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Church and Main

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Church and Main is a podcast at the intersection of faith and modern life. Join Pastor Dennis Sanders as he shares the stories of faith interacting with the ever-changing world of the 21st century.

Location:

United States

Description:

Church and Main is a podcast at the intersection of faith and modern life. Join Pastor Dennis Sanders as he shares the stories of faith interacting with the ever-changing world of the 21st century.

Language:

English


Episodes

Episode 174: Should We Listen to Trump Supporters?

3/18/2024
It's been a while since Dennis has done a solo episode. In this solo pod, he focuses on how we should love Trump supporters as Jesus called us to love our enemies and how this might defeat the former President at the ballot box. Why We Might Want to Listen to Trump Supporters Still More Thoughts on Talking to Trump Supporters Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:25:12

Episode 173: Navigating Faith in a Divided World With Joy J. Moore

3/10/2024
In this episode, host Dennis Sanders interviews Professor Joy J. Moore about the divisiveness in society and the church, the temptation to make a name for ourselves, and the idolatry of politics. They also discuss the lack of focus on racial reconciliation and the need for grace and humility in the process. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and the role of the church in promoting reconciliation. Show Notes: Joy J Moore's Bio Working Together Toward Racial Reconciliation (article from Fuller Seminary) Sermon Brainwave Podcast Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:56:28

Episode 173: The Biblical Story and the Idolatry of Politics With Joy J. Moore

3/7/2024
In this episode, host Dennis Sanders interviews Professor Joy J. Moore about the divisiveness in society and the church, the temptation to make a name for ourselves, and the idolatry of politics. They also discuss the lack of focus on racial reconciliation and the need for grace and humility in the process. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and the role of the church in promoting reconciliation.

Duration:00:56:28

Episode 172: Transforming the Offering Plate into a Spiritual Journey with Kirby Gould

2/20/2024
So, in this latest chat I had on the podcast, I got to hang out with Kirby Gould of the Christian Church Foundation, and we really dug into what it means to be good stewards in our church communities. We chatted about how different generations think about giving, took a peek back at the Greek origins of the whole stewardship concept, and highlighted just how big a deal gratitude is in this mix. Kirby shares an idea about shaking things up and giving stewardship campaigns a makeover to make them more upbeat. We also marveled at how folks during the Great Depression were super generous, which is pretty inspiring. We didn't stop there; we also riffed on how the Bible nudges us to be generous, brainstormed some fresh ways churches can bring in funds, and talked about how giving from the heart is really where it's at these days. Wrapping things up, we looked ahead, thinking about how stewardship can keep evolving as a spiritual habit that's all about finding joy in giving. Show Notes: Kirby Gould's Bio Stewardship As A Spiritual Discipline Center for Faith and Giving Website Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:48:16

Episode 171: Breathing Fresh Life into Humanist Conservatism with Jeffrey Tyler Syck

2/10/2024
Guest Jeffrey Tyler Syck dives into the multifaceted world of American conservatism. He and Dennis unpack the nuances of traditional, national, and humanist conservatism, examining the influence of faith on these ideologies. Tyler discusses the decline of humanist conservatism and its potential resurgence, considering the role of churches in fostering values like community and social justice. The conversation offers a rich exploration of conservatism's philosophical roots and its place in modern political life, with a hopeful look at its future in American politics. Show Notes: Jeffrey Tyler Syck's home page Conservatism’s Path Not Taken Conservatism’s Humanist Road Not Taken Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:57:33

Episode 170: Is the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Really as Simple as It Seems? with Frederick Schmidt

1/31/2024
So, in this latest chat on "Church and Main," I got to hang out with frequent guest Reverend Frederick Schmidt. We dove into how people tend to oversimplify the whole Israeli-Palestinian situation. We're all about getting into the nitty-gritty and understanding the full picture, especially the parts that don't get enough attention, like the real-life struggles of Palestinians and the issues with their leaders. Show Notes: Christian Leaders, Hamas, And Fundamentalist Islam Whispered in Gaza Videos Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:47:09

Episode 169: Death, Dying and Caregiving with Andrew Donaldson

1/20/2024
The sight of former President Jimmy Carter at his wife's funeral gave a lesson in what it means to be actively dying, even if the lesson was lost on those commenting on social media. In this episode, frequent guest Andrew Donaldson joins the show as he and Dennis talk about death and dying as well as being caregivers to their parents following health emergencies recently. Show notes: We Should Talk More About Dying, Cause You Will by Andrew Donaldson Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:58:53

Episode 168: January 6 in Three Acts with Andrew Donaldson and Dennis Sanders

1/6/2024
This episode originally aired January 5, 2022. On the three-year anniversary of January 6, 2021, and at the start of a momentous presidential election year, Dennis reflects on the day and the American future in three acts with fellow podcaster and writer Andrew Donaldson. Heard Tell with Andrew Donaldson Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj Chapters 0:00:34 Introduction to Church in Maine podcast 0:06:10 Introduction: Setting the Stage for January 6th 0:08:10 Act 3: Concluding Thoughts on January 6th 0:10:04 Praying in Light of Today's Events 0:12:03 Failing to Uphold the Ideals of Unity 0:12:37 Seeking God's Help in Uncertain Times 0:14:36 Reflecting on the January 6th Insurrection Investigation 0:15:53 Setting the Context for the January 6th Committee 0:18:00 Doubts on Obtaining Truth from the Committee 0:24:21 Recognizing the Disease: Lack of Respect in Government 0:27:59 Relitigating January 6th: Counterproductive and Damaging 0:30:48 Waking Up to a Nightmare: 1983 and its Significance 0:33:37 Abel Archer and the Close Call of Nuclear War 0:35:36 Generation X and the Fear of Nuclear War 0:38:50 Palpable fear and uncertainty in America 0:41:22 January 6th: Epiphany and the Story of King Herod 0:43:47 Bethlehem's Horror & January 6th Parallels 0:45:49 Living, Helping, and Trusting Amidst Turmoil 0:46:50 The Ultimate Defeat of Evil 0:48:25 Praying for Strength and Trust in Hard Times

Duration:00:50:14

Episode 167: Why Do Church Buildings Matter in Today's World? with Loren Richmond Jr.

1/2/2024
It's quite common for people to say that the church isn't a building, but a people - and this is true. But that doesn't mean that church buildings are without any meaning. Loren Richmond Jr. returns to the podcast to talk about his summer project taking pictures and learning the history of church buildings in his hometown of Denver and how this pastime impacted his faith and how it can impact your faith as well. Show Notes: Future Christian Podcast (Loren's Podcast) The Contradiction in Church Architecture by Loren Richmond Jr. Prayers Rising Past the Immanent Frame by Katherine Willis Pershey Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:56:46

Episode 166: The Most Memorable Episodes of 2023

12/29/2023
In this episode, I look back at the 10 most memorable episodes of 2023. This isn’t a countdown to number one, but a look back at some of the most meaningful episodes of the year. I will also look forward to what I hope to be doing in 2024. At the end of the year, I want to say thanks to everyone who has downloaded an episode, shared an episode with others or donated financially. You helped an odd pastor in Minnesota live out a desire to start this here podcast. Thank you for your support! The 10 Most Memorable Episodes of 2023: Episode 132: Telling the Truth on Church Decline with Ben Crosby Episode 136: A Church Grows Again in Odessa with Dawn Darwin Weaks Episode 158: A Tale of Congregational Hope and Renewal with Grayhame Bowcott Episode 153: Lay-Led Church Planting with Laura Cottington Episode 164: Mainline Church Growth with Paul Moore Episode 140: Beyond Colorblindness and Antiracism with George Yancey Episode 143: Giving Up the Stigma of Mental Illness with Seth Perry Episode 142: Church and the Crisis of Decline with Andrew Root Episode 157: Rage and Hope After the Hamas Massacre with Rabbi Brad Hirschfield Episode 159: Mainline Churches and Israel-Palestine with Todd Stavrakos Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:37:48

Episode 165: The Theology of Black Lives Matter with Drew McIntyre

12/19/2023
Note: This podcast originally aired on December 8, 2021. Black Lives Matter. Those three words have launched a million arguments over the last 8 years or so. What began as a hashtag in the wake of the killing of young black men by the police has become a phrase that has gone global and all the while it has been controversial. Some think it is exclusive and even racist because they think it only focuses on black people. Others like the phrase and take it on without asking questions. Methodist Pastor Drew McIntrye wanted to look at black lives matter from a theological standpoint. What does it mean for followers of Jesus to say this phrase? Can followers of Jesus say this phrase? The answer is an emphatic yes. We will talk about what blacks live matters means theologically and what it means for African Americans to hear the church say black lives matter. Show Notes: The Scandal of Particularity, Black Lives, and Jesus by Drew McIntyre Drew’s Website The God & Whiskey Podcast- Drew and Evan Rohrs-Dodge Drew on Twitter Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Duration:01:05:58

Episode 164: The Most Vital Strategy for Mainline Church Growth with Paul Moore

12/13/2023
Mainline Protestant congregations have faced decline over several decades. Can these churches grow again and also hold fast to their commitment to social justice? Paul Moore a pastor of a Presbyterian Church (USA) Congregation in the suburban Twin Cities, MN believes the answer is yes and is practicing what he believes. In this episode, we talk about how Presbyterian and other mainline Protestant denominations can have thriving churches again if they learn to "grow young." Show notes: Preaching at my home church with sadness by Paul Moore Growing Young in the PC(USA) by Paul Moore Chain of Lakes Presbyterian Church website Episode 83: Mainline Church Planting with Paul Moore Lectionary Q Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:44:10

Episode 163: The Tiny Home Revolution: How a Church Made a Big Impact with Peter Christ

12/6/2023
One solution to solving the affordable housing and homelessness crisis is for churches to have an active role in providing space for housing. Another church that I am aware of in Minneapolis sold their property to another housing nonprofit that will build affordable housing and also create a worship space for the congregation. I talked to a pastor at a Lutheran congregation in Roseville, Minnesota a Twin Cities suburb that was able to provide homes for people experiencing homelessness using tiny homes. Peter Christ the pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church shares the story that led the congregation to create a small community that is giving people a place to call home. Show Notes: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church website Settled website (nonprofit building tiny homes) Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:57:30

Episode 162: The Death and Resurrection of Peace Lutheran Church with Dave Greenlund (REWIND)

12/2/2023
This episode originally aired on December 2, 2021. Peace Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America located in the small town of Lauderdale which sits between Minneapolis and St. Paul. When Pastor Dave Greenlund was asked to pastor the congregation, the Synod office thought he might be a hospice pastor who would let the church die a good death. That was 2004. Peace is still alive and kicking having grown a little as well. In this episode, I chat with Rev. Greenlund about the story of Peace Lutheran and how it learned to connect with the community around it. Show Notes: Peace Lutheran Website Profile of Peace Lutheran in Living Lutheran Radix Magazine Podcast Interview Episode 158: A Tale of Congregational Hope and Renewal with Grayhame Bowcott Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:01:22:16

Episode 161: A Pastor's Side Hustle with Ruth Hetland

11/28/2023
Over the last few years, I started to hear a new phrase one that might be new to you as well: side hustle. A side hustle is a way to make money in addition to your full-time or part-time job. It’s also a way to explore a new career. Side hustles can be a way for folk in lower paying jobs, like, I dunno being a pastor in a congregation, to earn some money and also gain some new skills. Today we talk to Ruth Hetland, a Lutheran pastor living in Minnesota who started a side hustle to support women in ministry. Show notes: One Pastor's Side Hustle: Subscription Boxes for Women in Ministry article from Church Anew ConseCrate website Creative and Created Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:30:57

Episode 160: The Legacy of J. Irwin Miller with Geoffrey Kabaservice (REWIND)

11/22/2023
(Originally Broadcast in December 2021.) I’ve known Geoffrey Kabaservice since we were both writers for David Frum’s news site, Frum Forum. Today Geoffrey is the Vice President of Political Studies at the Niskanen Center and host of the Vital Center Podcast. He’s an author, especially in for our purposes of the book Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party, from Eisenhower to the Tea Party. I brought him on the podcast today to talk about the intersection of two important streams of 20th century American culture, Moderate Republicanism and Mainline Protestantism. Both of these movements drove much of American society and now they are both weakened. We will look at what has been lost as both institutions decline. We’ll also focus on one person where these two streams meet: J. Irwin Miller, the CEO of Cummins Engine, a Rockefeller Republican, and a member of a mainline denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He was also a corporate titan who invested in his hometown of Columbus, Indiana, and allowed it to prosper when other Rust Belt towns withered. If you are someone who is interested in American political and social history, you will love this episode. Show Notes: Geoffrey Kabaservice’s Niskanen Center profile The Rust Belt Didn’t Have to Happen by Aaron Renn (on J. Irwin Miller) The Vital Center Podcast Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:01:01:35

Episode 159: Mainline Churches and Israel-Palestine with Todd Stavrakos

11/14/2023
In this episode, guest Reverend Todd Stavrakos discusses the stance of mainline churches on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They talk about the lack of nuance in these stances and their impact on relations with the Jewish community. Stavrakos criticizes the one-sided focus on Israel's actions, the failure to condemn terrorist organizations, the issue of antisemitism within the church, and the importance of recognizing it. Show Notes: Presbyterians for Middle East Peace Pathways 4 Peace Presbyterian Church vote declaring Israel an apartheid state upsets Jewish groups Episode 157: Rage and Hope After the Hamas Massacre with Rabbi Brad Hirschfield Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj This podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks!

Duration:00:53:14

Episode 158: A Tale of Congregational Hope and Renewal with Grayhame Bowcott

11/6/2023
Thousands of churches closed their doors and ceased active ministry every year bringing to an end decades of active ministry. But can a church come back from the dead and start again? In this episode, we talk to Anglican priest Grayhame Bowcott about the rebirth of St. Annes church in rural Ontario, Canada that went from “six very miserable Anglicans who had experienced the scarcity model of the church into a congregation of 55 who were there on a regularity.” Show notes: Grayhame's bio webpage Article on St. Annes in Anglican Journal Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

Duration:00:41:17

Episode 157: Hope Amid Terrorism with Rabbi Brad Hirschfield

10/24/2023
As the sun rose on October 7th, the tranquility of southern Israel was shattered by an act of terror, by the terrorist group Hamas, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many, including my guest, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield. Our heartfelt discussion traverses the rugged terrain of conflict, weaving through the emotional ties that bind Rabbi Hirschfield to the region, and the universal struggle to balance empathy with moral clarity in the face of violence. His reflections on the Israeli special forces captain, whose resilience in the aftermath of tragedy encapsulates the undying flame of hope, are a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Show Notes: Hope and Rage: A Rabbi Reflects on the Hamas Incursion by Rabbi Hirschfield On Moral Atrocity by David Watson CLAL -The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj This podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks! Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Duration:00:51:22

Episode 156: Creating Online Community with Beth Peerbolte

10/16/2023
Can TikTok be more than a platform to lip-synch Taylor Swift songs? Can it actually foster online faith communities? For Presbyterian pastor Beth Peerbolte the answer is an emphatic yes. Over the last few years, she’s developed OurTapestry, an online faith community she started to provide a presence in what she calls “spiritual deserts” especially for LGBTQ populations, giving people access to pastoral care, faith formation, and a loving community. Join us as we talk about how TikTok and Discord can be used to help connect people who might not have a supportive faith community. Show Notes: OurTapestry Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj This podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks! Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Duration:00:52:41