https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-tnmrn-1948f67 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... Continue Reading →
BONUS: August Break and the Magnificat
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-j7dgr-19311c8 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... Continue Reading →
The Church, The Trump Administation and the Dual State with Chris Gehrz | Episode 246
https://youtu.be/mT8SlW8Zbyo https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-cmw6v-192a2ae 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... Continue Reading →
Bonhoeffer’s Choice: A Lesson in Staying or Leaving with Amy Mantravadi | Episode 245
https://youtu.be/Y6l1x1ResJ4?si=hcxuy6yjkJDHLQ38 https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3r7kt-191f23b 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... Continue Reading →
Reimagining Church Communication with Josh Linman | Episode 244
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-dyvbx-1914d4b 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... Continue Reading →
LGBTQ Allies and Effective Inclusion with Ryan Self | Episode 243
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 →