Elisha's Bears: Conversations about Baptists and the Church with Pastor Danny

In this episode, Dr. Brian Kaylor talks with Pastor Danny about the origins, dangers, and influences of Christian Nationalism. He offers historical context on topics like flags in houses of worship, the Pledge of Allegiance, and “In God We Trust.” Much of the conversation stems from his book, "Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism.” Brian is a Baptist minister with a Ph.D. in Political Communication and Advocacy Studies, and is President and Editor in Chief of the Word & Way. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including The Boston Globe, Houston Chronicle, and The Washington Post. You can follow his podcast “Dangerous Dogma” and Subscribe to Brian’s insights at publicwitness.wordandway.org

There are many implications relating to the IRS's decision not to enforce the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates. Pastor Danny talks about the potential consequences of this shift, including the risk of churches becoming politically partisan and losing their spiritual integrity. The church must be careful to focus on its mission of spreading the gospel rather than get caught up in political endorsements. Pastors should guard their prophetic voice and promote the true source of hope, who is Jesus Christ.

"Let not your heart be troubled" is a challenging and encouraging instruction from Jesus. Pastor Danny refers to these words recorded in John 14 as part of Jesus’ farewell discourse. Jesus wanted the disciples to realize that his departure from them was necessary and real, but temporary. These words are often quoted during times of death, loss and grief. Yet, they are also timely for believers who deal with the uncertainty that often occurs in daily life.

In this episode, Pastor Danny reflects on the themes of courage, faith, and the importance of liberty of conscience through the lens of historical and biblical narratives. He discusses Randy Pausch's last lecture, the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the significance of religious freedom, emphasizing the need for conviction in the face of adversity.

In this episode, Danny offers his experiences and insights from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in St. Louis. This includes references to remarks made by keynote speakers at luncheons and worship services. Danny also offers a few takeaways from the Assembly, which includes a visit to Busch Stadium to watch the Cardinals (sadly, they lost to the Cubs).

In this conversation, Dr. Rick Bennett, coordinator of Tennessee CBF, talks with Pastor Danny about his journey in ministry, the challenges faced by pastors today, and the diverse landscape of churches in Tennessee. He also talks about the need for community engagement and the mission of CBF. Rick has been Field Coordinator of Tennessee CBF since 2016.

In this conversation, Adam Velk talks with Pastor Danny about the historical significance of the Clinton 12, the first group of black students to desegregate a school in the American South. He shares insights into the challenges faced by these students, the role of community leaders like Reverend Paul Turner, and the ongoing impact of these events on the town of Clinton. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding this history, the significance of Juneteenth, and the need for open dialogue about race and civil rights today. Adam is the Museum Director, Green McAdoo Cultural Center located in Clinton, TN.

In this episode, Jeff Langford drops in for an interview about the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He talks with Pastor Danny about the importance of building relationships in ministry and notes some challenges faced by churches today. Jeff notes the generational perspectives within CBF, the role of women in ministry, and the impact of Christian nationalism. There’s a nod to Father’s Day and reflections on being a dad. Jeff is a husband and father, and Coordinator of CBF Heartland since 2016. He is also known to be a Royals fan but doesn't like how their season is going.

Father's Day can be an emotional day for a variety of reasons. Pastor Danny explores the significance of Father's Day, the emotional complexities surrounding fatherhood, and the impact of father absence on children. It highlights personal stories and societal observations, emphasizing the importance of father figures and community support in nurturing children. The discussion also touches on the spiritual role of fathers and the need for positive male influences in the lives of children.

The Ascension is a vital part of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This event is referenced at the end of the gospel of Luke as well as the beginning of the book of Acts, having been recorded by the same author. Pastor Danny deals with the exploration of spiritual navigation, the mission of discipleship, and the importance of staying connected to Christ. It also references how Christians can remain anchored in their faith amidst life's uncertainties and distractions.