Church and Main

 Alex Morse, Deputy Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at Church World Service joins the podcast to talk about the ramifications of potential changes to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on religious organizations. We discuss the challenges faced by NGOs due to recent executive orders impacting foreign aid, and Alex highlights the critical role USAID...

Ben Crosby, an Episcopal priest returns to talk about the decline of mainline Protestantism. We discuss his recent article highlighting a 40% drop in attendance in the Anglican Church in Canada, which he argues reflects a broader crisis in engaging new believers and younger generations. Ben challenges the notion that declining numbers are a necessary adjustment in a pluralistic society, asserting...

In this episode, I chat about the amazing work of Reverend Travis Smith McKee, who serves as the Associate Regional Minister for Transformation Ministries in the Kansas Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Travis shares his journey from being a summer camp intern to becoming a champion for local congregations, along with some uplifting stories of churches tackling their challenges...

In this episode, we have a deep discussion with Methodist Pastor Teer Hardy. He points out that a church's real identity is found in being the Body of Christ, not in whether it leans liberal or conservative. Based on his article "Your Church Isn't Liberal or Conservative, It's the Body of Christ," he calls on congregations to prioritize worship, community, and grace instead of turning into arenas...

In this episode, I have a meaningful discussion with Scott Benhase, the former Episcopal Bishop of Georgia, where we delve into his perspectives on pastoral leadership as outlined in his book, Done and Left Undone: Grace in the Meantime of Ministry . We examine how the role of clergy is changing in response to modern challenges, highlighting the importance of grace, community, and our shared human...

In this episode, I dive into the tricky connection between faith and politics, especially with Donald Trump making a comeback as president. I talk about the often awkward but necessary act of praying for leaders we might not agree with, stressing that it can be a significant spiritual duty. Drawing from my essay, “Why We Should Pray for President Trump, Even If We Don't Like Him,” I point out how...

In this episode of Church and Main, I explore the intersection of faith, politics, and culture after President Trump's inauguration, focusing on the critical role the church can play in bridging societal divides. I speak with Cathy Bien, leader of the Campaign for Kindness at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, about this grassroots initiative to foster understanding during a time o...

In this episode, I speak with Martha Tatarnik, a priest at St. George's Anglican Church and co-host of the Future Christian podcast. We explore the challenges of discussing success and failure in church leadership, drawing from Martha's 2023 article, "It's Hard to Talk About Success in the Church." She shares her experiences in a downtown community grappling with societal issues, emphasizing the i...

In this episode, I discuss early 2025 events with Andrew Donaldson, starting with the terrorist attack in New Orleans. We reflect on Jimmy Carter’s legacy, analyzing his faith-driven leadership amidst today's polarization and conservative evangelicalism. Our conversation transitions to the media's portrayal of crises, emphasizing sensationalism's dangers and local journalism's decline. We examine...

 I sit down with Jim Moore, an experienced Presbyterian pastor and current college chaplain at Westminster College, to discuss the profound impact of simply showing up in the lives of others. Jim shares insights from his journey in ministry, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities of campus life. We focus on his article, "Just Show Up," and explore how genuine connection and presence...

In this solo episode (and last for 2024), I analyze the tragic murder of Brian Thompson, former CEO of UnitedHealthcare, through a moral lens. This discussion leads to a broader critique of societal responses to violence and the need for humility and understanding in healthcare discourse and other issues. I conclude with a call for moral education and empathy in our communities as we navigate comp...

 I speak with Luke Allen, lead organizer for Michigan Faith in Action, about the intersection of faith, community organizing, and cultural change after recent elections. Luke shares his journey from rural roots to urban organizing, highlighting shared struggles among diverse groups in the working class. We discuss the importance of building relationships, particularly with faith leaders, to foster...

I speak with Professor Jesse Smith from Benedictine College about his article "Sociology in the Age of Trump," focusing on the sociological perspectives of Trump voters. We discuss the political polarization in America, the impact of religion, and the need for empathetic research that respects voters' lived experiences. Jesse critiques the politicization of sociological inquiry since the Trump era...

I speak with Reverend Beth Chrisman about the Purple Church Initiative, which aims to bridge partisan divides within congregations by fostering inclusivity and dialogue. We discuss the initiative's origins and its practical tools, like "Conversation Across the Aisles," designed to promote healthy discussions around differences. Rev. Chrisman emphasizes the need for open communication to build unde...

I engage with Tessa Pinkstaff, program manager at Luther Seminary and co-author of " Leading Faithful Innovation, Following God into a Hopeful Future ." We explore the spiritual practice of "dwelling in the Word," emphasizing its role in revitalizing congregations through a contemplative approach to Scripture. Tessa shares her journey into faith, detailing how community and lived experiences of sp...

In this episode, Pastor Liz Eide discusses the renewal journey of the Lutheran Church of Peace in Maplewood, Minnesota, emphasizing the transformative power of listening. Since 2018, she has led efforts to deepen relationships through structured listening sessions, intertwining biblical narratives with personal stories to foster community bonds. Pastor Eide shares how this approach clarified the c...

In this episode, Dennis shares a sermon he gave on the Sunday before the election, which might serve as thoughts on how we are to be Christians after the election.  For Dennis, the most important thing is that we love one another regardless of how one voted.  Give a listen.   Suggested Reading and Listening: Whatever Happens, Love Thy Neighbor by Larissa Phillips Love God. Love Neighbors. Sermon T...

On this second episode focusing on the upcoming Presidential election, we look at how Christians act during an election.  I talk with  Drew McIntyre about his recent article called “Sanctimony or Sanctification? John Wesley’s voting advice for today.”  Drew is the Pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina and a host of the God and Whiskey Podcast. Suggested Reading and...

Election Day Communion was an effort started by two Mennonite pastors and an Episcopal layperson in 2012. to try to bring people together on Election Day.  The hope was after people voted, they would come and gather at the communion table. Subsequent events took place in 2016 and 2020.  But the Facebook Page for Election Day Communion was not updated for 2024. After January 6 and the rise of Chris...

Shobi’s Table is a foodtruck that is also a ministry. It is a pay-as-you-can food truck that creates and serves from-scratch, delicious, nutritious meals rescued food from Twin Cities Food Justice to make meals such as burritos, wraps, sandwiches, salads, hot dishes like baked pastas, fried rice, and more.  I’m talking with Deacon Kari Olsen, the Mission Developer and Head Chef of Shobi’s Table. ...

In this episode, Dennis chats with Julian DeShazier about how the great man theory has poisoned the church and a better way for pastors and congregations to do ministry that is more in line with what our faith teaches.  Julian is the Senior Minister at University Christian Church in Chicago, writes for the Christian Century and is an Emmy-winning hip hop artist who performs under the name J Kwest....

In this episode, I speak with Miranda Zapor-Cruz, author of "Faithful Politics," about the role of Christians in the political landscape as the 2024 presidential election approaches. We discuss the challenges of engaging with politics while maintaining spiritual integrity.  Miranda Zapor Cruz is a professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University. She holds a PhD in religion, politic...

In this episode, I engage with Reverend Dr. Sam Wells, vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, on the intricate meanings of 'progressive' and 'inclusive' in Christianity. Wells challenges the simplistic view of progress as a linear moral improvement, arguing it can perpetuate a patronizing mindset. He links these discussions to the theology of atonement, emphasizing the balance between grace...

In this Church and Main Shorts, we look at a clip from a May interview with Joshua Gritter, a Presbyterian Pastor in North Carolina.  We talk about what he and his wife will preach on at the church they serve on the Sunday after the election (hint: it won't be about the election). Suggested Reading and Listening: The Full Episode with Joshua Gritter Links:   Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipT...

In this episode of Church and Main, I speak with retired Disciples of Christ pastor Doug Skinner about Christian behavior during election years. (It isn't good.) We discuss the divisive rhetoric often found in the church and emphasize the need for kindness and grace despite political disagreements. Suggested Reading and Listening: Episode 139: Why I Am Disciples of Christ with Doug Skinner Links:...