Church and Main

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)

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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

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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

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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 

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Chapters:

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

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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

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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

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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 

Could your vote be an act of pure democratic expression or merely a move in a complex game of strategic power? Grapple with the profound implications of casting a ballot as I'm joined by Brian McGraw, an associate professor at Wheaton College, to navigate the treacherous waters of sincere versus strategic voting. We dissect the impact of a polarized political landscape where negative partisanship often seems to overshadow individual values, and delve into the significance of our first votes and the indelible mark they leave on our civic consciousness.

Voting is more than a checkmark on a ballot; it's an ethical statement, a declaration of our societal vision. As we brace for the Presidential election, consider this a toolkit for the conscientious voter. Hear about the challenges of staying informed amidst the deluge of candidate information and how post-election engagement with our communities can keep the democratic spirit alive. 

Show Notes:

How to Think About Voting by Byran McGraw and Timothy Taylor

How to Think About Voting in 2024 (National Affairs Podcast)

Lectionary Q Podcast

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Welcome to a Bonus episode that is part of a series called "Church and Main Shorts," snippets from recent episodes.  In an interview from December 2023,  Paul Moore on fostering growth within mainline churches. Moore discusses the challenges faced by denominations in embracing change and the importance of shifting mindsets towards growth. He emphasizes the need for revitalizing congregations by prioritizing youth and family ministries to ensure a sustainable future. 

Listen to the full episode: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-cqwn6-15bd448