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Church and Main is a podcast at the intersection of faith and modern life. Join Pastor Dennis Sanders as he shares the stories of faith interacting with the ever-changing world of the 21st century.
Episodes
3 hours ago
3 hours ago
In this episode, I speak with Miranda Zapor-Cruz, author of "Faithful Politics," about the role of Christians in the political landscape as the 2024 presidential election approaches. We discuss the challenges of engaging with politics while maintaining spiritual integrity.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
4 Characteristics of Citizens of the Kingdom of God Who Inhabit the Political World by Miranda Zapor Cruz
Christians and Public Policy: Be Engaged, Informed, and Conflicted by Miranda Zapor Cruz
Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters
Links:
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Website: https://churchandmain.org/
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
In this episode, I engage with Reverend Dr. Sam Wells, vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, on the intricate meanings of 'progressive' and 'inclusive' in Christianity. Wells challenges the simplistic view of progress as a linear moral improvement, arguing it can perpetuate a patronizing mindset. He links these discussions to the theology of atonement, emphasizing the balance between grace and justice, particularly in contexts like LGBTQ inclusion. Highlighting the complexities of building inclusive church communities, Wells calls for genuine relationships rooted in respect and understanding.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
St. Martin in the Fields website
What Does It Mean to Be An Inclusive Church? By Sam Wells
Links:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast
Website: https://churchandmain.org/
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
In this Church and Main Shorts, we look at a clip from a May interview with Joshua Gritter, a Presbyterian Pastor in North Carolina. We talk about what he and his wife will preach on at the church they serve on the Sunday after the election (hint: it won't be about the election).
Suggested Reading and Listening:
The Full Episode with Joshua Gritter
Links:
Donate: Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast
Website: https://churchandmain.org/
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Sunday Sep 22, 2024
In this episode of Church and Main, I speak with retired Disciples of Christ pastor Doug Skinner about Christian behavior during election years. (It isn't good.) We discuss the divisive rhetoric often found in the church and emphasize the need for kindness and grace despite political disagreements.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Episode 139: Why I Am Disciples of Christ with Doug Skinner
Links:
Donate: Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast
Website: https://churchandmain.org/
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
In this milestone 200th episode of Church in Maine, I chat with Jim Keat, digital minister at Riverside Church, about the theological foundations of digital ministry. We explore how technology enables authentic connections and engagement within congregations, especially during the shifts driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jim highlights the importance of a theology rooted in love, grace, and justice, advocating for a reconceptualization of church as a portable community. Our discussion challenges traditional views and emphasizes the role of digital ministers in fostering meaningful relationships and navigating the complexities of online ministry.
Show Notes:
Jim’s Page on Riverside Church’s website
Jim Keat’s prior episode on Church and Main
Links:
Donate: Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast
Website: https://churchandmain.org/
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
The importance of digital ministry was made clear during COVID when churches had to go all digital. But now that we are all back in the pews, is there still a need for digital ministry? If so, what does it look like beyond livestreaming Sunday worship? I talk with Ryan Dunn, a minister for online engagement with the United Methodist Church on how digital ministry can help churches foster strong, connected communities.
Show Notes:
Pastoring in the Digital Parish Podcast
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Website: https://churchandmain.org/
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
In the wake of a recent school shooting in Georgia, Dennis looks at the role of prayer and why Mainline/Progressive Christians should take the act of calling out to God more seriously.
Show Notes:
“Our expressed opinion is an essential pole of the process of God’s decision-making” by Jason Micheli
No Thing- by Chris Owen
Donate: Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast
Website: https://churchandmain.org/
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Joe Tognetti, a United Methodist pastor in McAllen, Texas, returns to the podcast and shares insights on the immigration experience at the U.S.-Mexico border. He dispels common misconceptions about the region and migrant caravans, emphasizing the role of local churches and humanitarian organizations in providing essential support to migrants.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Rio Texas Conference UMC list of ministries:
Rio Valley Church of the Nazarene:
Donate: Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@churchmainpodcast
Website: https://churchandmain.org/