Church and Main Dennis Sanders

It's common these days to focus on the drawbacks of church.  But what's good about church? Theologian and pastor Anthony Robinson joins me on the podcast to talk about his most recent blog post on the positive aspects of the church in our society. Robinson highlights the importance of institutions and how the church can provide a sense of community, mentorship, and a framework for coping with life's challenges. Churches have a role to play in our society,  creating spaces of grace and acceptance. 
Show Notes:
Maybe the Church Wasn't Bad After All-Anthony Robinson
Sad Lefties- Anthony Robinson
The True Cost of the Churchgoing Bust- Derek Thompson
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In this bonus episode, I revisit an interview with Joy Moore, a professor of biblical preaching at Luther Seminary. We discussed reconciliation amid societal divisions. Moore shares stories illustrating the challenges of reconciliation and stresses the importance of finding common ground across racial divides. referencing instances like Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis working together to desegregate schools, showcasing the power of partnerships across racial lines. She also mentions Hawk Newsome from Black Lives Matter emphasizing common values to bridge divides and underscores the importance of viewing each other as fellow humans created in the image of God. 
Show Notes:
Speaking at a Trump Rally Made This BLM Activist an Outcast
Video of Hawk Newsome speaking at Trump Rally
Full Episode with Joy Moore
 
Lectionary Q Podcast 
Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main
Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@churchandmainpod
Website: https://churchandmain.org/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgl
Chapters:

0:36 Introduction
3:18 Finding Common Ground


6:03 The Story of Ann Atwater and C.P. Ellis


9:05 Hawk Newsome's Powerful Message

In this episode, I delve into the essence of the podcast and the current state of mainline Protestantism.  I share my journey of self-discovery in launching the podcast and reflect on the challenges facing mainline Protestantism, emphasizing the importance of diversity of thought as much as visual diversity. I advocate for reform within the church, highlighting its role as an inclusive space and calling for a balance between tradition and innovation. 
Show notes:
Letters from a Broken Church article written by me
Everything Is Broken by Alana Newhouse
Mainline Struggles in the Rural Midwest by Ryan Burge
The Most Vital Strategy for Mainline Church Growth with Paul Moore | Episode 164
Telling the Truth on Church Decline with Ben Crosby | Episode 132
Why Do Church Buildings Matter in Today’s World? with Loren Richmond Jr. | Episode 167
Lay-Led Church Planting with Laura Cottington | Episode 153
Theological Humility in the Local Church With David Emery | Episode 175
 
Lectionary Q Podcast
Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main
Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/
Website: https://churchandmain.org/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHgl
 

Can artificial intelligence hold its own when it comes to the soul-stirring task of crafting spiritual materials? Guest Jeremy Wilhelmi and I embark on an enthralling discussion on the intersection of AI and pastoral ministry. We delve into Jeremy's experiment that tests AI's ability to compose benedictions, prompting us to reflect on whether a machine's output can ever truly resonate with the human heart as deeply as a message born from human experience.
Show Notes: 
Beyond artificial words: The pastoral heart in an age of AI by Jeremy Wilhelmi
The Chaplaincy Is Not Your Backup Plan with Jeremy Wilhelmi | Episode 108
Lectionary Q Podcast
Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main
Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/
Website: https://churchandmain.org/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj
Chapters


0:38 Introduction


2:02 The Role of AI in Pastoral Ministry


11:52 Temptation of Time


13:29 Fear of Inadequacy


15:57 Ethical Use of AI


24:08 Positive Role of AI


26:28 The Importance of Authenticity


27:50 The Need for Grace


31:43 Advice for Seminary Students


36:57 Cautionary Tale from "WALL-E"


38:33 The Importance of Human Connection


40:25 Contact Information and Farewell

Ever wondered how churches can sustain their missions in a world where the traditional offering plate falls short? The financial fabric that supports our churches is undergoing a radical makeover. This episode isn't just about recounting struggles; it's a treasure trove of inventive solutions, from the entrepreneurial spirit of minority and immigrant churches to the pioneering use of digital platforms like crowdfunding. We'll explore the rich history of church funding with Grace Pomroy of Luther Seminary. We'll learn how churches are reinventing church funding—to secure a future where faith communities not only survive but thrive.
Show Notes:
Grace Pomroy's website
Funding Forward Program at Luther Seminary
Funding Forward E-Book
Transforming the Offering Plate into a Spiritual Journey with Kirby Gould | Episode 172
 
Lectionary Q Podcast
Make a  Donation: https://donorbox.org/support-church-and-main
Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchandmain
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchandmain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchandmainpod/
Website: https://churchandmain.org/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CzMELfEV0oUYfbjdhdjqgrT3w8fHglj
 

In this clip from a conversation from January 2024, Loren Richmond Jr. voices concerns about diminishing appreciation for the sacredness embodied in church buildings.