https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6fg66-1864871  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... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6wfii-1857f9b I talk with Jonathan Hall, the pastor of First Christian Church of North Hollywood, as he shares his experiences in leading a politically diverse congregation.  He discusses his journey from Alabama to various church communities, emphasizing the need for open communication on difficult subjects. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how empathy can thrive in... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-j7xgj-184185e In this episode of Church and Main, I speak with Gretchen Purser, a former Republican operative, about her 20-year experience in national campaigns and her transformation into a "Republican refugee." We discuss her evangelical roots, the GOP's departure from foundational values under Trump, and the intersection of faith and politics. Gretchen calls for grace... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-hy2h7-182f067 In this episode, I talk to David Gray, a senior pastor and public policy expert, to discuss the intersection of faith and politics during the Trump administration. We explore how faith communities can provide hope amidst the uncertainties of shifting policies and social climates. David shares his perspective from his pastoral role in a... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ktbpj-181fe60  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... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-z8ipp-180f228 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... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-j7e6v-17fd047 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... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-34237-17ea447 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... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xuc2u-17db9c4 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... Continue Reading →

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3ngrr-17d4f0e 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... Continue Reading →