In this episode, I chat with Brad Todd, a political commentator for CNN, about the significance of grace in our polarized society. We discuss the challenges of maintaining grace in civil discourse, the impact of recent political scandals, and the disconnect between clergy and congregants. Brad advocates for local initiatives that promote kindness and emphasizes that recognizing our shared humanity is essential for meaningful dialogue in divisive times. Suggested Reading and Listening: The What For Newsletter Top Church and Main Episodes of 2025   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

How Gratitude allows us to Remember the Poor.

On the next to the last episode of 2025, Dennis joins  Loren Richmond Jr. of the Future Christian Podcast and David Emery for an insightful discussion on the future of the Disciples of Christ denomination. We tackle the historical significance of the phrase "no creed but Christ" and the contemporary challenges it faces amidst shifting beliefs and diverse generational perspectives. We then look at the evolution of our church’s identity, the urgency for a clear theological message, the enrichment of our sacramental practices. We explore the resilience of local churches and the necessity for collaboration, highlighting inspiring stories of revitalization and growth within our communities. Ultimately, we call for a practical and meaningful expression of faith that embraces authenticity, inclusion, and connection as we navigate the future. Future Christian Podcast Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

What does worship look like in an era of political polarization?

In this conversation, Yolanda Denson-Byers discusses the Pray Without Ceasing initiative in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which fosters community prayer and deepens relationships within the church. Yolanda highlights the importance of prayer in addressing social justice issues and how it can empower congregations to engage with their communities. She offers practical advice for churches looking to start similar initiatives, emphasizing that prayer is a simple yet profound conversation with God. Suggested Reading and Listening: Pray Without Ceasing at Shepherd of the Hills in Minnesota Pray Without Ceasing Website See Me, Believe Me: A Guide to Deepen Allyship with Congregational Leaders of Color   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

Joseph Wolyniak discusses the profound impact of media and technology on the faith and political engagement of American Christians. He emphasizes the need for believers to be aware of how their beliefs and actions are influenced by external factors, rather than solely by the teachings of Jesus. Resisting Provocateur Politics Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

We talk about what’s going on in the Windy City when it comes to ICE, pastors, and immigration.

Jack Shitama, an ordained United Methodist minister, talks about the concept of societal regression and its implications for leadership and community engagement. Shitama explains how societal regression mirrors emotional regression in families, characterized by polarization and a desire for quick fixes. He discusses the role of non-anxious leaders in navigating these challenges and emphasizes the importance of love and understanding in overcoming societal divides. The conversation also touches on the future of society, the potential for hope amidst crisis, and the responsibilities of faith communities in fostering a non-anxious presence. 5 Ways to Lead during a Societal Regression   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

A pastor opines that maybe we need God to come by here.

 I chat with Andrew Berg, who authored “Counterintuitive Arguments for and Against U.S. Support for Israel.” Andrew challenges conventional political narratives and examines the moral implications of U.S. support from both conservative and progressive angles. Andrew emphasizes the need for empathy toward both Palestinians and Israelis and advocates for a reevaluation of accountability in support discussions. Counterintuitive Arguments for and Against U.S. Support for Israel The Mainline Churches and Gaza with Todd Stavrakos | Episode 251   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube      

 Professor Anthony Baker discusses the Barmen Declaration and its implications for American Christianity today. We analyze its historical context from the 1930s and why we are not currently experiencing a similar moment. Professor Baker emphasizes the declaration's intent to maintain the church's independence from the state, a principle that modern churches risk overlooking. We explore the complexities of Karl Barth's ideas and the dangers of conflating faith with political ideologies, highlighting the need for unity within the church. Our conversation advocates for grace and understanding in theological discourse, encouraging a culture that prioritizes listening and empathy over division. Ultimately, we reflect on how the lessons from the Barmen Declaration can help shape our faith in today's sociopolitical climate. Progressive Christianity’s Barmen Mistake Are We In A Bonhoeffer Moment (Ministry in A Secular Age Podcast)   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

Today we look at the compassionate conservatism and its relevance in today's political climate with historian John Fea. We examine the origins of this movement, rooted in social justice and faith-based initiatives, and its initial implementation during the George W. Bush administration, particularly through programs like PEPFAR. John highlights how the philosophy has deteriorated under the Trump administration, which marked a shift towards isolationism and away from collective responsibility. We explore the evangelical community's surprising loyalty to Trump, despite contradictions with compassionate conservatism, and reflect on the need for a revitalization of these principles through education and dialogue.  Articles by John Fea: The Big Beautiful Bill is the 'final burial of compassionate conservatism' The Big Beautiful Bill will pass the House as Christians turn a blind eye.   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

Todd Stavrakos discusses the mission of Pathways for Peace, focusing on fostering dialogue between the Jewish and mainline Christian communities regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. He highlights the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the complexities of the situation, including the roles of Hamas and the Israeli government. The discussion also touches on the historical context of the conflict, the influence of leadership dynamics, media narratives, and the church's response to the ongoing issues. Stavrakos emphasizes the need for a balanced perspective and the importance of supporting peacebuilding efforts. Pathways for Middle East Peace   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

I chat with Jason Micheli, a United Methodist pastor, on the pitfalls of pathos in politics, emphasizing its potential to overshadow core Christian tenets. Drawing on Jason's article "Deprive Them of Their Pathos," we reflect on Karl Barth’s theological insights, arguing against conflating faith with political ideologies. Our conversation addresses the challenges of preaching in a politically charged climate and the need for churches to avoid becoming echo chambers. We highlight the importance of humility, grace, and intersectional engagement within the church, ultimately reinforcing our commitment to the transformative mission of the gospel amidst societal divisions. Deprive Them Of Their Pathos by Jason Micheli Tamed Cynic Blog Crackers and Grape Juice Podcast   Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube

In this episode, Ken Sundet Jones discusses the Iowa Preachers Project, emphasizing the importance of community among pastors and the need for compelling preaching in today's context. We look at the challenges pastors face, the significance of grace in preaching, and the transformative power of the gospel. Iowa Preachers Project Lutheran Toolkit by Ken Sundet Jones Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

Can the church defuse anger in our society?

This is a crossover episode with Future Christian and sort of a tradition with my colleague Loren Richmond Jr. as we converse from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, TN. We did this together in person in 2023 when GA was in Louisville, KY.  We talked about the event and the state of the denomination. This year in Memphis, I didn’t make it in person, but Loren and I still had a candid conversation about the state and future of the denomination, reflecting on what’s changed since past gatherings, the unique role and challenges of General Assembly in a time of declining attendance, and the ongoing tension between institutional loyalty and openness to diverse theological voices. We also talk about our own trials of bring a resolution about revival and prayer forward and what that means about the state of the denomination. Episode 152: General Assembly Discussion with Loren Richmond Jr. Donate to Church and Main Join the Church and Main Email List churchandmain@substack.com Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Twitter | Website | YouTube  

Gone fishin’.

Understanding the Dual State Concept.

Does Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s decision to stay or leave Nazi Germany have anything to say to Christians today?