Pastoring in Partisan Times Podcast: Sacred Resistance with Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli
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 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.
Resources
- Listening guide with discussion questions
- Activity Calendar
- 4 Tips on Preaching on Politically Charged Topics, Ginger Gaines-Cirelli for Lewis Center for Church Leadership
- Sacred Resistance is About Our Being, Not Just Our Doing, Ginger Gaines-Cirelli for Faith and Leadership
- Sacred Resistance Ministry Team at Foundry UMC