Church and Main

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 impo...

 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 23...

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 ...

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 Epi...

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 econ...

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...

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 emb...

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 ...

In this episode, we examine the intersection of faith and the working class with Brian Dijkema, president of CARDUS. We discuss how traditional churches connect—or fail to connect—with blue-collar workers amid shifting socioeconomic dynamics. Brian shares insights on the historical involvement of churches in labor movements and the challenges they face today in attracting diverse congregations.

Brian's Bio at Cardus

Comment Magazin...

I had a conversation with Andrew Root, who is a theologian and wrote the book "Evangelism in an Age of Despair." We explored how evangelism can serve as a way to comfort others, stressing the importance of real human connections during hard times instead of just trying to get people to attend church. Root criticizes how faith is treated like a product and compares evangelism to the care given in hospitals. We also talked about how ...

In this episode, I explore the complex topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within contemporary church teachings and societal dynamics. I engage in a conversation with George Yancey, a Professor of Sociology and Religion, who shares his insights on DEI’s role in fostering inclusive communities amid a polarized political climate. Together, we analyze the implications of DEI, its successes and failures, and the importance ...

We explore the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) with Susie Hayward, a former senior advisor with extensive experience in religion and inclusive societies. Hayward shares insights into USIP's mission, history, and the recent challenges it faces following actions by the Department of Governmental Efficiency. We discuss her personal journey, emphasizing the intersection of faith, activism, and conflict resolution, and highlight...

 I speak with Peter Mandeville, former head of the faith-based office at USAID, about the complexities of U.S. foreign aid and the agency's current challenges. Peter shares his insights on how faith influences international development and discusses recent shifts under the Department of Government Efficiency. We highlight the crucial role of faith-based organizations in humanitarian efforts, warn against the potential dismantling o...

I talk with Jonathan Hall, the pastor of First Christian Church of North Hollywood, as he shares his experiences in leading a politically diverse congregation.  He discusses his journey from Alabama to various church communities, emphasizing the need for open communication on difficult subjects. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how empathy can thrive in challenging discussions about contentious issues. Additionally, Jonat...

In this episode of Church and Main, I speak with Gretchen Purser, a former Republican operative, about her 20-year experience in national campaigns and her transformation into a "Republican refugee." We discuss her evangelical roots, the GOP's departure from foundational values under Trump, and the intersection of faith and politics. Gretchen calls for grace and understanding towards former Trump supporters and emphasizes the need ...

In this episode, I talk to David Gray, a senior pastor and public policy expert, to discuss the intersection of faith and politics during the Trump administration. We explore how faith communities can provide hope amidst the uncertainties of shifting policies and social climates. David shares his perspective from his pastoral role in a diverse congregation, emphasizing the emotional distress faced by federal workers and marginalize...

 Alex Morse, Deputy Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at Church World Service joins the podcast to talk about the ramifications of potential changes to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on religious organizations. We discuss the challenges faced by NGOs due to recent executive orders impacting foreign aid, and Alex highlights the critical role USAID plays in supporting vulnerable pop...

Ben Crosby, an Episcopal priest returns to talk about the decline of mainline Protestantism. We discuss his recent article highlighting a 40% drop in attendance in the Anglican Church in Canada, which he argues reflects a broader crisis in engaging new believers and younger generations. Ben challenges the notion that declining numbers are a necessary adjustment in a pluralistic society, asserting that true church vitality encompass...

In this episode, I chat about the amazing work of Reverend Travis Smith McKee, who serves as the Associate Regional Minister for Transformation Ministries in the Kansas Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Travis shares his journey from being a summer camp intern to becoming a champion for local congregations, along with some uplifting stories of churches tackling their challenges head-on. We also touch on the impo...