https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3qkdj-190c659 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,... Continue Reading →
Is the Emergent Church Back? with Andrew Crowson | Episode 242
https://youtu.be/PMERJXJJ15Y?si=7RpVMGpEH9Blm-T5 https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-cp3qs-19015bb 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... Continue Reading →
Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre | Episode 241
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLjtDAKNp90 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... Continue Reading →
Luther Seminary and the Future of Mainline Protestantism with Rob Myallis | Episode 239
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-eur24-18e0f56 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... Continue Reading →
What Is Ethical Evangelism? with DeDe Dollinger and CeCe Cernansky | Episode 238
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xg77r-18df823 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... Continue Reading →
All Saints in a Halloween World with Jacob Smith | Episode 237
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-64kjm-18cbfd0 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... Continue Reading →
The Urgency of Grace in Today’s World with David Zahl | Episode 236
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-2uun6-18b7f77 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. Zahl emphasizes the need for vulnerability in relationships... Continue Reading →
A Church Restarts in Brooklyn with Ben DeHart | Episode 235
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-tmr35-18adbda 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... Continue Reading →
The Church and the Working Class with Brian Dijkema |Episode 234
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-aktf7-1898ffa 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... Continue Reading →
Evangelism in Sad Times with Andrew Root | Episode 233
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-wmfmd-188e3d3 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... Continue Reading →
The Clockwork Pastor 