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The (Im)partial Church

by Professor Janine Bolling and Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling

The (Im)partial Church is a hopeful podcast about race, culture, diversity, and the Christian faith. Join us as we explore relevant issues surrounding how Christians empathetically relate to one another across cultural divides and strive to become a truly impartial church. To learn more and access additional podcast resources, visit lhm.org/theimpartialchurch

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Jan 21, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Moving Forward - S2E10

    That's a wrap for season two, as we reflect on what we've learned. We also hear from a church that is taking the next steps to create a hospitable environment in which all God's people thrive. It may sound like a tall order, but we know that God can provide us with abundant love and resources.

  2. Doing the Work - S2E9

    Gerard and Janine look at the ministry of a familiar congregation to highlight the importance of partnering with churches outside your neighborhood. We see that the benefits go both ways.

  3. Adjusting the Paradigm - S2E8

    We all have a unique way of viewing the world. In this episode, Janine and Gerard explore ways to adjust the paradigm and view the world as Christ does.

  4. Pass the Ball - S2E7

    In this episode, we look at the ways sports offer key insights into living as the Body of Christ. Teamwork is key. It's important we know our roles and share the goal. We also explore why it's important to center the experiences of minority groups.

  5. Agree on the Problem, Part 2 - S2E6

    Gerard and Janine continue to explore the reasons why people are unconcerned about partiality in the church and society. They share some of their own experiences and consider some potential solutions.

  6. Agree on the Problem, Part 1 - S2E5

    Some Christians don't feel that reconciliation work is urgent. Why is that? How can churches better reflect the multiethnic wisdom of our heavenly Father? Gerard and Janine start a two-part conversation about Barna's Beyond Diversity study.

  7. Conviction vs. Condemnation - S2E4

    It can be scary to admit responsibility for our sin. But conviction and condemnation aren't the same. In this episode, we look to one of Scripture's major characters to learn how to deal with the conviction we feel when we err. As we do, we find God's grace waiting for us and learn what to do next.

  8. Understanding the Process - S2E3

    Special guest alert! Pastor JT Thomas has been working in reconciliation for nearly two decades. He runs an organization called Civil Righteousness. Its mission is to equip churches to begin reconciliation work in a God-fearing way. His expertise will be a guide for our own contexts.

  9. The Bigger Problem - S2E2

    This episode highlights the gap between God's love of all people and our own relative unwillingness to champion the needs of minority groups. We look to Scripture as our precedent and explore what God's Word says about His character and how to reflect it.

  10. The Problem - S2E1

    Welcome back! Janine and Gerard discuss what to expect this season. We'll introduce some research that will help us discern the church's role in racial reconciliation efforts. This season promises to be a lot of fun and extremely informative.

  11. The (Im)partial Church - Trailer Season 2

    The Impartial Church is a podcast about living into our role in the body of Christ. There is little doubt that the world we live in can be divisive. However, it’s our belief that differences don’t have to lead to division. We think that the Church is the perfect place to begin the work of...

  12. Q&A Season 1 Wrap Up - S1E10

    Season 1 is a wrap! In this episode, we tackle some questions that the audience submitted. We delve deeper into what it means to love others even when it costs something and explore why apathy isn’t as harmless as it may seem. If this conversation inspires further questions, feel free to reach…

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  13. Children Are Our Future, But We Are the Present - S1E9

    This season has made us all a little more aware of some of the issues that can arise in the church. In this episode we delve into Bystander Theory and how it impacts all of us. We even discuss how to be advocates for change when facing wrongdoing. If this conversation inspires further questions...

  14. Straddling the Line - S1E8

    Families are important. They look out for one another and are vital in value formation. God's family is the same. In this episode, we unpack the idea that we are all a part of a multi-ethnic family and learn about some helpful tools that can help us live into that calling. If this conversation...

  15. A True Cultural Embrace - S1E7

    In past weeks we've observed that diversity is a vital part of God's design. Today we explore what it truly means to embrace other cultures and how doing so brings glory to God. If this conversation inspires further questions feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

  16. Heart Your ‘Hood - S1E6

    A good neighbor is indispensable. But What does it mean to love thy neighbor as thyself? Who qualifies as a neighbor? Are other people’s feelings my responsibility? This week Gerard and Janine discover that living like Christ, comes at a personal cost.

  17. Yo, Who You Talkin’ To? “Language” Barriers Pt. 2 - S1E5

    Being a part of an in-group, it’s easy to forget what it feels like to be an outsider. This week’s conversation is a continuation of the last. Gerard and Janine unpack the use of language in welcoming people who are outsiders into the fold and how to actively participate in the ministry of...

  18. Yo, Who You Talkin’ To? “Language” Barriers Pt. 1 - S1E4

    This week we continue our conversation on the power of language. We note that language isn’t limited to just what we say but also how we say it. Then, we observe how Christ uses various types of language to signal to his followers who he truly is.

  19. What Not to Say - S1E3

    Words matter but sometimes we all put our foot in our mouth. This week’s conversation gets salty as we take a look at micro-aggressions, their negative impact on unity and how to use words to preserve relationships.

  20. Why Diverse Friends Matter - S1E2

    In this episode we discuss how diversity is a part of God’s plan. We take a look at the story of Ruth and Naomi and realize that some of the most profound friendships come from unexpected circumstances. We also explore the value of diverse relationships in our own lives.

  21. Unpacking - S1E1

    Welcome to The (Im)partial Church. In this epsisode we will meet the hosts of the podcast and get acquainted with God’s plan for humanity from the beginning. It turns out that diversity may not have been an accident. We’ll also examine how we all fit into that plan.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The (Im)partial Church is a hopeful podcast about race, culture, diversity, and the Christian faith. Join us as we explore relevant issues surrounding how Christians empathetically relate to one another across cultural divides and strive to become a truly impartial church. To learn more and access additional podcast resources, visit lhm.org/theimpartialchurch

HOSTED BY

Professor Janine Bolling and Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling

Produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The (Im)partial Church have?

The (Im)partial Church currently has 22 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The (Im)partial Church about?

The (Im)partial Church is a hopeful podcast about race, culture, diversity, and the Christian faith. Join us as we explore relevant issues surrounding how Christians empathetically relate to one another across cultural divides and strive to become a truly impartial church. To learn more and access...

How often does The (Im)partial Church release new episodes?

The (Im)partial Church has 22 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The (Im)partial Church?

You can listen to The (Im)partial Church on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The (Im)partial Church?

The (Im)partial Church is created and hosted by Professor Janine Bolling and Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling.
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