Original subtitles

[James] Previously onGreenleaf...

Ever since you showed up here, you've been telling me

how much you need me.

Are you not worried at all

about over exaggerating your importance?

If you were to be my, say, eyes and ears

among the Greenleafs, I'd definitely make you AP.

Are you asking me to spy?

What a wonderful sermon Grace delivered.

Was that a sermon?

Well, it seemed more like a Minister's Minute.

I knew you'd think it was short.

Well, I wouldn't say short, Bob.

-Insufficient. -Why do you have to leave?

Look, I wish I could stay, but I can't.

-You like it? -Wh--

Where will we get the money to pay for this?

We can sell the land.

-Who wants to buy it? -A commercial developer.

-Just tell Kerissa no. -What's it gonna be?

I don't know what you're doing here

or why Calvary is suddenly so important to you,

but I'm gonna find out.

I just got a phone call

from some inmate at a prison in Arizona.

He says he's our son.

So are you gonna help me out or what?

-I wanted to see you. -I thought you were just gonna

send the money. That was the deal.

-What do you want? -I want you to come home.

[birds chirping]

I'm listening.

[Bob] Well, in its prime, Fairview was a big church.

Upwards of 1,500 on Sunday.

Now they're down to, uh, maybe 270.

And building eats money like a goat.

What does this have to do with Calvary?

Well, I thought since they're relatively close by,

maybe you could sit down with Cal, the head pastor,

and see if there's a fit.

-I'd be happy to talk with him. -Yeah, I figured you would be.

Oh, and, uh, not that it matters,

but you should know the congregation is white.

[door opens]

[door closes]

♪ Amen

♪ Oh, yeah

♪ Amen

♪ Ooh

♪ Well

♪ Oh

♪ Ooh

-♪ Amen -♪ Oh

♪ Ooh

♪ Yeah

♪ Ooh

Hey, Bob.

Hey, how'’d it go with Grace?

Oh, great. She'’s gonna meet with Cal.

But she knows it'’s a white church?

Yeah. She seems totally on board.

Hey, do you want me in that meeting?

No, I think they'’ll be fine, uh, but, listen...

that last version you sent me of the July fourth sermon...

Still not working for you?

Uh, just doesn'’t sound like me yet.

I'’ll take another pass.

Atta boy.

What do you think of this?

-Can I be honest? -Always be honest.

Who'’s gonna come visit me

when no one'’s supposed to know I exist?

Me.

That's not really my style.

[sizzling]

So, what you got going on here that smells so good, huh?

-[AJ] Waffles. -[Grace] Waffles?

-What's that? Gizzards? -Chicken livers.

You learn to cook like that in, uh...

[chuckles]

No.

[Grace] What's so funny? [chuckles]

All you people love to think

that prison'’s good for something,

like it'’s some kinda trade school.

"You people." [scoffs]

Where'’d you learn to cook?

One of my foster families...

the Hurleys.

The dad was a chef.

You know, Sophia'’s Dad is a chef.

[AJ] I know.

You know?

Did a little research.

[Fernando] So that'’s the site plan.

[Jacob] I gotta say, Fernando, I was not planning to sell,

but I'm feeling better.

[chuckles] I told you.

And that yoga studio is going to kill.

This makes me very happy.

May I have my secretary arrange for a closing?

I guess I don'’t see why not.

-[chuckles] -[Fernando] Fantastic.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

-Oh, what beautiful cufflinks. -[Fernando] Oh, these?

I'’ve had them forever.

Well, those are kinda your style, aren'’t they?

Uh, yeah, a good look, yeah.

So, if I can find some champagne...

-It'’s the middle of the day. -Oh, I think we would love some.

Just a splash.

-Thank you for doing this. -Well...

it's your land too.

Let's not forget that...

-ever. -[chuckles]

This is going to be good for us.

I pray you're right.

So my secretary says we can close Sunday afternoon.

Here you go.

Y'all do business on the Sabbath?

We'’ll make an exception. [chuckles]

Cheers to that.

[glasses clink]

Uh-huh. Well, it sounds like a plan, Desi. [laughs] Bye.

[chuckles] Hey, uh, Desi sends her regards.

-Who? -Desiree Boudreaux.

-Oh, how is she faring? -Oh, good.

I can'’t turn a page without seeing something about Atlanta,

seems like it's become the new home of everything.

Well, the church is thriving. Ned'’s away on a mission trip

and their guest speaker next month cancelled.

-And you said you'’d fill in? -[James] Mm.

I said I'’d get back to her.

Doesn'’t seem very wise.

Well, who would you have them get?

[sighs] I mean unwise for us, James.

Mae, it will just be one Sunday.

James, our whole project right now is to impress upon

the people of this church, the church that we lost,

that ours are the hearts that should be beating

at the center of things.

Do you miss the spotlight that much?

It'’s not about the spotlight.

It'’s about molding in the shadows.

Can'’t a man preach? I mean, we don'’t have sex.

-[gasps] James-- -[Grace clears her throat]

Bad time?

You just saved me an hour of prayer

to ask God to forgive me.

-Speak. -Well... [sighs]

I just had a very interesting conversation with Bob Whitmore.

Is he back in town so soon?

Mm-hmm, he's got Judee with him.

You know, for a family that's got 1,000 churches,

-he sure stops by a lot. -Yet I don'’t feel favored.

Well, he would like us to consider

folding a small white church into Calvary.

[James] Get out.

-Do the deacons know about this? -Uh, well, he didn't say.

[Lady Mae] I assume they don't.

Even Connie wouldn't like that idea and she'’d let

a Komodo dragon in the church if he had a checkbook.

[playing piano]

♪ Welcome to the family of God ♪

[sighs]

What did I do now?

You'’ve gotta get me something on Grace.

-Something big and soon. -Why? What'’s going on?

I'’m not sure.

Just get me something on Grace or neither one of us

are gonna preach at this church.

Understood?

Understood.

Thank you.

[sighs]

Now, just playing devil's advocate,

-are we sure it'’s a bad idea? -Gigi, black church is black.

It'’s one of the few places we can freely be ourselves.

Let me stop the both of you.

This isn'’t about race.

This is about Harmony & Hope and Bob Whitmore.

Well, what does Bob have to gain?

First, he gets to cash in on a piece of property

that hasn'’t generated a dime for him for quite a while.

Let-- Let-- Let'’s make no mistake, that'’s his main aim.

The man'’s first language is cash.

And as for the church being white, well...

Maybe he really does think that'’s a good idea.

Racial reconciliation.

-Oh, Gigi, please. -What? What?

[James] Gigi, there'’s never been

a truly multiracial megachurch with a black pastor.

Now, there are these black folks who are willing to listen

to a white person, but-- But let'’s be honest,

usually a woman in a Dior pant suit preach the word.

Oh, so it'’s a problem it'’s a woman?

The problem is it never works the other way around.

So, if Bob Whitmore's planning on turning Calvary

into some beacon of Harmony & Hope,

you can bet it won'’t be anyone

in this room preaching every Sunday.

All right.

I'’ll go and talk with this guy from Fairview.

I'll let you know how it goes.

So... you still think it'’s a good idea

to holiday in Atlanta, Bishop?

Mae... it'’s just one Sunday.

[sighs]

No way.

[phone ringing]

[Karine] Pastor Greenleaf'’s office.

Oh, Karine, it'’s me.

I didn'’t do anything wrong.

Congratulations.

Who is managing Whitmore'’s schedule this weekend?

[Karine] Mm, that would be me.

Wonderful.

[door closes in other room]

Hello?

[door closes in other room]

Hello?

Baby, what are you doing here?

-Honey? -I came to see my brother.

You two were in contact?

How else would I know he was here?

Does anyone else know you'’re here?

No, I'’m sneaking in and I'm sneaking out.

I do not want the hassle.

-The hassle of what? -Lying for you.

-Where are you going? -Zora'’s. I'm staying down there.

Can you just sit for a second?

Don'’t worry, he told me about your deal

and how he'’s supposed to stay in the dark

like some kinda secret until you say it'’s cool to come out.

I get it. I won'’t tell.

All right, let's just sit and talk about this, all right?

No.

And I'm just saying, what do you think

Harmony & Hope is gonna do when they find out

that you gave up a baby? I mean, it'’s the 21st century.

[sighs]

I wanna wait until the church is back in the family.

-You know what... -Hey.

Sit down.

I don'’t think you're protecting the family at all.

I think... you'’re just ashamed.

You shot your mouth off for forty years and...

now you have to admit to yourself

that you'’re just as bad as everyone else.

Just get it over with.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[paper printing]

-Whoa, careful. -Oh, oh, oh, sorry. Hi.

-What are you printing? -Nothing important.

The, um, transcription of the sermon I did

-for the Last Day with Lady Mae. -Oh, and what a sermon it was.

[chuckles] You?

Oh, just some articles on Excellence.

I'’m meeting with Phil DeMars tomorrow.

What about?

Well, I guess he heard about the school.

-Wants to hear a little more. -Mm-hmm.

You know Bishop told me that you and Jacob are putting

that land across the street up for sale, is that true?

[Kerissa] Yes, we actually accepted an offer.

Oh. So, whatever advice Bishop gave Jacob

failed to compel on the matter.

We'’re free to sell what is ours.

Eve was free to eat that apple...

and look where that got her.

All of us.

Oh.

This ink is on its last leg.

So, I'’ll have Maricel run to the store

because we all know you don'’t like to wait.

[music playing]

Aha.

Hey, why did you leave like that the other day?

Like, after saying that you'’ll stay?

Because I'm not gonna lie...

you kinda had me at my feelings.

Yeah, I know.

I'’m sorry. I just...

had a stupid fight with my mom. I'’ll make it up to you though.

Okay. [chuckles]

Here'’s a starter.

You can help me tonight with my sermon for Little Saints.

I'’m two days out and I'’ve got nothing.

I have plans with Roberto.

Oh, so, you'’re back with Burrito?

No, we just... [sighs]

It'’s complicated.

-I'’ll help you tomorrow? -Okay.

-See you. -[Zora] Bye.

Bye.

[knocks]

You selling cookies?

I see you inherited our mother'’s sense of humor.

-[AJ laughs] -My condolences.

-[laughing] -[soft music playing on radio]

Yeah, so I graduated literally the day

before I turned 18 and my foster parents are like,

"Okay, get to steppin'’," and I'm like,

"Uh, where?

Okay."

So, they just threw you out?

Yeah, you know, there'’s a lotta people,

they think once a kid turns 18, they'’re on their own.

Even about their own kids.

And I was just...

like, a check. You know, so...

And that'’s when you found Mom?

[AJ] Grace? Yeah.

You sure you'’re okay with that?

Mm. Mm-hmm. [coughs] Yeah, I'’m good.

New experiences.

I'm sorry she didn'’t behave better.

Well, you have me now.

[laughs] Thanks.

Why is that funny?

You and your mom are, like...

the same person.

All in. Save the day.

[AJ chuckles]

Hey, if you don'’t want to be saved--

Nah, I don'’t mean any disrespect--

Oh, no, no, I don'’t mean anything either.

It'’s just easy to show up and make promises.

It'’s harder to keep them. That'’s all I'm trying to say.

Yeah. I hear you.

I'm sorry if I made it seem like I thought it was that simple.

Sorry if I thought that.

But I'm serious...

about being here for you however I, you know, can.

I'm at Hampton, but it'’s just, like, a...

phone call or a plane ride away.

I might take you up on that.

I'm not...

my mom.

We are not the same person.

I'’m in this for the long haul.

[chuckles] Forever!

[laughing]

I'’ll keep that in mind.

[Sophia] You know, I think...

I think...

I might just close my eyes for a second, is that okay?

Yeah, you do you.

-Slumber party. -[Sophia chuckles]

So, Grace, you folks...

would be interested in-- In having us join you?

Well, you know, Cal...

it would definitely be a process.

I'’m sure about that, but, um...

maybe, why?

Bob...

-sure wants it to happen. -Yeah, now, Cal...

[sighs]

I'm wondering...

do you know what that's all about?

No, no, I just know that I brought up,

I mean, five or six white churches in the area

as potential partners and...

he was, like...

"Get back on the paper."

"Get back on the paper"?

How?

Oh, like-- Like a puppy.

[chuckles]

That couldn't have been pleasant.

No, it wasn't, but, uh,

Harmony & Hope, you know, they'’re like the Army.

They feed you, clothe you, house you, they pay you.

I'’m just trying to... [sighs]

I'm just trying to be realistic.

What do you think being realistic

has to do with Jesus Christ?

Not much.

[chuckles]

Me neither.

And that's, uh...

kinda what we do.

Sounds good. Very Harmony & Hope.

Let me show this to Bob and get back to you.

Maybe there'’s a fit. Either way,

-it'’s a pleasure. -Yes.

Then, may I ask kind of a kooky question?

Well, be my guest.

Where did you get those cufflinks?

Oh, these? They'’re from Bob.

You work for Bob five years, cufflinks.

-Really? -Yeah, kind of his thing.

You know what brand they are? I was hoping to get Jacob some.

Oh, he had them made, custom.

But assuming everything works out,

Jacob will get his soon enough.

Thanks again for coming in.

-No, thank you. -Mm-hmm.

Hi, Nadine, it'’s Kerissa. Can you call me, please?

I have a question about our buyer.

Hey.

Karine, my sister, got a second?

-Sure. What can I do for you? -[chuckles]

I'’ve met someone very special.

-Pastor Phil? -Phil? Why would you say that?

-Sorry. I thought you liked him. -Liked Phil DeMars?

No. I hate him.

I don'’t hate him.

I meant I found someone for Grace.

Not me. For Grace.

Oh.

But I just wanted to make sure, you know,

before I get his hopes up that Grace isn'’t taken.

Why don'’t you ask her?

-Is she taken or not? -I don'’t think she is.

-So Darius, that'’s over with? -As far as I know.

And Noah?

I mean, he came in a few weeks ago for a little reunion.

He flew in for something.

What-- What do you mean by that?

-Who is this someone special? -No, what do you mean something?

Is she seeing Noah again, is that it?

Charity, he'’s married.

Well, just answer the question!

I did! He'’s married!

Is there something you'’re not telling me?

There is, isn'’t there?

Yes, now, leave me alone.

Now I'’m "telling you".

Hey.

What'’s all this?

My project for the Little Saints.

I moved on without you. So, sorry.

I brought you some cheesecake.

I don'’t eat cheesecake anymore.

-Since when? -Since you became a lying bitch.

Excuse me?

Where did you stay last night?

And don'’t say Roberto's.

Because A, I called him trying to find you

and he didn'’t even know you were back,

and B, he doesn'’t drink. And you stink.

So, what were you doing?

Fine, back to our regularly scheduled program.

[indistinct chatter]

Thank you.

-Bob. -Mae.

So good to see you!

Well, thank you for making time.

No, not at all! I'’m so glad that you reached out.

I've been meaning to do that myself.

Yes, well, it may not be my church anymore,

but it is still my town and a lady does love to be gracious.

So, to what do I owe this pleasure?

Well, Grace told me about our little visitor

-that's coming on Sunday. -Cal Weaver, from Fairview.

Yes, and I just wanted to get a sense of your long-term goals.

Since merging Calvary with an all-white church,

even one as small and sickly as Fairview,

could quench the spirits of both congregations in ways

that would be so problematic

that the whole notion might be properly labeled as...

spiritual sabotage.

[chuckles] Boy, you do cut to the chase.

[chuckling]

-It'’s a gift. -Is it okay if we order first?

-By all means. -Ah, perfect.

[sighs]

[Noah] Hi, this is Noah and Isabel.

Leave a message, we'’ll get back to you.

Hey, Noah, it'’s me. Uh, Charity.

[ticking]

[clears throat]

What were you thinking coming by Calvary

and not saying hello?

Shame on you!

Have a blessed day!

[sighs]

Bob, starting as far back as slavery.

So, we'’re talking centuries and centuries,

the black church has always been

a source of hope and strength and inspiration for my people.

In a world that was fraught with danger...

our church was our one safe haven.

As it should be, always.

Then surely you can understand why folding a white church

into Calvary could be problematic.

I do. Most certainly, I do.

You'’re not getting any argument from me.

Then why did you propose this?

The world is changing.

People are mixing as they never have before.

Races, cultures.

How can the church not reflect that when the church is founded

on the command to "“love thy neighbor"”.

Well, I suppose I'’m just fearful of what will be lost

-in the process. -Mm.

And where someone even as palatable as Grace

-will fit in. -Well...

God called Paul to be a voice to the Gentiles.

And if God has called Grace...

to be a voice to white folks, then...

Grace will be that voice.

If not, God will find someone else.

I know this much after reading that sermon

you messengered over.

-You read it? -I did.

And I had Karine show me the video.

[chuckles]

Grace did not get her gifts from her daddy. She's all you.

That sermon was something.

Well, it was an honor to be used by God that way.

-Hmm. -I do still feel, however,

-that this invitation-- -Mae. Mae, let'’s not...

[chuckles]

Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Let'’s let Grace and Cal meet and see what shakes out.

I mean, we'’re obviously not going to force anyone

to do something they don'’t want to do.

Deal?

[clattering]

[chuckles] Oh, Sophia.

Sophia, what are you doing here?

[sighs]

Well, I didn'’t even know you were coming home,

is everything all right?

Yeah, everything is fine, I'’ve just...

I'’ve gotta catch my ride back to the airport.

Back to the airport?

-Yeah. -No, no, I don'’t understand.

I was here for a hot minute and now I'’m going back.

But I never even knew you were here.

I have so many questions for you,

I don'’t even know where to begin.

[sighs] I'’m sorry, you don'’t understand.

[Lady Mae] Then help me understand.

Mom knows.

Ask her.

What is going on between the two of you

that has you coming and going like this?

I will not stand for it.

Your daughter is leaving

and I never even knew she was here!

Yeah, I know.

-I'm sorry, Grandma, I love you. -Oh, darling. I love you.

[sniffs] I'’m not coming back here until everybody knows.

I will not tell your secret...

but I will not lie for you.

What is she so angry about? Hurt about?

It'’s between Sophia and me.

[Lady Mae sighs]

Grace--

Mama, I don'’t wanna talk about it.

I had lunch with Bob Whitmore today.

Why?

Tomorrow morning, when you preach--

Why would you do that without telling me?

-I thought you were here to he-- -Please, don't

make any accommodation for our guest

in the name of decency or any liberal ideal.

Mama, I met with that pastor today.

They don'’t want to merge either. This is just Bob'’s big idea.

I know, and it is your job to kill it.

You have this habit of seeing things from every angle.

Just see this from ours for once, please.

Ours or yours?

Well, forgive me for thinking we could possibly agree.

How about I just pray and ask God what he wants me to say,

would that be all right with you?

We'’re losing the church!

Thank you for your vote of confidence.

Grace, it's not your... [groans]

[music playing]

♪ Welcome to the family

♪ Of God

♪ Where everyone is loved ♪

♪ As they are

♪ Where love and peace abide

♪ And all arms are open wide

♪ Welcome to the family

♪ Of God

♪ Come and meet the shepherd

-♪ Of soul -♪ Shepherd of soul

♪ He comforts with his staff

♪ And his rod

♪ In Harmony and Hope let ♪

-♪ Our voices rise -♪ Let our voices rise

♪ Welcome to the family

-♪ Of God -♪ Of God

-♪ Welcome to the family -♪ To the family

-♪ Of God -♪ Of God

[scattered applause]

[Grace] Now, the thing to remember

about the 12 tribes of Israel is that they were 12 tribes!

Now, I don'’t know y'all's family,

but we can barely get two people

to agree on something, let alone 12!

-[audience murmuring] -She is not wrong about that.

But somehow, Moses got all the tribes of Egypt

to agree to do this strange, bloody thing.

To slaughter their first-born lamb

and to paint the doorways with its blood.

-And, lo and behold, it worked. -[audience] Yes!

[applause]

They walked out of Egypt with their heads held high.

The sea itself parted out of respect

for their unity of purpose!

-Amen! -That's right.

How did Moses do all of that?

-How did he do that? -I'’ve never heard Moses

-used as a uniter in that way. -[Grace] Or was it Moses?

Very on brand.

-It was God who did it. -[woman] Yeah, it was.

It was God who did it.

-Amen. -Hallelujah.

Catch this through Pharaoh.

Every time Pharaoh gave an order,

every time he moved God's people this way and that

against their will, he united them against a common enemy.

-That's good. -And when they finally rose up,

it cost Pharaoh his own son.

-[man] All right. -[audience] Yeah.

[Grace] Now, I want you to hear me right now.

I want you to catch this part.

Anyone out there in the world...

who thinks that they can get away

with pushing God's people around,

-I have got news for you. -[cheering]

God is using you...

-to unite us! -[cheering]

Amen.

And woe to you when we rise...

woe to you when we rise. Rise up, church!

Rise up, church! Rise up!

Rise up in the face of your sorrow!

Rise up in the face of your trouble!

Rise up, tell the mountain to move. Rise up!

Rise up!

Woe to you when we rise,

'cause it is gonna cost you everything!

[cheering]

[James] Gigi.

It's good to see you.

Mmm.

You gave that old devil what for.

-Yeah. -And I don'’t mean Lucifer.

-I mean that old-- -She knows who you mean, James.

Resist the urge to make a scene.

-Well done. -Thank you, Mama.

Mm-hmm. [chuckles]

Well, look who'’s here.

Rochester.

Bob would like to see you in my office

when you get a second.

-Your office? -Yes.

And I'’d take that second now.

-[scoffs] -Go.

I'll see you back at the house.

Bishop. Mae.

Always a pleasure.

[phone ringing]

All right.

-Oh, it'’s Nadine, go ahead. -Okay.

-Hi. Did you get my message? -Yeah, I did. You wanted to know

who'’s the money behind City on a Hill, right?

-Who funds them? -Were you able to find out?

I was. It'’s Harmony & Hope.

-Is that gonna be a problem? -[sighs]

-Kerissa? -Um...

I-- I don'’t know.

Well, I'’ve scheduled the closing for this afternoon,

if that'’s not gonna work...

Oh, hey. What'’s the matter?

Yeah, we'’ll-- We'’ll see you there.

Okay, bye.

I wanted to talk in here because I thought

it might remind you in the most simplistic way

that in a very real sense, this is not your church.

You are an employee of Harmony & Hope.

Your paycheck is processed by H&H accounting.

Your office, desk, even your robes, Pastor,

which may seem to be yours, are on loan.

Guess I hit a nerve.

Cal Weaver just told me that he'’s thinking of staying put.

"Giving it one last go." He'’s inspired.

Is that such a bad thing?

It'’s gonna make something that should take two months

take two years. If it happens at all.

He doesn'’t wanna come over here.

I don'’t blame him.

Because you don'’t want him here!

We just became Harmony & Hope.

Why does this have to happen right now?

I'’m trying to make the world a better place.

What are you doing?

Indulging your own sense of righteousness at the expense

of all the people you value the most?

What'’s that supposed to mean?

One more move like that and you'’re out. All of you.

Your sister,

your brother, they'’re both hanging by a thread right now...

and it'’s all because of you.

All because of you.

Goodbye, land.

Hello, dream house.

Come on, babe.

My favorite kind of deal.

Buyers, sellers, everyone'’s happy.

[phone ringing]

-Noah, hey, what'’s up? -Isabel just threw me out.

-Why? -Charity called the house

and left a message, like,

"Why didn'’t you come by after you were at the church?"

-Seriously? -[Noah] Yeah.

Izzy put two and two together

and figured we'd seen each other.

So she asked.

[sighs]

-And you told her? -I had to.

I thought it would be better than what she thought.

I was wrong.

The fact that you and I have a kid,

and she and I can'’t...

She just said she'’s done.

-So, what are you gonna do? -For starters?

I'm moving back to Memphis to get to know my son.

I just thought you'’d want to know.