Church and Main

Election Day Communion was an effort started by two Mennonite pastors and an Episcopal layperson in 2012. to try to bring people together on Election Day.  The hope was after people voted, they would come and gather at the communion table. Subsequent events took place in 2016 and 2020.  But the Facebook Page for Election Day Communion was not updated for 2024. After January 6 and the rise of Christian Nationalism, is there still a place for this event?   Andrew Camp, says yes and joins me to say why. Camp is both a former pastor and a former sous chef interested in the connection between food and faith and you can see those in connections in action on his podcast The Biggest Table. Suggested Reading and Listening: The Biggest Table Podcast Election Day Communion Resources   Related Episodes: A Journey of Faith and Food with Andrew Camp | Episode 183 Election Year Christianity with Doug Skinner | Episode 201 Beyond the Purple Church with Jack Haberer | Episode 194 The Cross and the Ballot with Joshua Gritter | Episode 182 Links: Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast Substack: https://churchandmain.substack.com/ Website: https://churchandmain.org/

Shobi’s Table is a foodtruck that is also a ministry. It is a pay-as-you-can food truck that creates and serves from-scratch, delicious, nutritious meals rescued food from Twin Cities Food Justice to make meals such as burritos, wraps, sandwiches, salads, hot dishes like baked pastas, fried rice, and more.  I’m talking with Deacon Kari Olsen, the Mission Developer and Head Chef of Shobi’s Table.  We talk about this unique ministry, Kari’s call to ministry, and the connection between the communion table and our kitchen tables. Suggested Reading and Listening: Shobi’s Table website One World, Everybody Eats Related Episodes: A Journey of Faith and Food with Andrew Camp | Episode 183 Links: Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast Substack: https://churchandmain.substack.com/ Website: https://churchandmain.org/

In this episode, Dennis chats with Julian DeShazier about how the great man theory has poisoned the church and a better way for pastors and congregations to do ministry that is more in line with what our faith teaches.  Julian is the Senior Minister at University Christian Church in Chicago, writes for the Christian Century and is an Emmy-winning hip hop artist who performs under the name J Kwest. Suggested Reading and Listening: The great man theory is poison for the church by Julian DeShazier Julian's website Links: Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast Substack: https://churchandmain.substack.com/ Website: https://churchandmain.org/

In this episode, I speak with Miranda Zapor-Cruz, author of "Faithful Politics," about the role of Christians in the political landscape as the 2024 presidential election approaches. We discuss the challenges of engaging with politics while maintaining spiritual integrity.  Miranda Zapor Cruz is a professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University. She holds a PhD in religion, politics, and society from Baylor University's J. M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. Suggested Reading and Listening: 4 Characteristics of Citizens of the Kingdom of God Who Inhabit the Political World by Miranda Zapor Cruz Christians and Public Policy: Be Engaged, Informed, and Conflicted by Miranda Zapor Cruz Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters Miranda’s website Links: Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast Website: https://churchandmain.org/    

In this episode, I engage with Reverend Dr. Sam Wells, vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, on the intricate meanings of 'progressive' and 'inclusive' in Christianity. Wells challenges the simplistic view of progress as a linear moral improvement, arguing it can perpetuate a patronizing mindset. He links these discussions to the theology of atonement, emphasizing the balance between grace and justice, particularly in contexts like LGBTQ inclusion. Highlighting the complexities of building inclusive church communities, Wells calls for genuine relationships rooted in respect and understanding. Suggested Reading and Listening: St. Martin in the Fields website What Does It Mean to Be An Inclusive Church? By Sam Wells   Links:   Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast Website: https://churchandmain.org/

In this Church and Main Shorts, we look at a clip from a May interview with Joshua Gritter, a Presbyterian Pastor in North Carolina.  We talk about what he and his wife will preach on at the church they serve on the Sunday after the election (hint: it won't be about the election). Suggested Reading and Listening: The Full Episode with Joshua Gritter Links:   Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast Website: https://churchandmain.org/

In this episode of Church and Main, I speak with retired Disciples of Christ pastor Doug Skinner about Christian behavior during election years. (It isn't good.) We discuss the divisive rhetoric often found in the church and emphasize the need for kindness and grace despite political disagreements. Suggested Reading and Listening: Episode 139: Why I Am Disciples of Christ with Doug Skinner Links:   Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast Website: https://churchandmain.org/

In this milestone 200th episode of Church in Maine, I chat with Jim Keat, digital minister at Riverside Church, about the theological foundations of digital ministry. We explore how technology enables authentic connections and engagement within congregations, especially during the shifts driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jim highlights the importance of a theology rooted in love, grace, and justice, advocating for a reconceptualization of church as a portable community. Our discussion challenges traditional views and emphasizes the role of digital ministers in fostering meaningful relationships and navigating the complexities of online ministry. Show Notes: Jim’s Substack Jim’s YouTube Page Jim’s Page on Riverside Church’s website Jim Keat’s prior episode on Church and Main Ryan Dunn’s episode Ryan Panzer’s episode Links:   Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast Website: https://churchandmain.org/

The importance of digital ministry was made clear during COVID when churches had to go all digital.  But now that we are all back in the pews, is there still a need for digital ministry?  If so, what does it look like beyond livestreaming Sunday worship? I talk with Ryan Dunn, a minister for online engagement with the United Methodist Church on how digital ministry can help churches foster strong, connected communities.   Show Notes: Pastoring in the Digital Parish Podcast  MyCom Podcast Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast Website: https://churchandmain.org/

In the wake of a recent school shooting in Georgia, Dennis looks at the role of prayer and why Mainline/Progressive Christians should take the act of calling out to God more seriously. Show Notes: “Our expressed opinion is an essential pole of the process of God’s decision-making” by Jason Micheli No Thing- by Chris Owen Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast Website: https://churchandmain.org/