Church and Main

America isn't breaking apart because people are more extreme. We're breaking apart because our civic relationships are. That's the line from writer and researcher Lura Forcum that sparked this conversation on political polarization, tribalism, and what faith communities can do about it. Dennis Sanders sits down with Lura Forcum, psychologist by training, writer of the newsletter How to Human, and co-host of the We Made This Political podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on why Americans are sorting into hostile camps and what it would take to find our way back to each other. Lura draws on her background in social psychology to explain how tribalism works beneath our conscious awareness, why dehumanization is the first step toward justifying harm, and how her Christian faith, particularly the conviction that all people are made in the image of God, shapes her understanding of political conflict. The conversation moves through some of the year's hardest moments, including the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and the shooting of Charlie Kirk, and asks what it looks like to hold complexity about people we disagree with rather than reducing them to caricature. Along the way, Dennis and Lura talk about the segregated hour of American church life, the discomfort of crossing racial and denominational lines to worship, and why sharing a meal, whether at a neighborhood potluck or the communion table, might be one of the most powerful tools we have for rebuilding trust. Shownotes: How to Human (Substack newsletter) - https://h2h.substack.com/ We Made This Political (Podcast) - https://wemadethispolitical.substack.com/podcast     Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/) | Threads (https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod) |  Website (https://churchandmain.org/) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast) | Substack (https://churchandmain.substack.com/)

In a culture where churches increasingly demand ideological uniformity, is there still room for people who don't fit neatly into a camp? Dennis sits down with Garwood Anderson — former Dean and President of Nashotah House Theological Seminary, now a Senior Fellow at the Lumen Center — to talk about his article "A Place to Land," the story of a woman caught between conservative and progressive churches that each expected total agreement. Together they explore why churches have become political litmus tests, how fear and distrust drive people to the poles, what it means to detach Jesus from being a "mascot" for our own side, and why a genuine Christian discourse might make everyone a little uncomfortable — and why that's exactly the point. Shownotes: A Place to Land Loved Before We Are Labeled Gen Z's Lost Hope-YouTube Preview   Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/) | Threads (https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod) |  Website (https://churchandmain.org/) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast) | Substack (https://churchandmain.substack.com/)

Why bad things happen to good people has always been the classic question of faith. But Gen Z is asking something different: why don't bad things happen to bad people? Jared Dodson — a Gen Z Bible professor at Bushnell University — joins Dennis to unpack the perspective he's seeing in his students and peers, one where anger at injustice, exposure to political violence, and a deep desire for God's judgment are reshaping how a generation reads scripture. They talk about the imprecatory Psalms, the story of David, the temptation to dehumanize the very people we call unjust, and why nonviolence still matters even when the old approaches feel like they've failed. The conversation moves through lament, mental health, the book of Job, and how Revelation offers a vision of reconciliation rather than just judgment. It's a generational conversation about anger, justice, and what it might take for older and younger Christians to understand each other. Shownotes: GenZ Isn't Asking Why Bad Things Happen to Good People Walking Alongside Scripture (Jared's Substack)       Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

There's a lot of despair in the world right now, and it seems especially pronounced among Generation Z. Writer, speaker, and podcaster Jake Doberins joins the show to talk about his recent essay "Having Hope in a Hopeless World," exploring why hope feels so scarce for his generation and what makes Christian hope different from mere optimism. Jake shares his own journey from a fundamentalist, know-it-all faith to something fuller and more honest, and unpacks why institutions, including the church, have lost people's trust. He and Dennis talk about loneliness, the risk built into hope, and why modeling a hopeful life matters more than teaching it. As Jake puts it, hope is "this stubborn belief that says, yeah, things are bad... but they're not always going to be bad." Shownotes: Having Hope in a Hopeless World Christianity without Compromise Podcast Heavy Lies the Stole     Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Is now a good time to have kids? For many younger people, the answer is a firm no — climate change, political chaos, economic uncertainty, and a general sense of doom have made the idea of bringing a child into the world feel irresponsible. But theologian and expectant father Griffin Gooch sees it differently. In this episode, Dennis talks with Griffin about why the fears surrounding having children — and getting married — say more about our cultural moment than they do about the actual goodness of family life. They explore how negativity bias and the constant flood of bad news shape our sense of the future, what social science actually tells us about what makes for a good life, and why the Christian tradition has always understood children as a profound blessing rather than a burden.  It's a conversation about hope, friction, flourishing, and why bringing something good into a broken world isn't naive — it might be exactly what the world needs. Shownotes: Having Kids When There's Never a Good Time to Have Kids     Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Is artificial intelligence a threat — or a tool for love? Episcopal priest Cathie Caimano thinks it's the latter, and she joins Dennis in making the case that most church conversations about AI are missing the point entirely. Drawing from Pope Leo's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Cathie argues the question isn't whether AI is good or bad, but how each of us chooses to use it. While headlines focused on the Pope's warnings about AI's dangers, Cathie found something different at the heart of the encyclical — a call to examine our own values and ask how we are using these powerful new tools to love God and love our neighbor. Shownotes: The Pope said Use AI for Love' Bless Me Father, For I Have Sinned in using AI. Related Episodes: Navigating the AI Apocalypse with Michael DeLashmutt | Episode 284 Can AI Help or Hinder Human Flourishing? with Paul Hoffman | Episode 266 Pastoral Leadership and ChatGPT with Jeremy Wilhelmi | Episode 178   Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

What happens when a local church closes? More than a building goes dark — something essential to the fabric of community disappears with it. Trygve Johnson, executive director of the Preach For Foundation, joins Dennis to talk about why the local church matters more than most people realize and what is lost when congregations vanish from our neighborhoods. Drawing from his three-part Substack series When the Lights Go Out, Trygve introduces the idea of the "grammar of grace" — the underlying cadence of forgiveness, belonging, and second chances that the church offers to the broader culture. When that grammar goes silent, we are left with little more than meritocracy, isolation, and the exhausting pressure to perform our way into being loved. The conversation moves from the social utility of the church to something deeper — the sacramental and theological vision of a community that does not need to earn its place at the table because, as Trig puts it, the church is the table. Along the way, Dennis and Trig talk about recruiting the next generation of pastors, the importance of Wednesday potlucks, why Jesus apparently refused to serve bad wine, and what it means to practice resurrection in a season of anxiety and decline. Shownotes: When the Lights Go Out Part One When the Lights Go Out, Part Two When the Lights Go Out, Part Three Preach For website     Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

What does it mean to trust God in an age when trust itself feels almost impossible? In this episode, Dennis sits down with pastor, author, and Christian Century contributor Katherine Willis Pershey, who opens up about her journey from secular skepticism through ordained ministry to a renewed and deepening faith in the God who acts. They talk honestly about the decline of progressive mainline denominations like the UCC, asking whether the crisis is not just numerical but spiritual, rooted in a slow drift away from confidence in the resurrected Christ toward a gospel of human programs and good intentions. Katherine brings both unflinching honesty about the institutions she loves and a hard-won hope grounded not in optimism about what we can do but in the promise of what God is already doing. If you have ever felt the tension between pursuing justice and trusting in grace, or wondered whether the church can find its way through death to resurrection, this conversation is for you. Shownotes: Life, Death, and Resurrection in the United Church of Christ Please, liberal Christians, read Eugene Peterson Every day is Holy Saturday Katherine's website     Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

What does artificial intelligence reveal about what it means to be human—and what does faith have to say about it? In this episode, host Dennis Sanders sits down with the Reverend Michael DeLashmutt, Senior Vice President, Dean of the Chapel, and Associate Professor of Theology at General Theological Seminary in New York City, for a wide-ranging conversation about theology, technology, and the age of AI. Michael argues that we are living through an "AI apocalypse"—not in the science fiction sense, but in the original meaning of the word: an unveiling. Rather than treating AI as something entirely new and frightening, he situates it within a long history of information technologies that have always shaped human life and the spread of the gospel, from Roman roads to the printing press to Zoom worship during the pandemic. But Michael also issues a challenge: our culture has long reduced what it means to be human to intelligence and cognition alone, and AI is forcing us to confront the limits of that thin understanding. Drawing on Christian theology, neuroscience, and philosophy, he makes the case for a richer, more embodied vision of humanity—one rooted in relationship, presence, and the belief that our bodies matter to God. Shownotes: Theology After Intelligence by Michael DeLashmutt Michael's website   Related Episodes: Can AI Help or Hinder Human Flourishing? with Paul Hoffman | Episode 266   Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube    

In an era of social media influencers and viral hot takes, the word "prophetic" gets thrown around constantly — but usually it just means "someone saying things I agree with."  Dennis Sanders sits down with writer and communications professional Ryan Self to dig into what the biblical prophets actually looked like, and why today's version often falls dangerously short. Ryan, who writes the Substack Ryan's Boring Book Club, recently published a two-part series — Preachers, Prophets, and Politicians — examining how the religious left and right are both falling into the same trap: mistaking tribal partisanship for genuine moral courage. From megachurch pastors building empires on outrage clicks, to progressive Christian influencers spreading election conspiracies, to politicians wrapping their campaigns in the language of the gospel, Dennis and Ryan explore how audience capture, social media incentives, and the hunger for a platform are quietly eroding the church's credibility. Shownotes: Preachers, Prophets and Politicians (Part 1) Preachers, Prophets and Politicians (Part Two) Don't make Colbert a free speech martyr Related Episodes: LGBTQ Allies and Effective Inclusion with Ryan Self | Episode 243   Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

The term "Christian nationalism" is everywhere — but is it actually helping us understand our political moment, or making things worse? Princeton Theological Seminary professor Heath Carter joins host Dennis to make a provocative case: the term has become so broad and loosely applied that it's lost its usefulness, and may be deepening the very polarization it aims to diagnose. Carter argues that while genuinely dangerous, illiberal movements exist — think theocrats actively working to undermine pluralistic democracy — the label too often gets applied to any Christian who voted for Trump. That kind of broad brush lets mainline Protestants off the hook for their own role in America's political story, while alienating the very voters the left needs to win back. The conversation ranges from the forgotten history of progressive Christianity and the Social Gospel, to the Democratic Party's complicated relationship with faith, to why curiosity and genuine engagement may matter more than the right terminology. Carter also reflects on what politicians like James Talarico can teach us about speaking the language of faith without surrendering pluralism. Shownotes: Americans Should Stop Using the Term "Christian Nationalism" (Heath's article in The Atlantic Heath Carter's website Related Episodes: Is Christian Nationalism Really A Problem? with Ted Peters | Episode 181 Did Mainline Protestants Birth Christian Nationalism with Beau Underwood | Episode 186 Christian Nationalism or Christian Conservatism with Mark Tooley | Episode 195   Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

What if communion was more than a ritual squeezed between the offering and the sermon? I sat down with the Reverend Dr. Jarrod Longbons, pastor of Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta, to explore what it means for the church to be a Eucharistic community. Jarrod makes the case that the Lord's Supper isn't just a worship practice — it's a social imagination that can reshape everything from how we care for the unhoused to how we sit with people we profoundly disagree with. Jarrod and I look into why the old model of church as a voluntary association is breaking down, what a eucharist-oriented church could look like, and how gathering around a shared table can bind people together in a world that keeps pulling them apart. Shownotes: When Institutions Fade: The Church As A Eucharistic Movement (from Jarrod's Podcast, Complex Creatures) Related Episodes: Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre   Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List      

What do you really know about Anne Boleyn? Most of us remember her as Henry VIII's ill-fated second wife — and not much more. But according to Martha Tatarnic, Anglican priest and author of Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History, we've been missing the bigger picture entirely. Martha returns to the podcast to explore Anne Boleyn as a serious religious reformer whose influence on the English Reformation — and the Anglican Church — has been vastly underestimated. History painted her as a seductress rather than a scholar.  Victim-blaming narratives have shaped her legacy for centuries, and Martha shares what recovering her true story means for the church today. Shownotes: Martha's website Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History When IDIC Met the Culture War (Dennis' Article) Related Episodes: Talking About Success and Failure in the Church with Martha Tatarnic | Episode 218   Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List  

Many progressive and moderate Christians are passionate about justice, inclusion, and showing up for their neighbors. But what if in pursuing all the right causes, we've quietly set aside the message that makes us Christian in the first place? Jackson Campbell Walker knows this tension firsthand. As a gay pastor who has navigated both conservative evangelical and progressive Baptist spaces, he has watched well-meaning churches slowly replace the grace of God with the works of people.  Jackson and Dennis get honest about what it feels like to be clergy who love both the gospel and justice, and why those two things should never have to compete. They talk about the quiet crisis of trust underneath it all — how, when we stop believing God is at work, we scramble to fill the void with programs, politics, and causes.  This is a conversation for anyone who has ever felt caught between their faith and their convictions — and wondered if they had to choose. Shownotes: Trading the Cross for a cause (Jackson's article)   Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

What does it mean to "submit to governing authorities" — and does that command require Christians to accept whatever their government does without question? I sat down with Chris Nye, lead pastor of Imago Dei Community in Portland, Oregon, to take a closer look at one of the most frequently cited — and frequently misused — passages in political discourse: Romans 13:1. From immigration enforcement to protests in the streets, this text keeps resurfacing, often wielded as a call for unconditional obedience to whoever holds power. Chris argues that reading Romans 13 in isolation misses the point entirely. Placed within the sweep of Paul's letter — and alongside 1 Peter — a richer picture emerges: one built on a higher law of God, a coming judgment, and a vision of the church as a holy nation that transcends any political order. Shownotes: Chris Nye's website   Donate to Church and Main Church and Main Substack Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, I sat down with my friend and media commentator Andrew Donaldson to wrestle with one of the most uncomfortable questions facing American Christianity today: Is the public display of faith we're seeing from figures like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth genuine witness — or just performance? This is a conversation about our failings, the danger of chasing validation over transformation, and what it really means to live out your faith when no one is looking. Shownotes: Heard Tell (Andrew's Substack)   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Jerry Mitchell comes to the podcast to discuss his Christian Chronicle article. Jerry argues that America's deepest crisis isn't political — it's spiritual. From the erosion of humility and kindness to our growing inability to honestly confront our own sins, Jerry makes the case that the nation is sliding toward collapse for one simple reason: we have traded godliness for gaslighting, and piety for partisanship. Shownotes: Can America change its course before it’s too late? The answer is up to us (Jerry Mitchell)   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Dennis Sanders sits down with Michael Baharaeen, chief political analyst for The Liberal Patriot, to explore the growing crisis of political polarization in America. Drawing on data, history, and his own experience working in national politics, Baharain examines how Americans have increasingly sorted themselves into politically homogenous communities, fueled by the decline of shared public spaces, the rise of social media, and a two-party system that leaves little room for nuance. The conversation covers the real dangers this polarization poses to democracy — from eroding trust between neighbors to the risk of sustained political violence — while also offering practical paths forward. Shownotes: Growing Tribalism Threatens the American Experiment (Michael Baharaeen) How everyday Americans can help pull their democracy back from the brink (Michael Baharaeen)   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In part two of his conversation with Lutheran Pastor Rob Maialis, host Dennis Sanders turns the lens toward the youngest generation entering adulthood. Is there a genuine religious revival happening among Gen Z, or are we measuring the wrong things? Together, they explore what it might look like for mainline churches to truly meet Gen Z rather than simply wait for them, and how an unlikely partnership between the oldest and youngest generations in the pew might be exactly what both groups need.   Shownotes: Gen Z's Religious Revival Likely Escapes Notice (Rob's Article) Lectionary Greek Blog   Related Episode: The Church and the Three-Quarter Life Crisis with Rob Myallis | Episode 273   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

What happens when the people who built your church — the ones who carried it through lean years, chaired every committee, and showed up faithfully for decades — start to feel like the ladder has been taken away from them? In this episode, I welcome back Lutheran pastor and Rob Myallis to explore what Rob calls the "three-quarter life crisis": the profound emotional, physical, and spiritual transition many people face in their mid-to-late seventies. Shownotes:  The Three-Quarter Life Crisis (Rob's Article) Lectionary Greek Blog   Related Episode: Luther Seminary and the Future of Mainline Protestantism with Rob Myallis | Episode 239   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

When the Department of Homeland Security launched Operation PARRIS in January 2026, thousands of legal refugees in Minnesota suddenly found themselves targets of ICE arrests and detention — despite having followed every rule required of them. In this episode, I sit down with Emily Belz, senior staff writer at Christianity Today, to unpack how this shocking crackdown unfolded and how faith communities responded. Shownotes: Emily Belz- Refugees Disappeared. Churches Prayed and Lawyered Up.  Emily Belz- Excerpts from a Judge’s Ruling in Favor of Minnesota Refugees Arrive Ministries Facebook Page Related Episodes: A Theology of Protest with David Swanson Why Minneapolis Needs Potlucks with Rachel Pieh Jones Renee Good and Minnesota ICE with Eric Elkin   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube    

In this conversation, David Swanson discusses his experiences as a pastor in Bronzeville, Chicago, and the role of protest within the Christian faith. He reflects on the importance of community engagement, the theological underpinnings of protest, and the connections between spiritual practices and activism. Swanson emphasizes the need for lament in protest, the significance of bearing witness, and offers guidance for those new to activism. He encourages Christians to participate in protests as an expression of their faith and to recognize the historical context of protest within Christianity. Suggested Reading and Listening: 🌐David Swanson’s website 📝A Christian Theology of Protest: Bearing Faithful Witness in a Time of Unrest   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

 I speak with Wes Granberg-Michelson about the essential link between spirituality and social justice in today's political climate, looking at the urgency for faith communities to act while remaining grounded in spiritual practices. Drawing from his book, "The Soul Work of Justice", Wes advocates for integrating deep prayer and reflection into our pursuit of justice, ultimately calling for a renewed approach that prioritizes faith and love in addressing societal challenges. The Soulwork of Justice Wes Granberg-Michaelson's website   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube    

I engage with Pastor Anthony Robinson to discuss the contentious label of fascism in relation to Donald Trump's political rise. We look at Jonathan Rauch's essay, "Yes, It's Fascism," and explore the implications of such labels for American democracy. Robinson shares his evolving perspective, while I highlight the complexities of terminology and its potential to divide.  Suggested Reading and Listening: Yes, It’s Fascism I Was Wrong Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

 Rachel Pieh Jones joins to talk about the importance of potlucks in Minneapolis during a time of division. Drawing from her experiences in Djibouti and Somaliland, Rachel discusses how communal meals can bridge diverse communities and foster empathy, particularly amid the challenges faced by immigrant populations.  Why Minneapolis Needs Potlucks Now Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Political commentator Matt Lewis joins the podcast to talk about the shifting relationship between character and politics from the 1990s to the present. We examine how character dynamics during the Bill Clinton era contrast with current debates surrounding Donald Trump. Matt shares personal insights from his background while reflecting on the moral dilemmas faced by Republicans and the implications for the evangelical community.  Matt Lewis' website Character Is Destiny article   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Dr. Paul Hoffman speaks about the intersection of faith and technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Hoffman discusses his recent book, "AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep," exploring how AI can both aid and hinder human flourishing from a theological perspective. We look at the implications of AI on community, embodiment, and the church's role in navigating these challenges. AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep Paul Hoffman Bio   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Lane Davis, an ordained minister and assistant professor of Church History, unpacks his insightful article, "How the Religious Left Ceded Power to the Religious Right." We explore Lane's journey from pastoral ministry to academia and discuss the historical decline of liberal Christianity's political influence. Lane reflects on pivotal moments, such as Pete Buttigieg’s candidacy, and critiques the assertion of a liberal Christianity resurgence under Biden. We analyze the historical dominance of mainline Protestantism, the rise of evangelical conservatism, and the existential crisis facing liberal churches today. How the Religious Left Ceded Political Power to the Religious Right America’s Vanishing Church   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

In this special episode, we look at the tragic death of Rene Goode by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Joined by pastor Eric Elkin, we address the emotional aftermath and the impact of immigration policies on community safety. Eric shares his frustrations with ICE operations and the narratives that dehumanize victims. We emphasize the faith community's role in advocating for justice while navigating feelings of division. I conclude by reflecting on the resurrection hope in the midst of rising authoritarianism.   Advent United Methodist website Eric Elkin's website and podcast Easter Means Hope, Not Optimism by Drew McIntyre When ICE Comes to Town with Quincy Worthington   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

In this episode, I chat with Brad Todd, a political commentator for CNN, about the significance of grace in our polarized society. We discuss the challenges of maintaining grace in civil discourse, the impact of recent political scandals, and the disconnect between clergy and congregants. Brad advocates for local initiatives that promote kindness and emphasizes that recognizing our shared humanity is essential for meaningful dialogue in divisive times. Suggested Reading and Listening: The What For Newsletter Top Church and Main Episodes of 2025   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

Episcopal priest and theologian Todd Brewer explores grace and charity through the contrasts of Roman and Christian gift-giving practices, Paul's perspective on charity, and reflects and the implications of these ideas for modern society.   Reckless Charity and Infinite Grace Notes From the Fragmented Ivory Tower Terrible Parables Podcast Go to Church Anyway. Grace and Mercy in Ones and Zeroes   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

On the next-to-last episode of the year, Dennis joins Loren Richmond Jr. and David Emery to discuss the future of the Disciples of Christ. The trio examines the meaning of “no creed but Christ,” current generational and theological challenges, and the church’s evolving identity. They then emphasize the need for clear theology, a deeper sacramental life, collaboration among resilient local churches, and a practical, inclusive, and authentic expression of faith for the future. Future Christian Podcast Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

 I talk with Pastor Benjamin Duholm from Christ Lutheran Church in Dallas about the intersection of faith and the current political landscape. What does worship look like in an era of political polarization?  Dueholm explores the idea of liturgy extending beyond church walls to address societal issues. He offers practical advice for church leaders to focus on the gospel amid political pressures, emphasizing that worship can unite and heal in a complex world. Template and Transcript: The Roles of Liturgy amid Rhetorical Polarization   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

In this conversation, Yolanda Denson-Byers discusses the Pray Without Ceasing initiative in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which fosters community prayer and deepens relationships within the church. Yolanda highlights the importance of prayer in addressing social justice issues and how it can empower congregations to engage with their communities. She offers practical advice for churches looking to start similar initiatives, emphasizing that prayer is a simple yet profound conversation with God. Suggested Reading and Listening: Pray Without Ceasing at Shepherd of the Hills in Minnesota Pray Without Ceasing Website See Me, Believe Me: A Guide to Deepen Allyship with Congregational Leaders of Color   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Joseph Wolyniak discusses the profound impact of media and technology on the faith and political engagement of American Christians. He emphasizes the need for believers to be aware of how their beliefs and actions are influenced by external factors, rather than solely by the teachings of Jesus. Resisting Provocateur Politics Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

 I speak with Quincy Worthington, pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, about the intersection of faith and immigration amidst ongoing ICE actions in Chicago. Quincy shares his experiences and the role of his church in advocating for immigrant rights, highlighting the fear and challenges faced by families due to enforcement measures. Our conversation emphasizes the need for faith leaders to promote justice and stand in solidarity with marginalized communities, urging listeners to recognize humanity in all individuals. Chicago pastors confront escalating violence at ICE detention facility- Presbyterian Outlook We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. (Pro Publica) How Elite Agents Use High-Risk Military Tactics in Chicago Raids- Wall Street Journal Jesus is Pilate's Victim- Jason Micheli   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

Jack Shitama, an ordained United Methodist minister, talks about the concept of societal regression and its implications for leadership and community engagement. Shitama explains how societal regression mirrors emotional regression in families, characterized by polarization and a desire for quick fixes. He discusses the role of non-anxious leaders in navigating these challenges and emphasizes the importance of love and understanding in overcoming societal divides. The conversation also touches on the future of society, the potential for hope amidst crisis, and the responsibilities of faith communities in fostering a non-anxious presence. 5 Ways to Lead during a Societal Regression   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Tony Robinson discusses the significance of phrases like 'Kumbaya' and 'thoughts and prayers' in today's polarized society. He explores the cynicism surrounding these terms, the role of anger and contempt in political discourse, and the impact of technology on human interaction. Robinson emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue within faith communities and critiques the politicization of the church. He advocates for a perspective that recognizes the importance of grace and community amidst chaos and division. A Good Word for "Kum Ba Yah" What's Tony Thinking Substack   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

 I chat with Andrew Berg, who authored “Counterintuitive Arguments for and Against U.S. Support for Israel.” Andrew challenges conventional political narratives and examines the moral implications of U.S. support from both conservative and progressive angles. Andrew emphasizes the need for empathy toward both Palestinians and Israelis and advocates for a reevaluation of accountability in support discussions. Counterintuitive Arguments for and Against U.S. Support for Israel The Mainline Churches and Gaza with Todd Stavrakos | Episode 251   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube      

 Professor Anthony Baker discusses the Barmen Declaration and its implications for American Christianity today. We analyze its historical context from the 1930s and why we are not currently experiencing a similar moment. Professor Baker emphasizes the declaration's intent to maintain the church's independence from the state, a principle that modern churches risk overlooking. We explore the complexities of Karl Barth's ideas and the dangers of conflating faith with political ideologies, highlighting the need for unity within the church. Our conversation advocates for grace and understanding in theological discourse, encouraging a culture that prioritizes listening and empathy over division. Ultimately, we reflect on how the lessons from the Barmen Declaration can help shape our faith in today's sociopolitical climate. Progressive Christianity’s Barmen Mistake Are We In A Bonhoeffer Moment (Ministry in A Secular Age Podcast)   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

Today we look at the compassionate conservatism and its relevance in today's political climate with historian John Fea. We examine the origins of this movement, rooted in social justice and faith-based initiatives, and its initial implementation during the George W. Bush administration, particularly through programs like PEPFAR. John highlights how the philosophy has deteriorated under the Trump administration, which marked a shift towards isolationism and away from collective responsibility. We explore the evangelical community's surprising loyalty to Trump, despite contradictions with compassionate conservatism, and reflect on the need for a revitalization of these principles through education and dialogue.  Articles by John Fea: The Big Beautiful Bill is the 'final burial of compassionate conservatism' The Big Beautiful Bill will pass the House as Christians turn a blind eye.   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

Todd Stavrakos discusses the mission of Pathways for Peace, focusing on fostering dialogue between the Jewish and mainline Christian communities regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. He highlights the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the complexities of the situation, including the roles of Hamas and the Israeli government. The discussion also touches on the historical context of the conflict, the influence of leadership dynamics, media narratives, and the church's response to the ongoing issues. Stavrakos emphasizes the need for a balanced perspective and the importance of supporting peacebuilding efforts. Pathways for Middle East Peace   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

I chat with Jason Micheli, a United Methodist pastor, on the pitfalls of pathos in politics, emphasizing its potential to overshadow core Christian tenets. Drawing on Jason's article "Deprive Them of Their Pathos," we reflect on Karl Barth’s theological insights, arguing against conflating faith with political ideologies. Our conversation addresses the challenges of preaching in a politically charged climate and the need for churches to avoid becoming echo chambers. We highlight the importance of humility, grace, and intersectional engagement within the church, ultimately reinforcing our commitment to the transformative mission of the gospel amidst societal divisions. Deprive Them Of Their Pathos by Jason Micheli Tamed Cynic Blog Crackers and Grape Juice Podcast   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In this episode, Ken Sundet Jones discusses the Iowa Preachers Project, emphasizing the importance of community among pastors and the need for compelling preaching in today's context. We look at the challenges pastors face, the significance of grace in preaching, and the transformative power of the gospel. Iowa Preachers Project Lutheran Toolkit by Ken Sundet Jones Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

If there is one word that could describe our current politics, it would be anger. The anger in our politics doesn’t seem to move us forward towards solutions, but forces us to draw lines.  And this anger seems to infect our relationships, especially our churches.  How can we move past this anger and be faithful Christians who love each other regardless of our politics? Recently, I listened to an old sermon based on Luke 9:51-56 by Aaron Zimmerman, the Rector of St. Albans Episcopal Church in Waco, Texas. It was a great sermon tailored to the times and I wondered, did it still ring true today? So I invited Aaron to come on the podcast to talk about anger and what role the church can play in lowering the temperature. Suggested Reading and Listening: Anger, Politics and Jesus by Aaron Zimmerman Same Old Song Podcast with Jacon Smith St. Alban’s Waco   Related Episodes: An All Saints Theology in a Political Halloween World with Jacob Smith | Episode 237

This is a crossover episode with Future Christian and sort of a tradition with my colleague Loren Richmond Jr. as we converse from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, TN. We did this together in person in 2023 when GA was in Louisville, KY.  We talked about the event and the state of the denomination. This year in Memphis, I didn’t make it in person, but Loren and I still had a candid conversation about the state and future of the denomination, reflecting on what’s changed since past gatherings, the unique role and challenges of General Assembly in a time of declining attendance, and the ongoing tension between institutional loyalty and openness to diverse theological voices. We also talk about our own trials of bring a resolution about revival and prayer forward and what that means about the state of the denomination. Episode 152: General Assembly Discussion with Loren Richmond Jr. Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

A short note to let you all know I'm taking a break for the next two weeks and returning on August 29.  I share some notes on the future of the podcast and end with some hopeful words from the Mother of Jesus.   Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre | Episode 241 Should Christians Leave Trump's America? with Amy Mantravadi | Episode 245 The Church, The Trump Administration and the Dual State with Chris Gehrz | Episode 246 Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

Is there value in historical analogies?  Yes and no. Many have tried to make comparisons between Donald Trump and Adolph Hitler that end up not being helpful to understand the times we are living in. But then there are other times when looking at how past societies dealt with creeping authoritarianism can serve as a lesson for contemporary politics.  In this conversation, Bethel University professor Chris Gehrz examines the unsettling nature of life under the concept of the dual state, particularly in the context of the Trump administration, and the implications for Christians in the United States and American democracy. Suggested Reading and Listening: One Nation Under a Dual State by Chris Gehrz The Dual State: A Contribution to the Theory of Dictatorship by Ernst Fraenkel America Is Watching the Rise of a Dual State by Aziz Huq The Frightening Precedents for Trump’s ‘Legal Abyss’ by Amanda Taub   Related Episodes: Should Christians Leave Trump's America? with Amy Mantravadi | Episode 245 Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In this conversation, Amy Mantravadi discusses her article on 'the theology of staying,' where she reflects on the historical context of Christianity in Egypt and the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. The discussion also delves into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's experiences in Nazi Germany, exploring the complexities of staying or leaving in times of crisis and the church's role in society. We explore Bonhoeffer's commitment to training pastors, his views on military service, and the role of the church in times of crisis. Mantravadi emphasizes the importance of hope and prayer in navigating cultural challenges and the need for a theological foundation in political engagement. The Theology of Staying by Amy Mantravadi Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre | Episode 241   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube    

In this conversation, Josh Linman shares his faith journey from being a pastor's kid to founding Common Good Creative, a company focused on enhancing church communication. He discusses the importance of storytelling, community connection, and the role of technology and AI in modern church communication. Linman emphasizes the need for churches to adapt their messaging to resonate with people's desires for relationships, service, and purpose, and shares innovative strategies for welcoming visitors and engaging with the community. Suggested Reading and Listening: Want to Reach New People? Change How You Communicate! By Josh Linman Common Good Creative   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List [email protected] Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube