:06). This realization prompted her to embrace Christian conservatism, focusing on personal responsibility, respect for authority, and the belief in America as a land of opportunity driven by individual effort.
Unity Among Christians and Racial Reconciliation
The discussion extends to the importance of Christian unity beyond ethnic distinctions. April asserts that as believers, racial and ethnic differences should not divide the church. “We are one in Christ, Jesus Christ, that’s enough for me” (04:50). She advocates for acknowledging and celebrating cultural differences without allowing them to foster division or prejudice. April also touches on the dangers of both excessive "wokeness" and extreme nationalism within the Christian community, urging a balanced approach rooted in Scripture.
Transition to New Church and Finding Sound Doctrine
After leaving the prosperity gospel-influenced New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, April and her husband embarked on a search for a biblically sound church. April describes Atlanta as a "theological desert" with limited options for expository preaching (52:25). They attended three different churches before finding a spiritual home that emphasized sound doctrine and scriptural teaching. April criticizes the performative and emotionalism-driven sermons prevalent in many black churches, highlighting the need for pastors to stand firmly on Scripture rather than cater to emotions for attendance (55:46).
Encouragement and Conclusion
In the final segment, April offers encouragement to listeners grappling with similar struggles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the true Gospel as the foundation for identifying and rejecting deceptive teachings like the prosperity gospel. “The only one who qualified to atone for the sins of his people is the sinless savior, and his name is Jesus” (57:05). April urges individuals to seek genuine transformation through Christ, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or external actions.
Alisa concludes by inviting listeners to support April’s mission by subscribing to her channel and engaging with her content titled Unshakeable with April (59:04). The episode wraps up with mutual expressions of gratitude and encouragement, reinforcing the themes of redemption, unity, and steadfast faith.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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April Chapman: “If the gospel’s already accomplished. I get really confused.” (04:32)
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April Chapman: “When the Lord saved me, that was one of the very first things that he dealt with concerning my heart.” (21:34)
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April Chapman: “I was a Christian in name only. Very, very still, very much deceived.” (32:32)
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April Chapman: “There is an abortionist in Atlanta by the name of Tyrone Malloy, who has harmed and maimed and injured so many women.” (30:37)
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April Chapman: “The gospel is this is that we are all sinners. Adam sinned, and we are fallen sons and daughters of Adam.” (57:05)
Key Takeaways
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Gospel-Centered Unity: True Christian unity transcends ethnic and cultural differences, as the Gospel reconciles believers to God and to one another.
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Personal Transformation: April’s journey from the prosperity gospel and personal struggles with abortion to a faith grounded in grace illustrates the transformative power of genuine Gospel understanding.
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Political Awakening: Her shift from liberal feminist ideologies to conservative values was influenced by personal experiences and the realization that individual effort aligns better with her faith and family values.
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Finding Sound Doctrine: The search for a church that emphasizes scriptural teaching over performative and emotional sermons is crucial for spiritual growth and stability.
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Encouragement for Believers: Understanding and internalizing the true Gospel is essential for identifying and rejecting deceptive teachings, fostering personal growth, and maintaining unity within the Christian community.
This episode of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey offers a profound exploration of faith, personal redemption, and the quest for truth beyond cultural and ideological divides. April Chapman’s candid testimony serves as an inspiration for listeners navigating their spiritual journeys amidst contemporary challenges.
