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 →
The Body of Christ in a Polarized Culture with Teer Hardy | Episode 222
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 →
Clergy Leadership and the Propensity to Mess* Things Up with Scott Benhase | Episode 221
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 →
Why You Should Pray for President Trump (Even If You Don’t Like Him) | Episode 220
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 →
Polarization and the Campaign for Kindness with Cathy Bien | Episode 219
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-juc69-17c5846 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... Continue Reading →
Talking About Success and Failure in the Church with Martha Tartarnic | Episode 218
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-63xj8-17b2ff1 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... Continue Reading →
Reflections on Jimmy Carter, Donald Trump and the Media with Andrew Donaldson | Episode 217
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yqjw7-17a1109 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 the... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Showing Up with Jim Mohr | Episode 216
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-y3thz-17926c7 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... Continue Reading →
Brian Thompson is a Sinner of Christ’s Redeemer | Episode 215
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ergfv-177f3fe 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... Continue Reading →
The Culture War, the Working Class and Donald Trump with Luke Allen | Episode 214
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xqxmi-177bbff 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... Continue Reading →