Dear Christians Podcast

Rev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. Robertson is most known for his work as the “TikTok Pastor”, creating thousands of TikTok videos on inclusive theology which have garnered over 200k followers and 5 million views. A prolific writer, he is the author of nine books on spirituality, justice, and theology, including the INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace. Robertson has bylines in publications such as TIME Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune, The Huffington Post, NBC, and The Washington Post, and is a regular columnist for Bishop John Shelby Spong’s Progressing Spirit newsletter as well as Baptist News Global. As a trusted voice on progressive faith and politics, Robertson is regularly interviewed in national and global media outlets including CNN, National Public Radio, MSNBC, Hot Press Ireland, The Independent UK, and The New York Times. In 2021, Rolling Stone Magazine included Robertson in its annual “Hot List” of top artists, creatives, and influencers who "are giving us reason to be excited about the future." Each year, Robertson speaks on a variety of topics across the globe and has been an honored speaker at renowned institutions such as The White House, Oxford University, and The Parliament of World Religions. He’s taught seminars for San Francisco Theological Seminary and Disciples Seminary Foundation and currently serves on the faculty of The Lakelands Institute. He has served on advisory committees and working groups for the Democratic National Convention, the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Health and Human Services, The Humane Society, and in 2020 was named a Fellow of the prestigious Salzburg Global Seminar. Named by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the top faith-leaders leading the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, Robertson has worked with political leaders and activists around the world to end conversion therapy and promote the human rights of sexual and gender minorities. He works as a national organizer of people of faith on a wide array of social and political issues, and is a founding member of The Union of Affirming Christians, The Global Interfaith Commission on LGBTQ+ Lives, and The Ozanne Foundation US. Robertson received his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Theology from Moody Bible Institute, his Master of Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology, and his Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Religion from Drew University. He currently resides in New York City. TikTok: RevBrandanRobertson, IG: BrandanRobertson, Twitter: @BrandanJR

The term "deconstruction" has become something of a hot button topic and a buzz word among many in the evangelical community over the past decade. While some consider it to be a demonic attack against God's church, some Christians have embraced the term and the process as the start of a new reformation of Christianity and a necessary part of Church growth. On this episode we sit down with "The New Evangelicals" founder Tim Whitaker to talk about this trend and how he sees hope for the future of the church during this tense season for God's people. Tim is the creator and facilitator of the New evangelicals, a Jesus centered inclusive community that holds space for people marginalized by the evangelical church, advocates for accountability and helps people explore the Christian tradition.

We've dealt with a LOT of very heavy and controversial topics here on the Dear Christians Podcast. As we start a new season we wanted to start things off on a positive and hopeful tone that gives everyone something to smile about. As such, we are thrilled to welcome Comedian and Philosopher Rodney Norman to the show!  Rodney Norman has a degree in philosophy and has been working in comedy for many years. Having done shows in every state in the country he has been featured prominently on Dry Bar Comedy as well as a social media audience that includes over 787K followers on TikTok alone! You can find more of his content at https://www.rodneynorman.com/ and follow him on social media @RodneyDNorman.

On this episode we sit down with Christian investigative reporter July Roys to discuss her faith, her ministry (The Roys Report) and the heart behind her ministry's mission of "Reporting the Truth. Restoring the Church." A mission that is lived out by holding influential Christian leaders and organizations accountable when they misuse the power, influence and resources God entrusted to them.

Julie Roys is a veteran investigative reporter and founder of The Roys Report. Before that, she hosted a national talk show on the Moody Radio Network called Up For Debate. She’s also worked as a TV reporter for a CBS affiliate, and as a news writer for both WGN-TV and Fox News Chicago. Julie’s book, Redeeming the Feminine Soul, published in 2017. She’s also written for numerous periodicals, including WORLD Magazine, Christianity Today, Religion News Service, and The Federalist. You can follow her on Twitter @reachjulieroys and read all of The Roys Report's investigative works at www.JulieRoys.com.

Pandemics, politics, scandals and controversies... there are a lot of reasons to get burnt out today if you are a pastor. In this episode we welcome back Pastor DJ Dangerfield to talk about how difficult it is to be a pastor in today's world. In this very transparent conversation DJ opens up about what lead him to a breaking point and caused him to nearly walk away from being a pastor. We discuss controversies that have rocked the American church, how he has grown and changed as a pastor through these difficulties and why he ultimately chose to stay in ministry.

Many Pastors are on the verge of throwing in the towel. Pandemics, politics, scandals and controversies... there are a lot of reasons to get burnt out today if you are a pastor. In this episode we welcome back Pastor DJ Dangerfield to talk about how difficult it is to be a pastor in today's world. In this very transparent conversation DJ opens up about what lead him to a breaking point and caused him to nearly walk away from being a pastor. We discuss controversies that have rocked the American church, how he has grown and changed as a pastor through these difficulties and why he ultimately chose to stay in ministry.

Very few things seem to get the conservative Christian community up in arms today quite as badly as teaching the history of racism and discussing the dreaded topic of Critical Race Theory (C.R.T.). Since we are in no way shy about controversial topics here at the Dear Christians Podcast, we are diving straight into these topics with activist and host of the #WeNeedToTalk Podcast, Malynda Hale. Join us as we explore the history and implications of racial diversity and racism in the American church and how we (Christians) can seek to understand one another and strive to be united across racial lines under the unity of Jesus being crucified, raised and ultimately our Lord and savior.

About this guest:
Malynda Hale is a Singer/Songwriter/Activist and Host of #WeNeedToTalk Podcast. You can find more from her at her website: www.malyndahale.com and can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @malyndahale or on Facebook and TikTok @malyndahaleofficial.

Jesus had a lot to say about children. Matt 18:1-3 describes a moment where the disciples ask Him, "'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'”

Still, the systemic structures  and even the culture itself of many Christian organizations has undeniably led to trauma and abuse for many who grow up within Christian culture. How can this be? How can we (as Christians) be more aware of this in our own faith communities and work to truly value and live out the works of Jesus, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”

In this episode we speak with author M Dolon Hickmon about his story about experiencing child abuse at the hands of professing Christians and what other Christians and church leaders can learn from it to stop and avoid such trauma from happening in their own communities.

About this guest:
M. Dolon Hickmon explores the intersections of religion and child abuse in essays published around the web, as well as in the pages of his critically acclaimed novel, 13:24 – A Dark Thriller. You can find him on Facebook @M Dolon Hickmon.

Jesus had a lot to say about children. Matt 18:1-3 describes a moment where the disciples ask Him, "'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'”

Still, the systemic structures  and even the culture itself of many Christian organizations has undeniably led to trauma and abuse for many who grow up within Christian culture. How can this be? How can we (as Christians) be more aware of this in our own faith communities and work to truly value and live out the works of Jesus, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”

In this episode we speak with author M Dolon Hickmon about his story about experiencing child abuse at the hands of professing Christians and what other Christians and church leaders can learn from it to stop and avoid such trauma from happening in their own communities.

About this guest:
M. Dolon Hickmon explores the intersections of religion and child abuse in essays published around the web, as well as in the pages of his critically acclaimed novel, 13:24 – A Dark Thriller. You can find him on Facebook @M Dolon Hickmon.

If you grew up in the 90s you are probably well acquainted with the rise in "purity" culture during that time. Particularly in Christian Evangelical circles this movement promoted sexual purity amongst teens and young adults. However well intentioned it may have been, it has since come under much criticism (often by those who grew up immersed in this movement) for having devastatingly traumatic long term phycological effects (especially on women) making it very difficult for many to have healthy relationships as adults. On this episode we talk with licensed counselor Jessica Branston about her experience growing up at the height of the purity culture movement, how it impacted her and how Christians can learn from the mistakes that were made and help young people to grow into adults who are not ashamed of the bodies God gave them.

About our guest: Jessica Branston is a Licensed Professional Counselor who focuses mainly on trauma and complex PTSD. You can follow her on several social media platforms via @a_pineapple_mind.

The conversation continues! In partnership with Spartan Theology, Meaning Forge and the Brute Facts Podcast!

Do the teachings of Jesus allow for His followers to ever use lethal force? Is the gun culture in America empowering Christians or hindering them from the call to follow Christ? In this episode former pastor Joseph Bruce returns to continue this conversation and this time he has backup as this round table discussion welcomes Ethan from Spartan Theology, James from Meaning Forge and Eddie from the Brute Facts Podcast to the program.

Contact and follow the guests in this episode at:

Spartan Theology: @SpartanTheology
https://www.youtube.com/c/spartantheology

Meaning Forge: @ForgeMeaning
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmaVP1xd6wKFY3gkk5laUkA 

Brute Facts Podcast: @FactsBrute
https://www.brutefacts.com/ 

Legacy Marketing and Print
https://www.legacymarketingandprint.com/

Rates of depression, suicide and other mental health problems have been on the rise (both inside and outside the church) and a global pandemic hasn't helped matters any. Do Christians understand mental health? Do we know how to support mental health well? Our ignorance can (and does) make things worse. On this episode we discuss how mental health is impacting our relationship with God and each other in hopes of getting better at supporting those who struggle with it.

This episode's guest is Tim Sutherland.  Tim is a licensed marriage and family therapist from Knoxville TN and a pastor with more than 35 years of experience in the helping professions.  His masters is from Fuller Seminary and he has completed Doctoral work in Leadership from Johnson University. 

Links To Consider For This Discussion:  

E-learning and Students Mental Health -https://www.wbez.org/stories/depression-mental-health-crises-and-even-loss-of-toilet-training-are-on-the-rise-in-kids-as-the-pandemic-drags-on/a02f4f7d-045f-4da3-bf9a-5652b5021ba0?fbclid=IwAR2yetGrUp6rOAaL8nyBtD7TKeEWuf0QuunnA8iQG72A33QHtGSAHeMsBdI 

Mental Health and Chinese Submarines -https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/01/asia/china-submarines-mental-health-intl-hnk-scli-ml/ 

Lifeway Research on Mental Health and Christians - https://factsandtrends.net/2018/05/01/13-stats-on-mental-health-and-the-church/   

Prayer and Mental Health -https://lifewayresearch.com/2013/09/17/mental-health-half-of-evangelicals-believe-prayer-can-heal-mental-illness/ 

Impact of COVID19 and Mental Health
-https://onenewsnow.com/church/2020/04/23/barna-explores-impact-of-pandemic-on-health-of-the-church  -

https://www.barna.com/research/mental-emotional-health-among-pastors/   

Pastors and Mental Health -https://www.barna.com/research/mental-emotional-health-among-pastors/

Uncovering depression in Christianity (why it is “taboo”) -https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/article/uncovering-depression-christian-community

Is Christian music a ministry that reaches millions with the hope of Christ, or has it become a product that is sold to make millions off of Christians? In this episode, we sit down with Christian radio veteran Johnathon Eltrevoog to talk about the tensions that exist in the world of Christian music and if it's wrong to make money off of Jesus.

The number of Christians in the United States that are engaging with scripture is on a steady decline. According to The Barna Group "Bible Centered" adults have decreased from 9 percent to 5 percent in the past year. Another alarming trend is that more than one-third of adults (35%) report never using the Bible in 2019, a 10 percentage point increase since 2011. On this episode we sit down with Joel Settecase of The Think Institute to talk about these trends, people's top excuses for not engaging with scripture and the dangers of being a biblically illiterate Christian.

 Welcome to the conversation! The Dear Christians Podcast is all about taking an honest look at Christianity and it's relationship with our culture through honest discussions. Subscribe now and don't miss the launch of our first episode coming soon!