This is a crossover episode with Future Christian and sort of a tradition with my colleague Loren Richmond Jr. as we converse from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, TN. We did this together in person in 2023 when GA was in Louisville, KY.  We talked about the event and the state of the denomination. This year in Memphis, I didn’t make it in person, but Loren and I still had a candid conversation about the state and future of the denomination, reflecting on what’s changed since past gatherings, the unique role and challenges of General Assembly in a time of declining attendance, and the ongoing tension between institutional loyalty and openness to diverse theological voices. We also talk about our own trials of bring a resolution about revival and prayer forward and what that means about the state of the denomination.

Episode 152: General Assembly Discussion with Loren Richmond Jr.

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A short note to let you all know I'm taking a break for the next two weeks and returning on August 29.  I share some notes on the future of the podcast and end with some hopeful words from the Mother of Jesus.

Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre | Episode 241

Should Christians Leave Trump's America? with Amy Mantravadi | Episode 245

The Church, The Trump Administration and the Dual State with Chris Gehrz | Episode 246

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Is there value in historical analogies?  Yes and no. Many have tried to make comparisons between Donald Trump and Adolph Hitler that end up not being helpful to understand the times we are living in. But then there are other times when looking at how past societies dealt with creeping authoritarianism can serve as a lesson for contemporary politics.

 In this conversation, Bethel University professor Chris Gehrz examines the unsettling nature of life under the concept of the dual state, particularly in the context of the Trump administration, and the implications for Christians in the United States and American democracy.

Suggested Reading and Listening:

One Nation Under a Dual State by Chris Gehrz

The Dual State: A Contribution to the Theory of Dictatorship by Ernst Fraenkel

America Is Watching the Rise of a Dual State by Aziz Huq

The Frightening Precedents for Trump’s ‘Legal Abyss’ by Amanda Taub

Related Episodes:

Should Christians Leave Trump's America? with Amy Mantravadi | Episode 245

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In this conversation, Amy Mantravadi discusses her article on 'the theology of staying,' where she reflects on the historical context of Christianity in Egypt and the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. The discussion also delves into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's experiences in Nazi Germany, exploring the complexities of staying or leaving in times of crisis and the church's role in society. We explore Bonhoeffer's commitment to training pastors, his views on military service, and the role of the church in times of crisis. Mantravadi emphasizes the importance of hope and prayer in navigating cultural challenges and the need for a theological foundation in political engagement.

The Theology of Staying by Amy Mantravadi

Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre | Episode 241

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In this conversation, Josh Linman shares his faith journey from being a pastor's kid to founding Common Good Creative, a company focused on enhancing church communication. He discusses the importance of storytelling, community connection, and the role of technology and AI in modern church communication. Linman emphasizes the need for churches to adapt their messaging to resonate with people's desires for relationships, service, and purpose, and shares innovative strategies for welcoming visitors and engaging with the community.

Suggested Reading and Listening:

Want to Reach New People? Change How You Communicate! By Josh Linman

Common Good Creative

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In this episode of Church and Main, Ryan Self, a gay Christian from Austin, Texas, discusses LGBTQ inclusion in church communities. Ryan shares his journey from a conservative background to more affirming spaces, highlighting the pitfalls of churches that claim inclusivity yet fail to embody it. We discuss the balance between activism and faith, critiques of superficial inclusivity, and the need for authentic dialogue that honors diverse perspectives. 

Suggested Reading and Listening:

With ‘allies’ like these, who needs adversaries?

God and the Gay Christian (Matthew Vines)

How the Gay Rights Movement Radicalized and Lost Its Way (Andrew Sullivan)

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The Emergent Church seemed to be the future of the church, until it wasn't.  Andrew Crowson joins the podcast to discuss how the movement initially attracted young evangelicals by challenging traditional church norms, yet ultimately struggled with its identity and connection to foundational beliefs. Andrew shares insights from his experiences and his article "Are We Back?", pondering if today's context might rekindle the movement with lessons learned from its past. 

Are We Back? by Andrew Crowson

Dispatches from a God-Bathed World (Andrew's Substack)

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Where can we find hope in the current political context?  For Methodist pastor Drew McIntyre, that hope took place in an empty tomb when Jesus rose from the dead. Drew and I talk about the distinction between hope and optimism, and the cultural pessimism prevalent in society today. We also look at the significance of the bodily resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of hope, the role of the church in bridging divides, and the importance of practicing hope as a virtue in daily life. The Resurrection isn’t just something we remember on Easter, but it is a living reality, from whence hope springs forth and changes the world.

Easter Means Hope, Not Optimism by Drew McIntyre

ICE Goes After Church Leaders and Christians Fleeing Persecution by Andy Olsen

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 I speak with Cathie Caimano, an Episcopal priest who discusses her journey and the concept of "free-range ministry" as a solution for small congregations. She advocates for flexible, part-time ministry models that empower lay leadership and foster community engagement. 

Suggested Reading and Listening:

Free Range Priest website

Related Episodes:

Luther Seminary and the Future of Mainline Protestantism with Rob Myallis | Episode 239

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In this episode, I take some time to explore the significant changes at Luther Seminary and their implications for mainline Protestantism. With the decision to sell its remaining property by 2027, a reflection of long-standing financial struggles, I discuss insights from Rob Myalis, an ELCA pastor and Luther alumnus, on sustaining a pipeline of pastors. We look at the shift towards experiential learning and its potential impact on future students, as well as the responsibilities of churches to cultivate their own leaders. This insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of theological education and congregational life is both frightening and hopeful.

Where will our next pastor come from?

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