Andy Goebel, experiencing his first Waffle House trip, shares laughs and reflections on the journey. Adam Phillips discusses his church plant's transition between denominations, shedding light on inclusivity in faith communities. Phil Snider, a GLAD award recipient, joins for a lively sermonic conversation, culminating in a unique 'preach-off'. The evening is filled with heartwarming tunes and humorous moments that highlight the connections between theology, culture, and the transformative power of community.
The podcast highlights the ongoing debate within religious institutions regarding inclusivity, showcasing the contrasting experiences of two ministers who embraced diversity despite resistance from their original denomination.
A live crossover format combined serious theological discussions with humor and personal anecdotes, creating a sense of community and encouraging audience participation in the conversations about faith and culture.
Upcoming events, including a theology nerd boot camp, aim to expand discussions on radical inclusivity and engage participants with contemporary societal issues, blending historical and modern theological perspectives.
Deep dives
The Inclusivity Debate in Church Planting
The podcast features a discussion on the inclusive practices of two Portland-based ministers from the Evangelical Covenant Church who decided to embrace all individuals, regardless of their identity. This approach was met with resistance from their denomination, who were uncomfortable with this broad inclusivity. In contrast, members of the Disciples of Christ embrace the notion of welcoming everyone to their churches, reflecting a shift towards acceptance and openness in faith communities. This conflict highlights the ongoing debates within religious institutions regarding inclusivity and alignment with contemporary societal values.
Celebrating Community Support
The conversation underscores a moment of triumph for two ministers who faced the challenge of forming a church in a conservative area where their inclusive vision was initially met with skepticism. Despite losing their original church affiliation, they found solace and success in a welcoming community that values diversity and representation. Over the course of a few weeks, their new church experienced a sudden influx of visitors, suggesting a longing for inclusivity among the local population. Their journey speaks to the resilience and adaptability of faith communities in the face of adversity.
The Impact of Crossover Events
A live crossover episode featured diverse voices from the theology nerd community, combining discussions on theology with cultural commentary. The event included humorous interactions and personal anecdotes, allowing for a unique blend of serious conversation about faith and lighthearted banter. Audience participation was encouraged, enhancing the sense of community among attendees. This format serves to engage listeners and foster deeper connections between faith discussions and cultural perspectives.
Future Theological Engagements
The podcast announces upcoming events that promise to expand theological dialogue, including a theology nerd boot camp and future gatherings focused on radical inclusivity. These initiatives aim to explore postmodern notions of faith and community, encouraging participants to engage with contemporary societal issues through a theological lens. As interest grows, the hosts emphasize the importance of preparation and active participation in upcoming discussions. Such events represent a concerted effort to merge historical theological perspectives with modern-day challenges.
Humor and Community in Faith
Throughout the podcast, humor plays a vital role in easing the tension surrounding heavy theological discussions, making them more accessible to listeners. The hosts share personal stories that highlight both their vulnerabilities and triumphs, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere. This light-hearted approach allows for complex issues of faith and inclusion to be examined critically without alienating the audience. By blending laughter with serious dialogue, the podcast fosters a welcoming environment that encourages communal learning and growth in faith.
This is second sold out live show from the Disciples of Christ General Assembly in Columbus Ohio. It was a spectacular evening and some of it was recorded. What wasn't recorded was taking our guest Andy on his first trip to Waffle House.
In this episode you will get...
* Adam Phillips & Andy Goebel shall be in the house talking about their church plants getting kicked out of one denomination and welcomed into another for being welcoming.
* Phil Snider, GLAD award recipient and postmodern pulpit practitioner, joins us for some sermonic convo and a Preach Off vs Tripp.
* There's a display of Tripp's lack of cultural awareness, Amy's endless reservoir of fear & Christian's excellent French accent.
* We have some heart felt tunes from Andra Moran & Trey and Carter from Populis join us for some jams.
This podcast was sponsored by Phillips TheologicalSeminary. Josh Linton was in the house for Phillips and got everyone their first two drinks. Can you imagine a cooler place to go to school? Make sure you check them out and holla at Josh with any questions.