What does it mean to pastor purple in red and blue churches?
Rising partisanship in our country has made finding common ground difficult. A recent study found that Methodism is one of America’s most politically divided denominations, with both congregants and their pastors roughly split between the Democratic and Republican Parties. This makes the work of a pastor – a spiritual leader to everyone in their pews – hard. Navigating those tensions and modeling new ways of remaining in relationship with those we disagree is not for the weak of heart. Pastoring in Partisan Times seeks to gain insight into pastoring purple in red and blue churches.
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Pastoring in Partisan Times Podcast: Insights From Missouri Pastors with Revs. Fred Leist and Dale Stone
In Episode 7 we’re in conversation with Rev. Fred Leist, pastor of Missouri UMC in Columbia, and Presbyterian pastor Rev. Dale Stone. Together these Missouri pastors reflect on the wisdom shared in previous Partisan Times episodes and share their advice for tackling tough topics in the local church.
Pastoring in Partisan Times Podcast: Sacred Resistance with Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli
In Episode 6 we’re in conversation with Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli. She is the first woman to serve as senior pastor of historic Foundry United Methodist Church, which sits within blocks of The White House in Washington D.C. Foundry welcomes all, worships passionately, challenges the status quo and seeks to transform the world through God's love. Cirelli shares where Christian witness and dissent intersect during this honest and inspiring conversation.
Pastoring In Partisan Times Podcast: Social Media and the Public Square with Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas
In Episode 5 we’re in conversation with Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas, lead pastor of First United Methodist Church in Houma, Louisiana. A native of Puerto Rico and a spiritual director, Huertas loves writing about discipleship as empowerment to transform our neighborhoods, cities, and world. He is a frequent contributor to Day1.org and MinistryMatters.com and recently co-authored The Marks of Hope through Abingdon Press. Huertas brings his honesty, humor and wisdom to this rich conversation.
Pastoring in Partisan Times Podcast: Credible Communication with Mike McCurry
In Episode 4 we’re in conversation with Mike McCurry. From 1995 to 1998, McCurry was the White House Press Secretary for the Clinton administration. Today he is the Director for the Center for Public Theology at Wesley Theological Seminary. McCurry shares his five C’s for effective communication, how to leave room for disagreement and more.
Pastoring in Partisan Times Podcast: Working Class Rage with Rev. Dr. Tex Sample
In Episode 3 we’re in conversation with Rev. Dr. Tex Sample, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Kansas City. Through personal stories and extensive research, Tex shares insights and actionables related to reaching the white working class.Through personal stories and extensive research, Tex shares insights and actionables related to reaching the white working class.
Pastoring in Partisan Times Podcast: Speaking Up and Out with Dr. Leah Gunning Francis
Rising partisanship in our country has made finding common ground difficult. A recent study found that Methodism is one of America’s most politically divided denominations, with both congregants and their pastors roughly split between the Democratic and Republican Parties. This makes the work of a pastor – a spiritual leader to everyone in their pews – hard. Navigating those tensions and modeling new ways of remaining in relationship with those we disagree is not for the weak of heart. Pastoring...
Pastoring in Partisan Times Podcast: Authority and Humility with Rev. Adam Hamilton
In Episode 1 we’re in conversation with Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country.
Leading Ideas: Leading in an Age of Political Polarization
The article, "Leading in an Age of Political Polarization," written by David R. Brubaker, outlines the characteristics that leaders must use to lead well in times of political polarization.
The Church + Politics Legal Webinar
This one-hour webinar answers questions about how pastors and churches can legally engage in political speech and activities. Learn more about the Johnson Amendment, legislation that regulates what tax-exempt organizations such as churches can do in the political arena. Plus, a bonus segment on how churches can help reach vulnerable populations in the 2020 Census facilitated by Sidney Owens, Community Engagement Specialist.
Pastoring in Partisan Times with Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli
How do you pastor purple in red and blue churches? This episode of Pastoring in Partisan Times seeks to answer that question in discussion with Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli.
Pastoring in Partisan Times with Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas
How do you pastor purple in red and blue churches? This episode of Pastoring in Partisan Times seeks to answer that question in discussion with Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas.
Pastoring in Partisan Times with Rev. Dr. Tex Sample
How do you pastor purple in red and blue churches? This episode of Pastoring in Partisan Times seeks to answer that question in discussion with Rev. Dr. Tex Sample.
Pastoring in Partisan Times Reflection with Revs. Fred Leist and Dale Stone
Join retired District Superintendent Dale Stone and Rev. Fred Leist, pastor of Missouri UMC in a Facebook Live conversation about pastoring in partisan times as they answered audience questions and reflected on the webinar series.
Pastoring in Partisan Times with Rev. Dr. David Gushee
How do you pastor purple in red and blue churches? Rev. Dr. David Gushee, offers his insights. Gushee is a distinguished university professor of Christian ethics and director of the Center for Theology & Public Life at Mercer University.
Pastoring in Partisan Times with Rev. Adam Hamilton
How do you pastor purple in red and blue churches? Rev. Adam Hamilton, lead pastor at Church of the Resurrection, offers his insights.
Pastoring in Partisan Times with Dr. Leah Gunning Francis
How do you pastor purple in red and blue churches? Dr. Leah Gunning Francis offers her insights. Gunning Francis is the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, and Associate Professor of Christian Education and Practical Theology, Christian Theological Seminary.
Pastoring in Partisan Times with Mike McCurry
How do you pastor purple in red and blue churches? Lay person Mike McCurry offers his insights. McCurry is the director for the Center for Public Theology, Wesley Theological Seminary and former White House Press Secretary (1995–1998).
Related Articles:
- Church Should Be a Sanctuary for Difficult Conversations, Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference
- 4 Opportunities for the Church in the Current Political Tension, Lewis Center for Church Leadership
- Pastoring in Partisan Times, Jim Simpson of the Missouri Annual Conference
- How One Pastor Is Bridging the Partisan Divide, The Atlantic
- How to Be a Purple Church in a Red State, The Christian Century
- 4 Tips on Preaching on Politically Charged Topics, Ginger Gaines-Cirelli for Lewis Center for Church Leadership
- Political Polarization in the American Public: How Increasing Ideological Uniformity and Partisan Antipathy Affect Politics, Compromise and Everyday Life, Pew Research Center
- Mega Church And Mega Issues: Pastor Adam Hamilton, Interview with WAMU’s 1A