What happens when a historic denomination faces a seismic shift? Join us as Drew McIntyre, our returning Methodist guest, unpacks the significant developments from the recent United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte. We explore the groundbreaking rescinding of language that restricted LGBTQ clergy and marriages, and Drew offers keen insights into the potential impact and historical context of these changes, including the consequences of the now-expired legislation that facilitated church...
Jun 17, 2024•53 min•Ep. 187
We tend to think Evangelicals helped create Christian Nationalism, but did Mainline Protestantism have a role? I sat down with Beau Underwood, co-author of "Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped to Build Christian Nationalism," to explore the historical roots and contemporary impact of Christian nationalism in America. Beau talks about how mainline Protestants have laid the groundwork for modern expressions of Christian nationalism, highlighting pivotal moments like President Truman...
Jun 10, 2024•49 min•Ep. 186
In this episode, I revisit a video from early 2023 with Lutheran Deacon Nina Joygaard where she interviews me on how to do spiritual practices as someone with autism and ADHD. Prayer Lab Minute on the Road Interview with Deacon Nina Donate: Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.c...
Jun 06, 2024•16 min•Ep. 185
In this episode, I welcome back Steve Thomason, an Associate Professor for Spiritual Formation and Discipleship at Luther Seminary. Steve shares insights on enriching your spiritual journey through practices like prayer, silence, and community. He addresses overcoming barriers to spiritual practices in today's world and discusses adaptations for those with ADHD or on the autism spectrum. We also look at how spiritual practices can emphasize genuine discipleship over mere church membership. Show ...
Jun 03, 2024•54 min•Ep. 184
In this episode, we explore the intersection of faith and food, featuring the inspiring journey of former pastor and sous chef, Andrew Camp. The podcast highlights how food connects spirituality and community, discussing Andrew's upbringing, culinary education, and integration of faith with his culinary passion. His decision to pursue a career as a sous chef stems from a heartfelt desire to harmonize his faith with his culinary passion, ultimately leading him on a transformative odyssey through ...
May 20, 2024•52 min•Ep. 183
In this episode, I talk to Joshua Gritter, who is the co-lead pastor along with his wife Lara at First Presbyterian Church in Salisbury, NC. We talk about his article in Presbyterian Outlook “Anxiety, politics, and the lost mysticism of the church,” where he talks about how we Christians in the US have placed their faith in politics and "electing a high priest" instead of in God. Show Notes: Joshua's article Make a Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Facebook: https://www.face...
May 13, 2024•51 min•Ep. 182
In this "shorts" episode we look at a 2023 interview with Lutheran pastor Seth Perry . Seth candidly discusses his journey living with bipolar disorder, overcoming stigma, and rediscovering his faith after getting sober. He shares his struggle to disclose his diagnosis due to fear of judgment in the church and societal stereotypes about bipolar individuals. Seth reflects on the success of his "Give Up the Stigma" campaign, which encouraged open dialogue on mental health within his congregation, ...
May 11, 2024•19 min
Ever since January 6, 2021 we’ve heard the term Christian Nationalism. There have been news stories, articles, books and podcasts all focused on the threat of Christian Nationalism to democracy. Christians of all stripes have come out against it and denominations have passed resolutions condemning it. Christian nationalism is a concern. And yet, are we making too much of it? Theologian Ted Peters tends to think so. In this episode, which I hope will be the first in a series of episodes on this t...
May 06, 2024•46 min•Ep. 181
It's common these days to focus on the drawbacks of church. But what's good about church? Theologian and pastor Anthony Robinson joins me on the podcast to talk about his most recent blog post on the positive aspects of the church in our society. Robinson highlights the importance of institutions and how the church can provide a sense of community, mentorship, and a framework for coping with life's challenges. Churches have a role to play in our society, creating spaces of grace and acceptance. ...
Apr 29, 2024•47 min•Ep. 180
In this bonus episode, I revisit an interview with Joy Moore, a professor of biblical preaching at Luther Seminary. We discussed reconciliation amid societal divisions. Moore shares stories illustrating the challenges of reconciliation and stresses the importance of finding common ground across racial divides. referencing instances like Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis working together to desegregate schools, showcasing the power of partnerships across racial lines. She also mentions Hawk Newsome from...
Apr 25, 2024•13 min
In this episode, I delve into the essence of the podcast and the current state of mainline Protestantism. I share my journey of self-discovery in launching the podcast and reflect on the challenges facing mainline Protestantism, emphasizing the importance of diversity of thought as much as visual diversity. I advocate for reform within the church, highlighting its role as an inclusive space and calling for a balance between tradition and innovation. Show notes: Letters from a Broken Church artic...
Apr 17, 2024•25 min•Ep. 179
Can artificial intelligence hold its own when it comes to the soul-stirring task of crafting spiritual materials? Guest Jeremy Wilhelmi and I embark on an enthralling discussion on the intersection of AI and pastoral ministry. We delve into Jeremy's experiment that tests AI's ability to compose benedictions, prompting us to reflect on whether a machine's output can ever truly resonate with the human heart as deeply as a message born from human experience. Show Notes: Beyond artificial words: The...
Apr 15, 2024•42 min•Ep. 178
Ever wondered how churches can sustain their missions in a world where the traditional offering plate falls short? The financial fabric that supports our churches is undergoing a radical makeover. This episode isn't just about recounting struggles; it's a treasure trove of inventive solutions, from the entrepreneurial spirit of minority and immigrant churches to the pioneering use of digital platforms like crowdfunding. We'll explore the rich history of church funding with Grace Pomroy of Luther...
Apr 04, 2024•48 min•Ep. 177
In this clip from a conversation from January 2024, Loren Richmond Jr. voices concerns about diminishing appreciation for the sacredness embodied in church facilities, particularly within certain evangelical circles where traditional architectural norms are eschewed. Referencing the insights of theologians such as Andrew Root and Charles Taylor, he underscores the need to reclaim a sense of transcendence in architectural design, countering prevailing secular paradigms. Lauren conveys a fervent b...
Apr 01, 2024•9 min
Could your vote be an act of pure democratic expression or merely a move in a complex game of strategic power? Grapple with the profound implications of casting a ballot as I'm joined by Brian McGraw, an associate professor at Wheaton College, to navigate the treacherous waters of sincere versus strategic voting. We dissect the impact of a polarized political landscape where negative partisanship often seems to overshadow individual values, and delve into the significance of our first votes and ...
Mar 27, 2024•58 min•Ep. 176
Welcome to a Bonus episode that is part of a series called "Church and Main Shorts," snippets from recent episodes. In an interview from December 2023, Paul Moore on fostering growth within mainline churches. Moore discusses the challenges faced by denominations in embracing change and the importance of shifting mindsets towards growth. He emphasizes the need for revitalizing congregations by prioritizing youth and family ministries to ensure a sustainable future. Listen to the full episode: htt...
Mar 23, 2024•10 min
Amidst a climate of political upheaval and social unrest, the church's mission has never been more critical. In today's conversation with Pastor David Emery, we confront the tough questions of unity and division, exploring how the church can become a beacon of hope and understanding in a world marked by stark lines in the sand. He shares his commitment to fostering spaces for constructive dialogue and learning, setting a table where all are welcome, and where love transcends politics. It's a poi...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 175
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/churchandma...
Mar 18, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 174
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 Rac...
Mar 11, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 173
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 ...
Feb 20, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 172
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...
Feb 10, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 171
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 Video...
Jan 31, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 170
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:/...
Jan 20, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 169
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://ch...
Jan 07, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 168
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 A...
Jan 03, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 167
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...
Dec 30, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 166
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 Pas...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 165
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 ...
Dec 14, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 164
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...
Dec 07, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 163
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. Gre...
Dec 03, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 162
