Pastoring in Partisan Times Podcast: Credible Communication with Mike McCurry
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.
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.
Resources
- Listening guide with discussion questions
- Activity Calendar
- Course Syllabus for Church, Politics, & Race in a Polarized Society from Wesley Seminary
- Mike McCurry's 5 C's of Communication, Washington Post
- Media Relations Handbook for Agencies, Associations, Nonprofits, and Congress By Brad Fitch
- Mike McCurry answers follow-up questions from Missouri clergy