Dave Runyon asks: What If Christians Were Known for What They're For?

What if Christians were known more for what they're for than what they're against? Dave Runyon, executive director of City Unite and co-author of The Art of Neighboring, joins Loren to talk about what it means for Christians and churches to pursue the good of their communities in an increasingly polarized culture. Drawing from years of bringing faith, government, and business leaders together across the Denver metro area, Dave offers a vision for Christian public witness rooted in relationships, collaboration, and actual neighboring. Dave and Loren explore the challenge of creating churches where people with different political convictions can still worship together, why bridge-building requires learning to hold tension, and what Dave learned working with Colorado Governor Jared Polis and hundreds of faith leaders during COVID. They also discuss why the loudest voices on social media may not represent most people—and why Christians shouldn't allow outrage to dictate their public witness. Together they explore: Dave's journey from pastor to community organizer Why politically diverse churches are becoming harder to sustain Holding convictions without turning churches into political echo chambers Why bridge builders have to learn to hold tension Asset-based community development versus organizing around anger Recovering proximity-based relationships and a theology of place Why Christians should be known for what they're for Dave Runyon helps faith, business, and government leaders unite around common causes in the Denver metro area. He serves as the Executive Director of CityUnite and as a consultant for businesses who have a desire to make a positive impact in their communities. Dave helped to start a neighboring movement that has now spread to over 2,500 churches around the country. This experience prompted him to co-author “The Art of Neighboring,” which was published by Baker Books and has sold over 150,000 copies. He speaks locally and nationally, encouraging leaders to collaborate for the good of their cities. Before founding CityUnite, Dave served as a pastor for ten years at Foothills Community Church and The Next Level Church. He graduated from Colorado State University, where he studied history, economics, and education. Dave and his wife, Lauren, have four kids and do not plan to have any more.   Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book: The Art of Neighboring 🌐 City Unite: CityUnite.org 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Alan Roxburgh    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurechristianpod/ 📱 Martha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martha_tatarnic/ 📱 Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondljr/ 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords Dave Runyon, City Unite, The Art of Neighboring, love your neighbor, Christian unity, Christian polarization, faith and politics, church and politics, purple church, political diversity in churches, Christian public witness, civic engagement, church and community, community engagement, neighboring movement, theology of place, proximity-based relationships, church unity, bridge building, Christian civility, common good, asset-based community development, John McKnight, Colorado Prayer Luncheon, Governor Jared Polis, faith leaders and government, church collaboration, missional church, William Wilberforce, church leadership, future of the church, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.