Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro

Navigating Faith & Ministry In A Secular World with Dr. Andrew Root

Feb 27, 2024

Dr. Andrew Root discusses faith in a secular world, divine action in ministry, and the tension between secular pressure and faith experiences. The podcast delves into the theology of suffering and moral transformation, church renewal in a challenging era, and the need for genuine divine engagement in congregational life.

53:25

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Episode guests

Andrew Root

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Importance of shifting to faithful waiting and prayer in church activities for God's movement.

Emphasis on communal care over consumerism in small church ministry for spiritual presence.

Exploration of secular age's impact on personal guilt shaping spiritual quests and anxieties.

Deep dives

Exploring the Role of Waiting in Church Practices

In his latest book, the author delves into the concept of waiting as a central element in the life of a church. He emphasizes the importance of shifting from a culture of frantic activity to one of faithful waiting and prayer. This practice of waiting is presented as an essential spiritual discipline that opens up space for God's movement and revelation in the church.

Introduction

2min

Encountering Transformative Insights and Ministry Challenges

32min

Exploring the Church's Need for Patient Waiting and Prayer

6min

Embracing Ministry in a Small Church

7min

Exploring Spirituality in a Secular Age

1min

Exploring Productivity, Guilt, and Ministry

5min

Join us at the Bible Bistro as we welcome Dr. Andrew Root, known as Andy, from Luther Seminary, to discuss faith and secular challenges. We dive into Andy's insights from his academic work and life in a small church community. Our conversation revolves around Charles Taylor's "A Secular Age" and Andy's books, "The Church in an Age of Secular Mysticism" and "When Church Stops Working." We examine the challenges facing faith communities today and explore ways to navigate faith formation in our secular society.

Listen as Andy discusses the role of divine action in ministry and its relevance for our audience's faith engagement. We also consider the tension between secular pressures and transcendent faith experiences. Through personal stories and philosophical insights from Taylor, we explore the difficulty and potential of connecting believers with the divine.

We delve into the theology of the cross and how stories of suffering can lead to moral and spiritual transformation. Andy helps us understand the impact of secularism on faith practices and offers ways to cultivate congregational life that acknowledges God's transformative work.

In concluding our time with Andy, we address the pressing issue of church renewal in a challenging era. Reflecting on the exhaustion of competing with secular attractions, Andy advises a focus on genuine divine engagement. We discuss the implications for church leaders and present "When Church Stops Working," which aims to simplify complex ideas for a wider audience.

Andy shares how small church communities have provided support through significant life events and how culture informs pastoral care. We also talk about secular mysticism, the rise of personal guilt in today's performance culture, and the influence of his writings on pastors seeking to rejuvenate their ministry amidst the growth of the "nones."