Scripture has been used and abused in so many political ways.  

How do Bible passages written thousands of years ago apply to politics today? What can we learn from America's history of using the Bible in politics? How can we converse with people whose views differ from our own?

Kaitlyn Schiess explores these questions and more in The Ballot and the Bible. She unpacks examples of how Americans have connected the Bible to politics in the past, highlighting times it was applied well and times it was egregiously misused.

In this episode, Kaitlyn shares her journey from studying history at Liberty University to authoring 'The Ballot and the Bible,' discussing the challenges pastors face in addressing political issues within their congregations.

Timestamps: 

00:33 Navigating Politics in the Church

01:03 Introducing Caitlin Schuss

02:55 Caitlin's Journey and Insights

04:42 The Impact of Politics on Faith

06:18 The Liturgy of Politics

09:36 Challenges and Costs of Speaking Out

19:43 Historical Context and Modern Challenges

24:39 The Role of the Church in Political Discourse

29:48 Conclusion and Next Steps

Dr. Michael Bird returns to The Pastor’s Table and tries to persuade Mark & Tara Beth to be Anglican.  

“We hold these truths to be self-evident.” This beloved phrase from the Declaration of Independence isn’t “self-evident” for everyone in the world.  Dr. Bird gives a helpful perspective to understand the pervasive impact of the Christian Gospel on society.  

Dr. Bird discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Anabaptist tradition, the role of Christians in politics, and the historical roots of democratic systems in Christian thought. This dialogue explores how Christians can navigate participation in government while maintaining theological integrity and offers practical insights into balancing prophetic witness with political engagement.

Timestamps: 

02:05 Anabaptist vs. Anglican Debate

05:06 Christian Involvement in Politics

13:00 The Christian Foundation of Western Politics

22:01 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

How does the rest of the world see American politics? 

Dr. Michael Bird offers a fresh and candid perspective on the current American political landscape, drawing compelling comparisons between the U.S. and Australia. Michael, Tara, and Mark explore the challenges pastors face as they strive to maintain theological integrity in a politically polarized environment.

From the influence of social media to societal shifts, Dr. Bird breaks down the complex dynamics shaping faith and politics today. He emphasizes the critical need for unity within the church, even as divisive political forces continue to grow. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or simply seeking clarity on how faith intersects with politics, this episode delivers profound insights on navigating these turbulent times.

Episode Timestamps:

01:33 Dr. Bird's Early Life and Background

04:35 Journey to Faith and Academic Pursuits

07:49 Observations on American Politics

14:51 Challenges for Pastors in Political Times

21:01 The Role of Secularism and Religious Freedom

24:41 Next Week Preview 

Politicians use extreme language to try to get elected.  

This pervasive apocalyptic language is forming the people in our rows.  

Scot McKnight delves into the intricate topic of how current political climates and social media influence church congregations. The discussion explores the challenge of counteracting this pervasive influence without being overtly political from the pulpit. McKnight emphasizes the power of creating an alternative theopolitical narrative and encourages a stronger ecclesiology that prioritizes the teachings of Jesus and the Kingdom of God over partisan politics. 

It is possible to transform church culture to align with biblical principles of justice and equity, steering away from political partisanship. This thought-provoking episode offers pastors perspectives and language to help guide their congregations through these turbulent times.

Timestamps:

00:34 Discussing Politics in the Pulpit

02:22 The Power of Apocalyptic Language

05:56 Creating an Alternative Theopolitics

10:32 The Role of the Church in Society

23:06 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

The intersection of politics and pastoral responsibilities is a complicated space. 

Should pastors ignore the political issues of the day? Does timing matter when it comes to talking about cultural and political issues?  Dr. Scot McKnight discusses these questions and more with Mark & Tara Beth. They delve into the challenges pastors face when addressing political topics from the pulpit and explore the importance of maintaining theological integrity while navigating diverse political perspectives within their congregations. 

McKnight shares his experiences, insights, and advice on how pastors can speak truthfully yet carefully, ensuring they remain pastoral leaders for all sides. The conversation focuses on the broader implications of political discourse in the church and the necessity of prioritizing the gospel message over political allegiances.

Timestamps

03:36 - Navigating Politics in the Church

06:17 - Challenges of Political Discussions

10:19 - Balancing Pastoral Responsibilities

15:52 - The Role of Pastors in a Politically Charged Environment

29:03 - Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Preview

Political elections bring unique challenges to pastors. 

Tara Beth & Mark discuss their personal experience of pastoring through previous election seasons. They share personal anecdotes and strategies for addressing divisive political climates within congregations, emphasizing the importance of humility, gentleness, and theological integrity. 

Nurturing a congregation to be more like Jesus is always challenging.  Gain wisdom from Mark & Tara Beth’s experiences navigating these seasons. The call to pastor well is critical in these seasons!  

Pastors, you are not alone in your struggles to shepherd your communities through complex political landscapes. It’s possible to have a balanced approach to navigating these tumultuous times.

Timestamps: 

00:34 Fall Season and Church Activities

03:05 Election Season and Pastoral Challenges

05:41 Navigating Political Sermons

11:56 Cultural and Political Tensions in Church

14:14 Fear and Emergency Plans Post-Election

15:30 A Polarized Congregation Reacts

17:20 Communion Sunday Controversy

19:31 Backlash and Accusations

23:51 Navigating Racial Tensions in Church

26:08 Preaching Political Messages

29:19 Humility and Political Perspectives

33:39 Conclusion and Call to Unity

When women support other women in their leadership they can embolden each other in unique ways.  

In this episode of The Pastor's Table Podcast, the focus is on Tara Beth's course highlights the empowerment of women in ministry through mentorship. Tara Beth shares her personal experiences, including her transformative encounters with female leaders. She offers practical advice on fostering supportive relationships among women, mentoring, and navigating the cultural and biblical contexts surrounding gender roles in ministry. 

Tara Beth also explores gender roles in Christian marriages. The importance of partnership is so profound and to have a supportive spouse in ministry is paramount.  There is so much important insight about what ways husbands can be supportive of their spouses in ministry.  

Timestamps: 

00:29 Meeting Carla Sundberg: A Personal Story

01:42 Challenges and Importance of Female Mentorship

03:37 Concrete Actions for Empowering Women in Ministry

06:17 The Lie of Tokenism and Embracing Sisterhood

07:13 Biblical Examples of Female Support: Mary and Elizabeth

11:12 Personal Reflections on Non-Traditional Christian Marriage

13:24 Biblical Foundations of Gender Equality

22:38 Paul's Teachings on Marriage and Mutual Submission

Gender models have often held women back from leading in the church.  

Tara shares personal stories and biblical references to discuss the challenges women face in ministry, including stereotypes and opposition. She emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique, God-given traits—whether nurturing or assertive—and offers practical advice on dealing with opposition while staying true to one's calling. 

Through scripture and personal experiences, Tara highlights the diverse ways women can lead and serve effectively in ministry.

Timestamps:

00:29 Facing Gender Bias

01:15 The Struggle with Leadership Perceptions

03:32 Biblical Examples of Nurturing Leadership

05:18 Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Ministry

09:23 Facing Opposition in Ministry

14:01 Dealing with Bitterness and Anger

15:51 Practical Tips for Handling Opposition

19:21 A Story of Forgiveness and Healing

Throughout Scripture and church history, women have been central to the mission of God. But all too often women have lacked opportunities to minister fully. Many churches lack visible examples of women in ministry and leadership.

In this Seminary Now course, Pastor Tara Beth Leach issues a stirring call for a new generation of women in ministry: to teach, to preach, to shepherd, and to lead. God not only permits women to minister—he emboldens, empowers, and unleashes women to lead out of the fullness of who they are. The church cannot reach its full potential without women using their God-given gifts. Leach provides practical expertise for how women can find their place at the table, escape impostor syndrome, face opposition, mentor others, and much more.

Learn more about Seminary Now at https://seminarynow.com/

Humans are shaped by community. 

Tara Beth & Mark explore with Matt Croasmun the implications of understanding sin beyond an individualistic framework. America has a set of unique cultural norms that make it challenging to understand all that Paul has to say about the impact of sin on the community.  

Dr. Croasmun discusses the vital role of community in understanding sin, the influence of social systems, and the importance of fostering healthy communities that embody the teachings of Christ. The conversation also touches on the challenges pastors face in maintaining personal integrity and creating cultures that reflect the Kingdom of God. Listeners are invited to reflect on the formation of their own identities and the potential of the church to serve as a powerful witness to the broader society.

Timestamps: 

00:55 Understanding Sin Beyond Individualism

02:07 The Social Nature of Sin and Personhood

06:33 Implications for Pastoral Leadership

09:22 The Role of Community in Spiritual Formation

16:40 The Power of Imitation in Christian Life

21:13 The Church as a Model for Society

29:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations