Dear Christians Podcast Dan Goulson

Rev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. Robertson is most known for his work as the “TikTok Pastor”, creating thousands of TikTok videos on inclusive theology which have garnered over 200k followers and 5 million views.

A prolific writer, he is the author of nine books on spirituality, justice, and theology, including the INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace. Robertson has bylines in publications such as TIME Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune, The Huffington Post, NBC, and The Washington Post, and is a regular columnist for Bishop John Shelby Spong’s Progressing Spirit newsletter as well as Baptist News Global. As a trusted voice on progressive faith and politics, Robertson is regularly interviewed in national and global media outlets including CNN, National Public Radio, MSNBC, Hot Press Ireland, The Independent UK, and The New York Times. In 2021, Rolling Stone Magazine included Robertson in its annual “Hot List” of top artists, creatives, and influencers who "are giving us reason to be excited about the future."

Each year, Robertson speaks on a variety of topics across the globe and has been an honored speaker at renowned institutions such as The White House, Oxford University, and The Parliament of World Religions. He’s taught seminars for San Francisco Theological Seminary and Disciples Seminary Foundation and currently serves on the faculty of The Lakelands Institute. He has served on advisory committees and working groups for the Democratic National Convention, the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Health and Human Services, The Humane Society, and in 2020 was named a Fellow of the prestigious Salzburg Global Seminar.

Named by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the top faith-leaders leading the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, Robertson has worked with political leaders and activists around the world to end conversion therapy and promote the human rights of sexual and gender minorities. He works as a national organizer of people of faith on a wide array of social and political issues, and is a founding member of The Union of Affirming Christians, The Global Interfaith Commission on LGBTQ+ Lives, and The Ozanne Foundation US.

Robertson received his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Theology from Moody Bible Institute, his Master of Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology, and his Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Religion from Drew University. He currently resides in New York City.


TikTok: RevBrandanRobertson, IG: BrandanRobertson, Twitter: @BrandanJR


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The term "deconstruction" has become something of a hot button topic and a buzz word among many in the evangelical community over the past decade. While some consider it to be a demonic attack against God's church, some Christians have embraced the term and the process as the start of a new reformation of Christianity and a necessary part of Church growth.

On this episode we sit down with "The New Evangelicals" founder Tim Whitaker to talk about this trend and how he sees hope for the future of the church during this tense season for God's people.

Tim is the creator and facilitator of the New evangelicals, a Jesus centered inclusive community that holds space for people marginalized by the evangelical church, advocates for accountability and helps people explore the Christian tradition.


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We've dealt with a LOT of very heavy and controversial topics here on the Dear Christians Podcast. As we start a new season we wanted to start things off on a positive and hopeful tone that gives everyone something to smile about. As such, we are thrilled to welcome Comedian and Philosopher Rodney Norman to the show!  Rodney Norman has a degree in philosophy and has been working in comedy for many years. Having done shows in every state in the country he has been featured prominently on Dry Bar Comedy as well as a social media audience that includes over 787K followers on TikTok alone! You can find more of his content at https://www.rodneynorman.com/ and follow him on social media @RodneyDNorman.


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After various different denominations and endless infighting between people who all claim to be true followers of Jesus it begs the question, "What is a 'real' Christian anyway?" During this roundtable discussion we welcome several prominent (yet controversial) Christian content creators who have all been accused of being "fake" Christians to discuss what it means to be a Christian and how all believers can be united in Christ when faced with so much division.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUESTS:
John Pavlovitz is a writer, pastor, storyteller, and activist from Wake Forest, North Carolina. Over the past six years his blog, Stuff That Needs To Be Said, has reached a diverse worldwide audience, recently passing the 100 million views mark. A 25-year veteran in the trenches of local church ministry, John is committed to equality, diversity, and justice—both inside and outside of faith communities. His bestselling books include A Bigger Table, Hope and Other Superpowers, and If God is Love, Don't Be a Jerk which arrived this past September. Follow him at: johnpavlovitz.com @johnpavlovitz on Twitter/IG/FB empatheticpeople.com 
Malynda Hale is a Singer/Songwriter/Activist and Host of #WeNeedToTalk Podcast. You can find more from her at her website: http://www.malyndahale.com and can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @malyndahale or on Facebook and TikTok @malyndahaleofficial.
Pastor Paul Swearengin is known for asking questions of the church and culture that others are thinking but may not be free to express. He has a heart for people to know their true value and purpose. After being trained and ordained for ministry by the Vineyard Association of Churches, Paul founded and led for more than ten years an evangelical church in Fresno, California. He made a choice to leave his position of leadership in the church to become a creator, author, podcaster and spiritual well-being coach. As “Pastor Paul” on social media, Paul inspires and supports those who are questioning their faith and political views in an era of spiritual and social upheaval. He offers thought-provoking content, community discussion groups, and one-on-one coaching for people who are seeking spiritual health and emotional well-being. More from Pastor Paul at: www.Pastor-Paul.com https://linktr.ee/PastorPaul_TikTok
Eddie Crume is host of the Brute Facts Podcast which focuses on Philosophy of religion, Humor and Interviews with people of various different faiths. Find more from Eddie at: https://www.brutefacts.com/ https://linktr.ee/Brute_Facts_Podcast

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On this episode we sit down with Christian investigative reporter July Roys to discuss her faith, her ministry (The Roys Report) and the heart behind her ministry's mission of "Reporting the Truth. Restoring the Church." A mission that is lived out by holding influential Christian leaders and organizations accountable when they misuse the power, influence and resources God entrusted to them.

Julie Roys is a veteran investigative reporter and founder of The Roys Report. Before that, she hosted a national talk show on the Moody Radio Network called Up For Debate. She’s also worked as a TV reporter for a CBS affiliate, and as a news writer for both WGN-TV and Fox News Chicago. Julie’s book, Redeeming the Feminine Soul, published in 2017. She’s also written for numerous periodicals, including WORLD Magazine, Christianity Today, Religion News Service, and The Federalist. You can follow her on Twitter @reachjulieroys and read all of The Roys Report's investigative works at www.JulieRoys.com.


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Pandemics, politics, scandals and controversies... there are a lot of reasons to get burnt out today if you are a pastor. In this episode we welcome back Pastor DJ Dangerfield to talk about how difficult it is to be a pastor in today's world. In this very transparent conversation DJ opens up about what lead him to a breaking point and caused him to nearly walk away from being a pastor. We discuss controversies that have rocked the American church, how he has grown and changed as a pastor through these difficulties and why he ultimately chose to stay in ministry.


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