Episodes
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
SOLO: Thoughts? No. Prayers? Yes. | Episode 198
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
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Monday Sep 02, 2024
Ministry Along the Border with Joe Tognetti | Episode 197
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:
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Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Does God Care About the Working Class? | Episode 196
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
This episode takes a hard look at J.D. Vance's surprising political evolution—from a vocal Trump critic to an ardent supporter—and the broader implications for our political landscape. We don’t hold back in critiquing the mainline Protestant and evangelical churches for their failure to adequately support the working class, arguing that this neglect has contributed to the rise of divisive figures like Trump. Our discussion underscores the urgent need for compassionate, effective solutions to the economic dislocation caused by the loss of manufacturing jobs. The conversation reveals how mainline churches often overlook economically distressed communities, focusing instead on middle-class congregants with higher education.
Required Reading:
Why I Still Like J.D. Vance (2016 Version) by Dennis Sanders
Learning to Love “Bubba” by Dennis Sanders
Why the Left Gets J.D. Vance Wrong by Zaid Jilani
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In Defense of J.D. Vance’s “Hillbilly Elegy” by Michael Mohr
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Mark Tooley comes to the podcast to discuss the stark differences between Christian nationalism and traditional Christian conservatism, shedding light on a topic often muddled by media coverage. Tooley provides insights into why these two ideologies are frequently conflated and elucidates the unique characteristics that set them apart.
Christian Conservatism vs. Christian Nationalism by Mark Tooley
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Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Beyond the Purple Church with Jack Haberer | Episode 194
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Jack Haberer returns to talk about his latest book, "Swimming with the Sharks: Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red and Blue World." Using encounters with sharks as a metaphor, we explore the divisive forces in society and the importance of empathy in bridging divides. Jack challenges binary thinking, encourages partnership over proselytizing, and emphasizes biblical teachings on love and compassion.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Related Episodes:
Voting as a Moral Act with Bryan McGraw | Episode 176
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Monday Jul 22, 2024
Biden's Exit and Aging Gracefully with Loren Richmond Jr. | Episode 193
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. and I discuss President Biden's surprising exit from the 2024 race and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. We then touch on navigating cognitive decline in loved ones and highlight the significance of supportive relationships in guiding individuals through transitions and tough decisions. Emphasizing the role of faith communities in addressing societal challenges, we promote empathy and understanding in navigating transitions gracefully.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
My husband was slowing down. He needed protecting. by Sally Quinn
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Friday Jul 19, 2024
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Retired pastor Robert Cornwall discusses recent political events, emphasizing the importance of Christians responding to polarization and violence by seeing each other as children of God and fostering unity. The conversation explores the motives behind the assassination attempt on Trump, highlighting concerns about increasing polarization and violence in politics. Cornwall stresses the need for faith over political allegiances and courage in maintaining relationships across divides. The discussion touches on Christian nationalism, patriotism, and the complexities of balancing political participation with religious convictions in the current political landscape. Cornwall reflects on the upcoming general election and encourages trusting in God's presence, unity, and bridge-building during times of division.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Donald Trump and the Vibes of Destiny by Dennis Sanders
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Monday Jul 15, 2024
(Prayer) Walking In Memphis with Geoff Mitchell | Episode 191
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
What happens when you replace human-driven church growth strategies with a prayer-centered approach? In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Jeff, who recently completed his doctoral dissertation on the role of prayer in evangelism, to explore just that. Pastor Geoff Mitchell opens up about his personal prayer journey, especially amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. His experiences of prayer walking through Midtown Memphis and the resulting transformation in his spiritual life underscore a powerful message: true church growth relies on divine activity more than human effort.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Is There Hope for Liberal Christianity with Geoff Mitchell | Episode 37
The Future of the Disciples of Christ with Geoff Mitchell | Episode 105
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