Let's talk US politics from a progressive Christian perspective. Authors and former pastors Keith Giles and Desimber Rose, along with progressive theologian Dillon Naber Cruz, are here to make you think - and laugh - about the madness that ensues when we mix faith and politics.
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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.
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In this episode, Dennis shares a sermon he gave on the Sunday before the election, which might serve as thoughts on how we are to be Christians after the election. For Dennis, the most important thing is that we love one another regardless of how one voted. Give a listen. Suggested Reading and Listening: Whatever Happens, Love Thy Neighbor by Laris…
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In this week's episode, the Squad breaks down the election news and what it means for America moving forward. The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Instagram!By Keith Giles, Matthew J. Distefano, Desimber Rose, Dillon Naber Cruz
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John Wesley's Voting Advice with Drew McIntyre | Episode 208
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On this second episode focusing on the upcoming Presidential election, we look at how Christians act during an election. I talk with Drew McIntyre about his recent article called “Sanctimony or Sanctification? John Wesley’s voting advice for today.” Drew is the Pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina and a host of the …
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#018: Tony Hinchcliffe, Paula White, and Final Thoughts Before the Election
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In this week's episode, the Squad gives their final takes on the presidential campaigns, and we hear about Tony Hinchcliffe's nonsense and Paula White's awful views. Please check your voter status at www.vote.org and please vote like your life depends on it, because depending on who you are, it just may. The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be do…
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Does Election Day Communion Still Matter? with Andrew Camp | Episode 207
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Election Day Communion was an effort started by two Mennonite pastors and an Episcopal layperson in 2012. to try to bring people together on Election Day. The hope was after people voted, they would come and gather at the communion table. Subsequent events took place in 2016 and 2020. But the Facebook Page for Election Day Communion was not updated…
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#017: Trump's Praise of Adolf Hitler, Pastor Donnie Swaggart, and Leonard Leo
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In this week's episode, the Squad talks about the recent John Kelly revelations about Trump's praise of Adolf Hitler, and we learn about two losers of the faith: Pastor Donnie Swaggart and Leonard Leo. The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Liv…
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Foodtruck Ministry with Kari Olsen | Episode 206
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Shobi’s Table is a foodtruck that is also a ministry. It is a pay-as-you-can food truck that creates and serves from-scratch, delicious, nutritious meals rescued food from Twin Cities Food Justice to make meals such as burritos, wraps, sandwiches, salads, hot dishes like baked pastas, fried rice, and more. I’m talking with Deacon Kari Olsen, the Mi…
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#016: Trump's Cognitive Decline, Lou Engle, and the Media's Sane-Washing
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In this week's episode, the Squad is missing the one and only Desimber, but fear not because Producer Matt is here to help Keith and Dillon tackle all this week's nonsense. The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Instagram!…
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Pastors and the Great Man Theory with Julian DeShazier | Episode 205
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In this episode, Dennis chats with Julian DeShazier about how the great man theory has poisoned the church and a better way for pastors and congregations to do ministry that is more in line with what our faith teaches. Julian is the Senior Minister at University Christian Church in Chicago, writes for the Christian Century and is an Emmy-winning hi…
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#015: White Supremacy in America with Lisa Sharon Harper
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In this week's episode, the Squad is joined by Lisa Sharon Harper of Freedom Road to discuss how white supremacy impacts American politics in today's world. The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Instagram!…
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Faithful Christian Engagement in Politics with Miranda Zapor Cruz | Episode 204
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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. Miranda Zapor Cruz is a professor of historical theology at Indiana Wesleyan…
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#014: The VP Debate, Melania's Pro-Choice Promo Video, and a Certain Court Filing with John Fugelsang
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In this week's episode, the Squad is joined by John Fugelsang to react to the VP debate, Jack Smith's court filing, and Donald Trump accidentally becomes Desimber's "This MF." The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Instagram…
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What Does It Mean to Be Progressive and Inclusive? with Sam Wells | Episode 203
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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…
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#013: Outlandish Trump Quotes, Clay Higgins, and State-Sponsored Murder
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In this week's episode, the Squad talks about the tragic execution of Marcellus Williams, the dumb s*it Trump says, and how Clay Higgins is a racist POS. The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Instagram!…
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SHORTS: What Will You Preach the Sunday After the Election? with Joshua Gritter | Episode 202
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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…
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SPOTLIGHT: Dillon Talks with Pennsylvania State Rep Ismail Smith Wade-El
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In this special episode of The God Squad, Dillon talks to Pennsylvania State Representative Ismail Smith Wade-El about his Catholic faith and Christian Nationalism within the Keystone State. To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Instagram!…
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Election Year Christianity with Doug Skinner | Episode 201
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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 …
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#012: Megan Basham, Mark Robinson, and Hot Nicky
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In this week's episode, the Squad discusses Trump's cognitive decline, the breaking news about Mark Robinson, the GOP candidate for Governor in North Carolina, and the Right's response to climate change. The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming L…
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A Theology of Digital Ministry with Jim Keat | Episode 200
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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 importanc…
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SPOTLIGHT: Dillon Talks to Activist Charlotte Clymer
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In this special episode of The God Squad, Dillon talks to Charlotte Clymer about her faith journey as a Trans Christian, her activism and whether she'd consider running for office, and Project 2025's intentions for the LGBTQ community. To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and …
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In this week's episode, the Squad covers all the best, worst, and ugliest moments from the Kamala Harris v. Donald Trump debate. The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Instagram!…
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Navigating Digital Ministry with Ryan Dunn | Episode 199
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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 d…
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SOLO: Thoughts? No. Prayers? Yes. | Episode 198
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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- @churchandma…
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#010: Another School Shooting, Eric Metaxas, and Code Switching
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In this week's episode, the Squad talks about yet another school shooting that happened in America. Plus, we learn about Eric Metaxas from Dillon and Peter Doocy from Desimber. And our good news? Trump admitted he lost the 2020 election. The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up a…
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Ministry Along the Border with Joe Tognetti | Episode 197
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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. Sugge…
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#009: The Arlington Cemetery, Ann Coulter, and the Cruelty of Fundamentalism
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In this week's episode, the Squad debriefs after the DNC watch party, covers the Arlington Cemetery photo-op by Donald Trump, and a whole lot more! The Squad now has merch! Proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Instagram!…
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#008: Day Four of the Democratic National Convention
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In this week's episode, the Squad chats about days 1-3 of the DNC and then takes a few callers before live streaming the main event of day 4 of the DNC. Note: Extended livestream not included in this recording. The Squad now has merch! All proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also …
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#007: Leaked Project 2025 Training Videos, NAR, and a Dose of Sane Christianity
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In this week's episode, the Squad takes on Project 2025 and their horrifying training videos, as well as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Plus, they get to a bunch of calls and questions, and even leave time for some much-needed good news. The Squad now has merch! All proceeds will be donated! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST,…
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Does God Care About the Working Class? | Episode 196
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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 neglec…
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#006: Tim Walz and the Meltdown of the Conservative Right
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In this week's episode, the Squad talks about none other than Coach Walz, what it means to the Democratic ticket, and why Republicans are melting down. Plus, we learn who our fundamentalist ****wit of the week is, what today's good news is, and how to distinguish between this MF and that MF. The Squad now has merch! All proceeds will be donated! To…
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Christian Nationalism or Christian Conservatism with Mark Tooley | Episode 195
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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 Co…
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#005: Donald J. Trump v. Black Journalists, What Could Go Wrong?
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The God Squad Podcast is back with another great episode. First, the Squad discusses the debacle in Chicago, where Trump yet again proved just how masterful he is at race relations. Then, they take a caller, run through a whole host of these mother******, and even hear from super producer Matthew J. Distefano. The Squad now has merch! To join the L…
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SPOTLIGHT: Keith Talks to a Trump Supporter
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In this special episode of The God Squad, Keith talks with Lisa Brown Campbell, an Evangelical Christian woman who believes Donald Trump is our best choice for President, and tries to understand why. To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Instagram!…
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#004: "Migrant Crime" and the Racism and Misogyny Toward Kamala Harris
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The God Squad Podcast hits hard in this episode. Biden is out. It looks like Harris is in. And the conservative Right could NOT be more sexist and racist about it. Plus, the Squad takes a returning caller and gets to your questions. To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Ins…
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Beyond the Purple Church with Jack Haberer | Episode 194
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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,…
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Biden's Exit and Aging Gracefully with Loren Richmond Jr. | Episode 193
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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…
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#003: The Attempted Assassination, Kevin Roberts, and Creative Resistance
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The God Squad Podcast is back with another important episode, where the Squad discusses the attempted assassination of the former president, takes 3 callers, and much more. Plus, Desimber's "This Motherf***er," Dillon's fundy of the week, and a bit of good news with Keith. To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.c…
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A Debate, An Assasination Attempt and Political Conventions with Robert Cornwall | Episode 192
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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 viole…
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(Prayer) Walking In Memphis with Geoff Mitchell | Episode 191
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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 ch…
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#002: Agenda 47, Pastor Mark Robinson, and the Continued Rise of the Religious Right
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The God Squad Podcast hits hard in episode #002, with a discussion about Agenda 47 and Project 2025. The Squad features a new "fundamentalist f***wit of the week," takes a guest caller, and ends with a mic drop moment by Desimber. To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Insta…
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The End of the Religious "Big Tent" with Ted Smith | Episode 190
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In this episode, theologian Ted Smith explores the transformation of denominations in the United States, moving from broad structures to more specialized affinity groups. The shift is driven by societal changes, leading to more homogeneous and smaller denominations. Smith highlights advantages like reduced conflict, clearer paths to ordination, and…
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#001: Project 2025 and Oklahoma's Bible Curriculum
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The God Squad Podcast officially drops it's first full episode. In this instant classic, the Squad discusses the terrifying remarks made by Project 2025 architect Kevin Roberts and the latest push by Oklahoma to force the teaching of the Bible in public classrooms. Plus, they take their first live guest! To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 …
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Debate Fallout and Politics as Salvation | Episode 189
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In this solo episode, Dennis looks at the first Presidential debate and the tendency in American politics to see our presidential candidates as saviors. Donate: Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/ Threads: ht…
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#000: Launching the God Squad with John Fugelsang
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The God Squad Podcast launches with comedian and Sirius XM Radio Host John Fugelsang. Find out what this new podcast is all about and how you can join us live every week to talk about Faith, Politics and Sanity. To join the Live Stream every Thursday at 5 PM PST, sign up at godsquadpod.com Also streaming Live on YouTube and Instagram, beginning nex…
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Inclusion, Pluralism and the Presbyterian Church (USA) with Jack Haberer | Episode 188
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The 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is set to meet soon in Salt Lake City. One of the many issues to be discussed is a proposal called the "Olympia Overture," which would formally prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ Presbyterians, but could according to some make it hard for those with different theological interpretations…
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The Aftermath of the United Methodist General Conference with Drew McIntyre | Episode 187
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What happens when a historic denomination faces a seismic shift? Join us as Drew McIntyre, our returning Methodist guest, unpacks the significant developments from the recent United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte. We explore the groundbreaking rescinding of language that restricted LGBTQ clergy and marriages, and Drew offers keen insight…
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Did Mainline Protestants Birth Christian Nationalism with Beau Underwood | Episode 186
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We tend to think Evangelicals helped create Christian Nationalism, but did Mainline Protestantism have a role? I sat down with Beau Underwood, co-author of "Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped to Build Christian Nationalism," to explore the historical roots and contemporary impact of Christian nationalism in America. Beau talks about…
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Spiritual Practices for the Neurodivergent | Episode 185
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In this episode, I revisit a video from early 2023 with Lutheran Deacon Nina Joygaard where she interviews me on how to do spiritual practices as someone with autism and ADHD. Prayer Lab Minute on the Road Interview with Deacon Nina Donate: Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/electricparson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/…
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Starting and Restarting Spiritual Practices with Steve Thomason | Episode 184
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In this episode, I welcome back Steve Thomason, an Associate Professor for Spiritual Formation and Discipleship at Luther Seminary. Steve shares insights on enriching your spiritual journey through practices like prayer, silence, and community. He addresses overcoming barriers to spiritual practices in today's world and discusses adaptations for th…
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A Journey of Faith and Food with Andrew Camp | Episode 183
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In this episode, we explore the intersection of faith and food, featuring the inspiring journey of former pastor and sous chef, Andrew Camp. The podcast highlights how food connects spirituality and community, discussing Andrew's upbringing, culinary education, and integration of faith with his culinary passion. His decision to pursue a career as a…
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