Church and Main

Should Christians Leave Trump's America? with Amy Mantravadi | Episode 245

In this conversation, Amy Mantravadi discusses her article on 'the theology of staying,' where she reflects on the historical context of Christianity in Egypt and the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. The discussion also delves into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's experiences in Nazi Germany, exploring the complexities of staying or leaving in times of crisis and the church's role in society. We explore Bonhoeffer's commitment to training pastors, his views on military service, and the role of the church in times of crisis. Mantravadi emphasizes the importance of hope and prayer in navigating cultural challenges and the need for a theological foundation in political engagement.
The Theology of Staying by Amy Mantravadi
Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre | Episode 241
 
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Reimagining Church Communication with Josh Linman | Episode 244

In this conversation, Josh Linman shares his faith journey from being a pastor's kid to founding Common Good Creative, a company focused on enhancing church communication. He discusses the importance of storytelling, community connection, and the role of technology and AI in modern church communication. Linman emphasizes the need for churches to adapt their messaging to resonate with people's desires for relationships, service, and purpose, and shares innovative strategies for welcoming visitors and engaging with the community.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Want to Reach New People? Change How You Communicate! By Josh Linman
Common Good Creative
 
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LGBTQ Allies and Effective Inclusion with Ryan Self | Episode 243

In this episode of Church and Main, Ryan Self, a gay Christian from Austin, Texas, discusses LGBTQ inclusion in church communities. Ryan shares his journey from a conservative background to more affirming spaces, highlighting the pitfalls of churches that claim inclusivity yet fail to embody it. We discuss the balance between activism and faith, critiques of superficial inclusivity, and the need for authentic dialogue that honors diverse perspectives. 
Suggested Reading and Listening:
With ‘allies’ like these, who needs adversaries?
God and the Gay Christian (Matthew Vines)
How the Gay Rights Movement Radicalized and Lost Its Way (Andrew Sullivan)
 
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Is the Emergent Church Back? with Andrew Crowson | Episode 242

The Emergent Church seemed to be the future of the church, until it wasn't.  Andrew Crowson joins the podcast to discuss how the movement initially attracted young evangelicals by challenging traditional church norms, yet ultimately struggled with its identity and connection to foundational beliefs. Andrew shares insights from his experiences and his article "Are We Back?", pondering if today's context might rekindle the movement with lessons learned from its past. 
Are We Back? by Andrew Crowson
Dispatches from a God-Bathed World (Andrew's Substack)
 
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Resurrection Hope Amidst the Broken Politics of 2025 with Drew McIntyre | Episode 241

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 importance of practicing hope as a virtue in daily life. The Resurrection isn’t just something we remember on Easter, but it is a living reality, from whence hope springs forth and changes the world.
Easter Means Hope, Not Optimism by Drew McIntyre
ICE Goes After Church Leaders and Christians Fleeing Persecution by Andy Olsen
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Are Free-Range Priests the Future? with Cathie Caimano | Episode 240

 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 239
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Luther Seminary and the Future of Mainline Protestantism with Rob Myallis | Episode 239

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 future students, as well as the responsibilities of churches to cultivate their own leaders. This insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of theological education and congregational life is both frightening and hopeful.
Where will our next pastor come from?
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What Is Ethical Evangelism? with DeDe Dollinger and CeCe Cernansky | Episode 238

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 Episcopal seminarians challenge conventional practices of evangelism, encouraging Christians to envision a more inclusive and transformative approach to faith.
Emissaries of Renewal Podcast
Emissaries of Renewal Facebook Page
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An All Saints Theology in a Political Halloween World with Jacob Smith | Episode 237

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 economic gaps, urging Christians to put their beliefs into action. At the end, Jacob highlights how important worship and community are for bringing people together and giving hope during tough times. 
Parish of Calvary-St. George's
Same Old Song Podcast
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What "Elbows Up" Means to Canadian Christians with David Harrison | Episode 232

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 highlights the importance of dialogue between Canadian and American Christians and the church's role in advocating for compassion and solidarity. 
David's Website
Canadian Evangelicals Brace for Trade War (from Christianity Today)
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