Pastoring in Partisan Times Podcast: Working Class Rage with Rev. Dr. Tex Sample
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 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.
Tex is the Robert B. And Kathleen Rogers Professor Emeritus of Church and Society at The Saint Paul School of Theology where he taught for 32 years. A freelance lecturer and speaker in North America and overseas, he has published 14 books. His book, Blue Collar Ministry, was named a “Judson Classic” by the Judson Press, and his book U. S. Lifestyles and Mainline Churches was the bestseller for Westminster/John Knox Press for over two years. His most recent book is Working Class Rage, available from Abingdon Press.
Resources
- Listening guide with discussion questions
- Activity Calendar
- Teaching Biblical Patriotism as Pastoral Care: God, Country and Stories of Working Class Pain, Tex Sample for Ministry Matters
- Community Organizing Bibliography
- Working Class Rage by Tex Sample