Church and Main

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

In this episode, I delve into the essence of the podcast and the current state of mainline Protestantism.  I share my journey of self-discovery in launching the podcast and reflect on the challenges facing mainline Protestantism, emphasizing the importance of diversity of thought as much as visual diversity. I advocate for reform within the church, highlighting its role as an inclusive space and calling for a balance between tradition and innovation.  Show notes: Letters from a Broken Church article written by me Everything Is Broken by Alana Newhouse Mainline Struggles in the Rural Midwest by Ryan Burge The Most Vital Strategy for Mainline Church Growth with Paul Moore | Episode 164 Telling the Truth on Church Decline with Ben Crosby | Episode 132 Why Do Church Buildings Matter in Today’s World? with Loren Richmond Jr. | Episode 167 Lay-Led Church Planting with Laura Cottington | Episode 153 Theological Humility in the Local Church With David Emery | Episode 175   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/ Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgl  

Can artificial intelligence hold its own when it comes to the soul-stirring task of crafting spiritual materials? Guest Jeremy Wilhelmi and I embark on an enthralling discussion on the intersection of AI and pastoral ministry. We delve into Jeremy's experiment that tests AI's ability to compose benedictions, prompting us to reflect on whether a machine's output can ever truly resonate with the human heart as deeply as a message born from human experience. Show Notes:  Beyond artificial words: The pastoral heart in an age of AI by Jeremy Wilhelmi The Chaplaincy Is Not Your Backup Plan with Jeremy Wilhelmi | Episode 108 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/ Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj Chapters 0:38 Introduction 2:02 The Role of AI in Pastoral Ministry 11:52 Temptation of Time 13:29 Fear of Inadequacy 15:57 Ethical Use of AI 24:08 Positive Role of AI 26:28 The Importance of Authenticity 27:50 The Need for Grace 31:43 Advice for Seminary Students 36:57 Cautionary Tale from "WALL-E" 38:33 The Importance of Human Connection 40:25 Contact Information and Farewell

Ever wondered how churches can sustain their missions in a world where the traditional offering plate falls short? The financial fabric that supports our churches is undergoing a radical makeover. This episode isn't just about recounting struggles; it's a treasure trove of inventive solutions, from the entrepreneurial spirit of minority and immigrant churches to the pioneering use of digital platforms like crowdfunding. We'll explore the rich history of church funding with Grace Pomroy of Luther Seminary. We'll learn how churches are reinventing church funding—to secure a future where faith communities not only survive but thrive. Show Notes: Grace Pomroy's website Funding Forward Program at Luther Seminary Funding Forward E-Book Transforming the Offering Plate into a Spiritual Journey with Kirby Gould | Episode 172   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/ Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj  

In this clip from a conversation from January 2024, Loren Richmond Jr. voices concerns about diminishing appreciation for the sacredness embodied in church facilities, particularly within certain evangelical circles where traditional architectural norms are eschewed. Referencing the insights of theologians such as Andrew Root and Charles Taylor, he underscores the need to reclaim a sense of transcendence in architectural design, countering prevailing secular paradigms. Lauren conveys a fervent belief in the intrinsic worth of maintaining church buildings, even in scenarios where congregational activities may wane, emphasizing their enduring symbolic and spiritual significance in an ever-changing landscape of religious practice. Listen to the full episode  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/ Website: https://churchandmain.org/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj