Church and Main

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Joe Tognetti, a United Methodist pastor in McAllen, Texas, returns to the podcast and shares insights on the immigration experience at the U.S.-Mexico border. He dispels common misconceptions about the region and migrant caravans, emphasizing the role of local churches and humanitarian organizations in providing essential support to migrants. 

Suggested Reading and Listening:

Rio Texas Conference UMC list of ministries: 

Catholic Charities RGV: 

Rio Valley Church of the Nazarene: 

St Mark UMC McAllen:

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This episode takes a hard look at J.D. Vance's surprising political evolution—from a vocal Trump critic to an ardent supporter—and the broader implications for our political landscape. We don’t hold back in critiquing the mainline Protestant and evangelical churches for their failure to adequately support the working class, arguing that this neglect has contributed to the rise of divisive figures like Trump. Our discussion underscores the urgent need for compassionate, effective solutions to the economic dislocation caused by the loss of manufacturing jobs. The conversation reveals how mainline churches often overlook economically distressed communities, focusing instead on middle-class congregants with higher education.

Required Reading:

Why I Still Like J.D. Vance (2016 Version) by Dennis Sanders

Learning to Love “Bubba” by Dennis Sanders

Why the Left Gets J.D. Vance Wrong by Zaid Jilani

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Mark Tooley comes to the podcast to discuss the stark differences between Christian nationalism and traditional Christian conservatism, shedding light on a topic often muddled by media coverage. Tooley provides insights into why these two ideologies are frequently conflated and elucidates the unique characteristics that set them apart. 

Christian Conservatism vs. Christian Nationalism by Mark Tooley

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 Jack Haberer returns to talk about his latest book, "Swimming with the Sharks: Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red and Blue World." Using encounters with sharks as a metaphor, we explore the divisive forces in society and the importance of empathy in bridging divides. Jack challenges binary thinking, encourages partnership over proselytizing, and emphasizes biblical teachings on love and compassion. 

Suggested Reading and Listening:

Swimming with the Sharks book

Related Episodes:

Voting as a Moral Act with Bryan McGraw | Episode 176

Donate:  Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson

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Website: https://churchandmain.org/