Church and Main

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 churchandmain@substack.com 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 churchandmain@substack.com 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 churchandmain@substack.com 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 churchandmain@substack.com 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 churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In this episode of Church and Main, Ryan Self, a gay Christian from Austin, Texas, discusses LGBTQ inclusion in church communities. Ryan shares his journey from a conservative background to more affirming spaces, highlighting the pitfalls of churches that claim inclusivity yet fail to embody it. We discuss the balance between activism and faith, critiques of superficial inclusivity, and the need for authentic dialogue that honors diverse perspectives. Suggested Reading and Listening: With ‘allies’ like these, who needs adversaries? God and the Gay Christian (Matthew Vines) How the Gay Rights Movement Radicalized and Lost Its Way (Andrew Sullivan) Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

The Emergent Church seemed to be the future of the church, until it wasn't. Andrew Crowson joins the podcast to discuss how the movement initially attracted young evangelicals by challenging traditional church norms, yet ultimately struggled with its identity and connection to foundational beliefs. Andrew shares insights from his experiences and his article "Are We Back?", pondering if today's context might rekindle the movement with lessons learned from its past. Are We Back? by Andrew Crowson Dispatches from a God-Bathed World (Andrew's Substack) Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Where can we find hope in the current political context? For Methodist pastor Drew McIntyre, that hope took place in an empty tomb when Jesus rose from the dead. Drew and I talk about the distinction between hope and optimism, and the cultural pessimism prevalent in society today. We also look at the significance of the bodily resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of hope, the role of the church in bridging divides, and the importance of practicing hope as a virtue in daily life. The Resurrection isn’t just something we remember on Easter, but it is a living reality, from whence hope springs forth and changes the world. Easter Means Hope, Not Optimism by Drew McIntyre ICE Goes After Church Leaders and Christians Fleeing Persecution by Andy Olsen Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

I speak with Cathie Caimano, an Episcopal priest who discusses her journey and the concept of "free-range ministry" as a solution for small congregations. She advocates for flexible, part-time ministry models that empower lay leadership and foster community engagement. Suggested Reading and Listening: Free Range Priest website Related Episodes: 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 Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In this episode, I take some time to explore the significant changes at Luther Seminary and their implications for mainline Protestantism. With the decision to sell its remaining property by 2027, a reflection of long-standing financial struggles, I discuss insights from Rob Myalis, an ELCA pastor and Luther alumnus, on sustaining a pipeline of pastors. We look at the shift towards experiential learning and its potential impact on future students, as well as the responsibilities of churches to cultivate their own leaders. This insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of theological education and congregational life is both frightening and hopeful. Where will our next pastor come from? Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Can evangelism be done in a way that’s both ethical and inclusive? Denise Dollinger and Christina Cernansky, hosts of the podcast "Emissaries of Renewal," join me to discuss the nuances of ethical evangelism. DeDe and CeCe examine the concepts of radical hospitality and inclusivity in today’s religious context, advocating for a reimagined evangelism that prioritizes love and community over guilt and fear. Listen in as these two Episcopal seminarians challenge conventional practices of evangelism, encouraging Christians to envision a more inclusive and transformative approach to faith. Emissaries of Renewal Podcast Emissaries of Renewal Facebook Page Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In this episode, I talk to Jacob Smith, the rector of Calvary St. George's Episcopal Parish in Manhattan. We compare politics to Halloween and religion to a celebration called All Saints Day, discussing how faith, politics, and today's issues connect. Jacob believes faith should guide our political actions and promote kindness and inclusivity instead of division. We also discuss the problems the church faces about fairness and economic gaps, urging Christians to put their beliefs into action. At the end, Jacob highlights how important worship and community are for bringing people together and giving hope during tough times. Parish of Calvary-St. George's Same Old Song Podcast Donate to Church and Main Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In this episode, I chat with David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries and author of "The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace in a Worn-Out World." We explore the essential role of grace in providing relief amid modern pressures and its importance in fostering genuine connections. Zoll emphasizes the need for vulnerability in relationships and critiques the church's tendency toward condemnation. He offers advice for pastors on embracing humility and recognizing their own need for grace, highlighting it as a vital lifeline for healing and hope in today's world. The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace in a Worn-Out World The Main Thing: Relief at the Heart of Christianity Mockingcast Podcast Brothers Zahl Podcast Join the Church and Main Email List Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Summary In this conversation, Ben DeHart shares his unique faith journey, growing up in a mixed-religion household and finding his way into the church through an evangelical community. He discusses his transition to St. John's in Brooklyn, the dynamics of the Park Slope community, and the importance of preaching in revitalizing a church. Ben emphasizes the need for engaging sermons that resonate with the congregation's experiences and the role of youth ministry in attracting new members. He reflects on the challenges and joys of leading a church restart and the significance of personal authenticity in preaching. They discuss the challenges faced by church leaders in revitalizing congregations and emphasize the importance of delivering a message of hope to their communities. The dialogue highlights the need for engaging and meaningful preaching that resonates with congregants, as well as the potential of social media to foster connection and outreach. A Parish Grows in Brooklyn Notes from DeHart (Ben's Substack) Our Triune Pod (A podcast featuring Ben) Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In this episode, we examine the intersection of faith and the working class with Brian Dijkema, president of CARDUS. We discuss how traditional churches connect—or fail to connect—with blue-collar workers amid shifting socioeconomic dynamics. Brian shares insights on the historical involvement of churches in labor movements and the challenges they face today in attracting diverse congregations. Brian's Bio at Cardus Comment Magazine Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

I had a conversation with Andrew Root, who is a theologian and wrote the book "Evangelism in an Age of Despair." We explored how evangelism can serve as a way to comfort others, stressing the importance of real human connections during hard times instead of just trying to get people to attend church. Root criticizes how faith is treated like a product and compares evangelism to the care given in hospitals. We also talked about how people are really focused on being happy and how the church should offer love and comfort to everyone, even those who are against us. Root wants people to try this approach, as it can create true hope and healing in today's society. Evangelism in An Age of Despair Book When Church Stops Working Podcast Church and the Crisis of Decline (Episode 142) Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In this episode, we look at the shifting dynamics between Canada and the United States amid rising nationalism, influenced by recent U.S. political rhetoric. I speak with David Harrison, an Anglican priest, about the impact on Canadian Christians navigating economic challenges and national identity. We discuss how churches are providing community support while upholding Christian values in the face of nationalism. Our conversation highlights the importance of dialogue between Canadian and American Christians and the church's role in advocating for compassion and solidarity. David's Website Canadian Evangelicals Brace for Trade War (from Christianity Today) Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In this episode, I explore the complex topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within contemporary church teachings and societal dynamics. I engage in a conversation with George Yancey, a Professor of Sociology and Religion, who shares his insights on DEI’s role in fostering inclusive communities amid a polarized political climate. Together, we analyze the implications of DEI, its successes and failures, and the importance of empathetic dialogue that values diverse perspectives. Yancey discusses the church's potential in modeling constructive conversations based on Christian principles of grace and humility. George Yancey’s website Beyond Racial Division book Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

We explore the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) with Susie Hayward, a former senior advisor with extensive experience in religion and inclusive societies. Hayward shares insights into USIP's mission, history, and the recent challenges it faces following actions by the Department of Governmental Efficiency. We discuss her personal journey, emphasizing the intersection of faith, activism, and conflict resolution, and highlight USIP's significant contributions in conflict zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Colombia. As we examine the implications of potential disbandment due to government intervention, Hayward underscores the importance of USIP's work and calls for renewed commitment to peacebuilding. The conversation encourages listeners to engage in advocacy for essential institutions that support nonviolent conflict resolution and promote U.S. soft power on the global stage. United States Institute of Peace (Wikipedia Page) Washington Post Article on the Firing of USIP employees Susie Hayward Bio Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

I speak with Peter Mandeville, former head of the faith-based office at USAID, about the complexities of U.S. foreign aid and the agency's current challenges. Peter shares his insights on how faith influences international development and discusses recent shifts under the Department of Government Efficiency. We highlight the crucial role of faith-based organizations in humanitarian efforts, warn against the potential dismantling of USAID, and examine the implications for global aid dynamics. This conversation invites listeners to consider the future of U.S. foreign assistance and its impact on vulnerable populations worldwide. Peter's Bio A Confessing Church for America’s Weimar Moment Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube