Over the last few years, I started to hear a new phrase one that might be new to you as well: side hustle.  A side hustle is a way to make money in addition to your full-time or part-time job.  It’s also a way to explore a new career.  Side hustles can be a way for folk in lower paying jobs, like, I dunno being a pastor in a congregation, to earn some money and also gain some new skills.  Today we talk to Ruth Hetland, a Lutheran pastor living in Minnesota who started a side hustle to support women in ministry. Show notes: One Pastor's Side Hustle: Subscription Boxes for Women in Ministry article from Church Anew ConseCrate website Creative and Created Podcast Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

(Originally Broadcast in December 2021.) I’ve known Geoffrey Kabaservice since we were both writers for David Frum’s news site, Frum Forum. Today Geoffrey is the Vice President of Political Studies at the Niskanen Center and host of the Vital Center Podcast. He’s an author, especially in for our purposes of the book Rule and Ruin: The Downfall of Moderation and the Destruction of the Republican Party, from Eisenhower to the Tea Party. I brought him on the podcast today to talk about the intersection of two important streams of 20th century American culture, Moderate Republicanism and Mainline Protestantism. Both of these movements drove much of American society and now they are both weakened. We will look at what has been lost as both institutions decline. We’ll also focus on one person where these two streams meet: J. Irwin Miller, the CEO of Cummins Engine, a Rockefeller Republican, and a member of a mainline denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He was also a corporate titan who invested in his hometown of Columbus, Indiana, and allowed it to prosper when other Rust Belt towns withered. If you are someone who is interested in American political and social history, you will love this episode. Show Notes: Geoffrey Kabaservice’s Niskanen Center profile The Rust Belt Didn’t Have to Happen by Aaron Renn (on J. Irwin Miller) The Vital Center Podcast Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

In this episode, guest Reverend Todd Stavrakos discusses the stance of mainline churches on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They talk about the lack of nuance in these stances and their impact on relations with the Jewish community. Stavrakos criticizes the one-sided focus on Israel's actions, the failure to condemn terrorist organizations, the issue of antisemitism within the church, and the importance of recognizing it.  Show Notes: Presbyterians for Middle East Peace Pathways 4 Peace Presbyterian Church vote declaring Israel an apartheid state upsets Jewish groups Episode 157: Rage and Hope After the Hamas Massacre with Rabbi Brad Hirschfield Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj This podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks!

Thousands of churches closed their doors and ceased active ministry every year bringing to an end decades of active ministry.  But can a church come back from the dead and start again?  In this episode, we talk to Anglican priest Grayhame Bowcott about the rebirth of St. Annes church in rural Ontario, Canada that went from “six very miserable Anglicans who had experienced the scarcity model of the church into a congregation of 55 who were there on a regularity.” Show notes: Grayhame's bio webpage Article on St. Annes in Anglican Journal Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj

As the sun rose on October 7th, the tranquility of southern Israel was shattered by an act of terror, by the terrorist group Hamas, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many, including my guest, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield. Our heartfelt discussion traverses the rugged terrain of conflict, weaving through the emotional ties that bind Rabbi Hirschfield to the region, and the universal struggle to balance empathy with moral clarity in the face of violence. His reflections on the Israeli special forces captain, whose resilience in the aftermath of tragedy encapsulates the undying flame of hope, are a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Show Notes: Hope and Rage: A Rabbi Reflects on the Hamas Incursion by Rabbi Hirschfield On Moral Atrocity by David Watson CLAL -The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj This podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks! Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Can TikTok be more than a platform to lip-synch Taylor Swift songs? Can it actually foster online faith communities? For Presbyterian pastor Beth Peerbolte the answer is an emphatic yes. Over the last few years, she’s developed OurTapestry, an online faith community she started to provide a presence in what she calls “spiritual deserts” especially for LGBTQ populations, giving people access to pastoral care, faith formation, and a loving community.  Join us as we talk about how TikTok and Discord can be used to help connect people who might not have a supportive faith community. Show Notes: OurTapestry Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj This podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks! Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

In this podcast episode, Dennis chats with Nicholas Tangen, the Director for Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices for the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They discuss community engagement and the intersection of faith and neighboring practices in congregations. Tangen emphasizes the importance of relational engagement and being good neighbors highlighting the significance of place and the church's rootedness in the community. He introduces the Faith and Neighboring Practices project, which focuses on small, consistent practices that connect churches with their neighbors. Dennis and Nicholas will also discuss the merging of faith practices, including asset-based community development and contemplative spiritual practice. Tangen encourages churches to prioritize depth and relationships over numbers, trusting that God will work in incredible ways. Show Notes: Nicholas’ website At the Table Podcast Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj This podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks! Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

In this solo episode, Dennis shares thoughts on a topic that has been resonating with many of us in the ministry: the Great Pastor Resignation. Dennis reads his response to an article written by Alexander Lang, a former Presbyterian pastor who made the difficult decision to leave the ministry. Lang's article is not the first of its kind, but it has struck a chord with many of us. Being a pastor is both a blessing and a burden. It's a calling that comes with its own set of challenges, but it's also a journey filled with profound moments of grace and community. As we navigate these complexities, let's remember to support each other, to engage in open and honest discussions, and to keep our faith alive and active in the world. Show Notes: The Blessings and Burdens of Being a Pastor -Dennis Sanders Departure: Why I Left the Church- Alexander Lang Leaving, Staying, & the Church: Another perspective….and a potential way forward- Aaron Fuller Jubilee- Molly Baskette Why I Am NOT Leaving the Church- Frederick Schmidt Departures and Arrivals- Jeff Gill Leave a One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dennislsanders Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj This podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks! Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we hear from Laura Cottington, a lay leader and co-founder of Saint Michael Community Church in Saint Michael, Minnesota. She discusses the challenges and strategies of church planting, particularly in a changing landscape where traditional methods may not be as effective. Laura shares her experiences and insights on starting a church with limited resources, the importance of lay leadership, and the need for creativity and adaptability in reaching people for Christ. They also touch on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the value of community support. Laura's interest in church planting began when she and her husband Brent led a church camp and encountered kids who were on the outside of church life. They wanted to find a way to reach those who were disconnected from the church. Laura, a teacher with a master's in education, discusses the area where she and her husband are planning to start a church in Saint Michael, a community west of the Twin Cities. Show Notes: Global Church Planting (United Methodist Church) 2021 Report Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj This podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks! Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

This is a joint episode with Loren Richmond Jr. host of the Future Christian podcast. In this special episode recorded live from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Loren Richmond Jr is joined by guest Dennis Sanders to delve into the current state of the denomination and the unique challenges faced by local congregations. Together, they explore the pressing need to support and sustain existing congregations, recognizing the vital role they play in today's society. The discussion also delves into recent updates to the denomination's bylaws, highlighting the importance of staying informed and engaged with the evolving landscape of the church. Dennis and Loren also touch on the topic of incorporating pop songs into worship services, examining the potential benefits and challenges of bridging contemporary culture with traditional practices. They emphasize the significance of prayer and theology in guiding congregations towards a deeper understanding of their faith and the role of the church in advancing the gospel. Throughout the conversation, the importance of dialogue, relationships, and understanding is underscored as essential tools for navigating divisive issues within the church. Loren expresses his concern about declining numbers and the need for a compelling narrative to revitalize the denomination, sparking a thought-provoking reflection on the future of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe