Church and Main

Hope Amid Terrorism with Rabbi Brad Hirschfield | Episode 157

As the sun rose on October 7th, the tranquility of southern Israel was shattered by an act of terror, by the terrorist group Hamas, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many, including my guest, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield. Our heartfelt discussion traverses the rugged terrain of conflict, weaving through the emotional ties that bind Rabbi Hirschfield to the region, and the universal struggle to balance empathy with moral clarity in the face of violence. His reflections on the Israeli special forces captain, whose resilience in the aftermath of tragedy encapsulates the undying flame of hope, are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.Show Notes:Hope and Rage: A Rabbi Reflects on the Hamas Incursion by Rabbi HirschfieldOn Moral Atrocity by David WatsonCLAL -The National Jewish Center for Learning and LeadershipMake a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-mainTwitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmainWebsite: https://churchandmain.org/YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgljThis podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks!Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Creating Online Community with Beth Peerbolte | Episode 156

Can TikTok be more than a platform to lip-synch Taylor Swift songs? Can it actually foster online faith communities? For Presbyterian pastor Beth Peerbolte the answer is an emphatic yes. Over the last few years, she’s developed OurTapestry, an online faith community she started to provide a presence in what she calls “spiritual deserts” especially for LGBTQ populations, giving people access to pastoral care, faith formation, and a loving community.  Join us as we talk about how TikTok and Discord can be used to help connect people who might not have a supportive faith community.Show Notes:OurTapestryMake a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-mainTwitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmainWebsite: https://churchandmain.org/YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgljThis podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks!Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

How Your Church Can Be A Good Neighbor with Nicholas Tangen | Episode 155

In this podcast episode, Dennis chats with Nicholas Tangen, the Director for Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices for the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They discuss community engagement and the intersection of faith and neighboring practices in congregations. Tangen emphasizes the importance of relational engagement and being good neighbors highlighting the significance of place and the church's rootedness in the community. He introduces the Faith and Neighboring Practices project, which focuses on small, consistent practices that connect churches with their neighbors. Dennis and Nicholas will also discuss the merging of faith practices, including asset-based community development and contemplative spiritual practice. Tangen encourages churches to prioritize depth and relationships over numbers, trusting that God will work in incredible ways.Show Notes:Nicholas’ websiteAt the Table PodcastMake a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-mainTwitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmainWebsite: https://churchandmain.org/YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgljThis podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks!Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 154: The Blessings and Burdens of Being A Pastor

In this solo episode, Dennis shares thoughts on a topic that has been resonating with many of us in the ministry: the Great Pastor Resignation. Dennis reads his response to an article written by Alexander Lang, a former Presbyterian pastor who made the difficult decision to leave the ministry. Lang's article is not the first of its kind, but it has struck a chord with many of us. Being a pastor is both a blessing and a burden. It's a calling that comes with its own set of challenges, but it's also a journey filled with profound moments of grace and community. As we navigate these complexities, let's remember to support each other, to engage in open and honest discussions, and to keep our faith alive and active in the world.Show Notes:The Blessings and Burdens of Being a Pastor -Dennis SandersDeparture: Why I Left the Church- Alexander LangLeaving, Staying, & the Church: Another perspective….and a potential way forward- Aaron FullerJubilee- Molly BasketteWhy I Am NOT Leaving the Church- Frederick SchmidtDepartures and Arrivals- Jeff GillLeave a One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dennislsandersTwitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmainWebsite: https://churchandmain.org/YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgljThis podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks! Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Lay-Led Church Planting with Laura Cottington | Episode 153

In this episode, we hear from Laura Cottington, a lay leader and co-founder of Saint Michael Community Church in Saint Michael, Minnesota. She discusses the challenges and strategies of church planting, particularly in a changing landscape where traditional methods may not be as effective. Laura shares her experiences and insights on starting a church with limited resources, the importance of lay leadership, and the need for creativity and adaptability in reaching people for Christ. They also touch on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the value of community support.Laura's interest in church planting began when she and her husband Brent led a church camp and encountered kids who were on the outside of church life. They wanted to find a way to reach those who were disconnected from the church. Laura, a teacher with a master's in education, discusses the area where she and her husband are planning to start a church in Saint Michael, a community west of the Twin Cities.Show Notes:Global Church Planting (United Methodist Church) 2021 ReportMake a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-mainTwitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmainWebsite: https://churchandmain.org/YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgljThis podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks!Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 152: General Assembly Discussion with Loren Richmond Jr.

This is a joint episode with Loren Richmond Jr. host of the Future Christian podcast.In this special episode recorded live from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Loren Richmond Jr is joined by guest Dennis Sanders to delve into the current state of the denomination and the unique challenges faced by local congregations.Together, they explore the pressing need to support and sustain existing congregations, recognizing the vital role they play in today's society. The discussion also delves into recent updates to the denomination's bylaws, highlighting the importance of staying informed and engaged with the evolving landscape of the church.Dennis and Loren also touch on the topic of incorporating pop songs into worship services, examining the potential benefits and challenges of bridging contemporary culture with traditional practices. They emphasize the significance of prayer and theology in guiding congregations towards a deeper understanding of their faith and the role of the church in advancing the gospel.Throughout the conversation, the importance of dialogue, relationships, and understanding is underscored as essential tools for navigating divisive issues within the church. Loren expresses his concern about declining numbers and the need for a compelling narrative to revitalize the denomination, sparking a thought-provoking reflection on the future of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 151: The Present and Future United Methodist Church with Ben Gosden

In this episode of Church and Main, we discuss the schism within the United Methodist Church regarding homosexuality. Lead pastor Ben Gosden shares insights on the messy breakup, especially within his home Annual Conference, but also highlights the resilience and determination within the smaller, yet vibrant, conference and denomination. We explore the importance of church planting and a more nimble future for the United Methodist Church. A middle ground is suggested to address differences in beliefs, fostering inclusivity and respect. Despite challenges, there is still belief in the vision of the church and its focus on holiness and discipleship.Ben Gosden is the Lead Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Savannah, GA, and is one of the hosts of the Faith Revisited Podcast.Show Notes:Faith Revisited PodcastMake a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-mainTwitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmainWebsite: https://churchandmain.org/YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgljThis podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks!Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

The Christian Mind with David Watson | Episode 150

Hey there! In this podcast episode, I'm gonna talk about two meetings I attended in my denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where we discussed the role of LGBTQ folks in the church. It's a pretty important topic, and we gotta grapple with it based on what the Bible says, while also honoring people's personal experiences.I gotta say, I was a bit concerned about the lack of debate and discussion around a resolution that welcomed transgender folks into the church. Even though I strongly supported the resolution, it seemed like we weren't really thinking about this, you know?So, I had a chat with David Watson, the Dean of Academic Affairs at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He stressed the importance of thinking like Christians and doing some theological reflection. We talked about how people seem to be losing interest in ideas these days, and how we really need to have conversations about complex issues. It's important to keep our Christian traditions intact, while also creating spaces that can transcend the secular world we live in.We also touched on the challenges of forgiveness and reconciliation within the church. It's not always easy, but it's something we gotta work on. At the end of the day, we both agreed that intellectual virtue is super important, and the church needs to engage with others and offer a unique vision of life.So, that's the gist of it! Hope you find it interesting and thought-provoking.Show Notes:The Cultivation of the Christian Mind by David WatsonThe Christian Mind by Harry BalmiresThe Firebrand PodcastThe End of Apologetics by Amar PetermanEpisode 97 with David WatsonMake a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-mainTwitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmainWebsite: https://churchandmain.org/YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgljThis podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks!Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Pride Month, DEI, Race Relations and Women Pastors with Loren Richmond Jr. | Episode 149

In this episode, I chat with Loren Richmond Jr. host of the Future Christian Podcast about some of the major news taking place in June including Sports and Pride Month, Race Relations and DEI and the Southern Baptist Convention kicking out churches for allowing women pastors.Future Christian Podcast (Loren’s Podcast)Forgiveness In Black and White (Article by me on race relations)Leave a One-Time Donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dennislsandersTwitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmainWebsite: https://churchandmain.org/YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgljThis podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks! Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe

Second Thoughts on the Second Coming with Robert Cornwall | Episode 148

The Second Coming. Armageddon. The End Times. Since its beginning at Pentecost, Christians have long wondered if and when Christ would return as promised in the Bible. Books and movies have all wondered: when is Jesus coming back?But what are Christians to think about all of this, especially Mainline Protestants? Some are dismissive, but many people just have nothing to say.In this episode, I chat with Pastor Robert Cornwall, who along with theologian Ronald Allen wrote Second Thoughts About the Second Coming: Understanding the End Times, Our Future and Christian Hope. We talk about why it matters that Christians think about the End and what all of this means for our own faith.Show Notes:Second Thoughts on the Second Coming BookRobert Cornwall’s Bio on AmazonPonderings on a Faith Journey (Bob’s Blog)Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-mainTwitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmainWebsite: https://churchandmain.org/YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgljThis podcast is a labor of love. It’s free to everyone, but there are costs associated with making this podcast available. Would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? It’s $5/month or $60/year. Thanks!Get full access to Church and Main at churchandmain.substack.com/subscribe