Church and Main

What happens when a historic denomination faces a seismic shift? Join us as Drew McIntyre, our returning Methodist guest, unpacks the significant developments from the recent United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte. We explore the groundbreaking rescinding of language that restricted LGBTQ clergy and marriages, and Drew offers keen insights into the potential impact and historical context of these changes, including the consequences of the now-expired legislation that facilitated church disaffiliation. Amidst these sweeping changes, we tackle the structural complexities arising from the schism within the United Methodist Church and the inception of the Global Methodist Church. How might the loss of diverse voices and perspectives shape the future of both denominations? Drawing parallels to political divides, we reflect on the potential for new ideological conflicts or, conversely, the possibility for renewed missional focus. Show Notes: Drew's Articles at Firebrand Magazine Theology of Black Lives Matter-Episode 165 Faith In the Comics-Episode 134 The Antifragile Church- Episode 106 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/

We tend to think Evangelicals helped create Christian Nationalism, but did Mainline Protestantism have a role? I sat down with Beau Underwood, co-author of "Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped to Build Christian Nationalism," to explore the historical roots and contemporary impact of Christian nationalism in America. Beau talks about how mainline Protestants have laid the groundwork for modern expressions of Christian nationalism, highlighting pivotal moments like President Truman's endorsement of the revised standard version of the Bible in 1952 and President Eisenhower's active role in religious affairs. Beau wants to shed light on the responsibility of Mainline Protestant churches in addressing their historical complicity and suggests practical steps for repentance and change within their communities.   Show Notes: Baptizing America book (the promo code is BAPODCAST) Word and Way Magazine (includes several articles related to the book) Episode 181 with Ted Peters (another view on Christian Nationalism) Episode 76 with Brian Kaylor (on Religious Freedom in Russia)     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 revisit a video from early 2023 with Lutheran Deacon Nina Joygaard where she interviews me on how to do spiritual practices as someone with autism and ADHD. Prayer Lab Minute on the Road Interview with Deacon Nina 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 welcome back  Steve Thomason, an Associate Professor for Spiritual Formation and Discipleship at Luther Seminary. Steve shares insights on enriching your spiritual journey through practices like prayer, silence, and community. He addresses overcoming barriers to spiritual practices in today's world and discusses adaptations for those with ADHD or on the autism spectrum. We also look at how spiritual practices can emphasize genuine discipleship over mere church membership. Show notes: Steve's website: https://www.stevethomason.net/ Drawing Is Seeing with Steve Thomason | Episode 69 Overflow: An Introduction to Growing in Faith (Faith Lead Course) The Book of Acts: The Ever-Expanding Church (Faith Lead Course) 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, we explore the intersection of faith and food, featuring the inspiring journey of former pastor and sous chef, Andrew Camp. The podcast highlights how food connects spirituality and community, discussing Andrew's upbringing, culinary education, and integration of faith with his culinary passion. His decision to pursue a career as a sous chef stems from a heartfelt desire to harmonize his faith with his culinary passion, ultimately leading him on a transformative odyssey through culinary school and into the expansive culinary domain. Andrew's culinary expedition mirrors his spiritual journey, emblematic of his creativity, fervor, and the authentic fusion of faith with culinary artistry. Show Notes: The Biggest Table (Andrew's Podcast) Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgl  

In this episode, I talk to Joshua Gritter, who is the co-lead pastor along with his wife Lara at First Presbyterian Church in Salisbury, NC.  We talk about his article in Presbyterian Outlook “Anxiety, politics, and the lost mysticism of the church,” where he talks about how we Christians in the US have placed their faith in politics and "electing a high priest" instead of in God. Show Notes: Joshua's article Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgl

In this "shorts" episode we look at a 2023 interview with Lutheran pastor Seth Perry . Seth candidly discusses his journey living with bipolar disorder, overcoming stigma, and rediscovering his faith after getting sober. He shares his struggle to disclose his diagnosis due to fear of judgment in the church and societal stereotypes about bipolar individuals. Seth reflects on the success of his "Give Up the Stigma" campaign, which encouraged open dialogue on mental health within his congregation, fostering a supportive environment at the intersection of faith and mental health. Show Notes: Listen to the Full Episode Minnesota Public Radio Article on Seth Our Stigma (Seth's Website)   Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgl

Ever since January 6, 2021 we’ve heard the term Christian Nationalism.  There have been news stories, articles, books and podcasts all focused on the threat of Christian Nationalism to democracy.  Christians of all stripes have come out against it and denominations have passed resolutions condemning it. Christian nationalism is a concern.  And yet, are we making too much of it?  Theologian Ted Peters tends to think so. In this episode, which I hope will be the first in a series of episodes on this topic, we will look at if we are making too much of Christian Nationalism. Show notes: Ted Peter's website and bio Public Theology- Ted Peter's Blog Who Is Afraid of Christian Nationalism? A Christian Nationalist Hornet's Nest Measuring Christian Nationalism Series Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgl

It's common these days to focus on the drawbacks of church.  But what's good about church? Theologian and pastor Anthony Robinson joins me on the podcast to talk about his most recent blog post on the positive aspects of the church in our society. Robinson highlights the importance of institutions and how the church can provide a sense of community, mentorship, and a framework for coping with life's challenges. Churches have a role to play in our society,  creating spaces of grace and acceptance.  Show Notes: Maybe the Church Wasn't Bad After All-Anthony Robinson Sad Lefties- Anthony Robinson The True Cost of the Churchgoing Bust- Derek Thompson Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgl

In this bonus episode, I revisit an interview with Joy Moore, a professor of biblical preaching at Luther Seminary. We discussed reconciliation amid societal divisions. Moore shares stories illustrating the challenges of reconciliation and stresses the importance of finding common ground across racial divides. referencing instances like Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis working together to desegregate schools, showcasing the power of partnerships across racial lines. She also mentions Hawk Newsome from Black Lives Matter emphasizing common values to bridge divides and underscores the importance of viewing each other as fellow humans created in the image of God.  Show Notes: Speaking at a Trump Rally Made This BLM Activist an Outcast Video of Hawk Newsome speaking at Trump Rally Full Episode with Joy Moore   Lectionary Q Podcast  Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgl Chapters: 0:36 Introduction 3:18 Finding Common Ground 6:03 The Story of Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis 9:05 Hawk Newsome's Powerful Message