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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Can evangelism be done in a way that’s both ethical and inclusive? Denise Dollinger and Christina Cernansky, hosts of the podcast "Emissaries of Renewal," join me to discuss the nuances of ethical evangelism. DeDe and CeCe examine the concepts of radical hospitality and inclusivity in today’s religious context, advocating for a reimagined evangelism that prioritizes love and community over guilt and fear. Listen in as these two Episcopal seminarians challenge conventional practices of evangelism, encouraging Christians to envision a more inclusive and transformative approach to faith.

Emissaries of Renewal Podcast

Emissaries of Renewal Facebook Page

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In this episode, I talk to Jacob Smith, the rector of Calvary St. George's Episcopal Parish in Manhattan. We compare politics to Halloween and religion to a celebration called All Saints Day, discussing how faith, politics, and today's issues connect. Jacob believes faith should guide our political actions and promote kindness and inclusivity instead of division. We also discuss the problems the church faces about fairness and economic gaps, urging Christians to put their beliefs into action. At the end, Jacob highlights how important worship and community are for bringing people together and giving hope during tough times. 

Parish of Calvary-St. George's

Same Old Song Podcast

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In this episode,  we look at the shifting dynamics between Canada and the United States amid rising nationalism, influenced by recent U.S. political rhetoric. I speak with David Harrison, an Anglican priest, about the impact on Canadian Christians navigating economic challenges and national identity. We discuss how churches are providing community support while upholding Christian values in the face of nationalism. Our conversation highlights the importance of dialogue between Canadian and American Christians and the church's role in advocating for compassion and solidarity. 

David's Website

Canadian Evangelicals Brace for Trade War (from Christianity Today)

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In this episode, I chat with David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries and author of "The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace in a Worn-Out World." We explore the essential role of grace in providing relief amid modern pressures and its importance in fostering genuine connections. Zoll emphasizes the need for vulnerability in relationships and critiques the church's tendency toward condemnation. He offers advice for pastors on embracing humility and recognizing their own need for grace, highlighting it as a vital lifeline for healing and hope in today's world.

The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace in a Worn-Out World

The Main Thing: Relief at the Heart of Christianity

Mockingcast Podcast

Brothers Zahl Podcast

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Summary

In this conversation, Ben DeHart shares his unique faith journey, growing up in a mixed-religion household and finding his way into the church through an evangelical community. He discusses his transition to St. John's in Brooklyn, the dynamics of the Park Slope community, and the importance of preaching in revitalizing a church. Ben emphasizes the need for engaging sermons that resonate with the congregation's experiences and the role of youth ministry in attracting new members. He reflects on the challenges and joys of leading a church restart and the significance of personal authenticity in preaching. They discuss the challenges faced by church leaders in revitalizing congregations and emphasize the importance of delivering a message of hope to their communities. The dialogue highlights the need for engaging and meaningful preaching that resonates with congregants, as well as the potential of social media to foster connection and outreach.

A Parish Grows in Brooklyn

Notes from DeHart (Ben's Substack)

Our Triune Pod (A podcast featuring Ben)

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