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These days, politics in the United States seems to be a dividing force even among Christians. Over the last few years, how many Christians changed congregations or cut off relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ over politics? How many Christians feel, and sometimes give into, the temptation to attack other Christians because they identify with a different political figure or party?

In this episode, two Church of Christ members who are leaders in opposing political parties come to the table to share their thoughts on how Christians can run counter to the current political culture and rise above its negativity. How might Christians disagree (even strongly) on policy without judging and waging war on each other?

Shay Cathey is a member of Central Pointe Church of Christ in Dallas and vice chair of the Texas Democratic Party. She is a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Michele Woodhouse is a member of Biltmore Church of Christ in Asheville, N.C., and Republican Party chair of North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. She was a delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

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This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 - 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

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After years of decline, Hermitage Church of Christ maintain its facility at a cost of $3,000 per week while its ministry languished. So the congregation sold its building and became New Garden Church. In this episode we explore how becoming a guest in its own community changed how New Garden Church discerns God at work in Hermitage and how it ministers with its neighbors. What lessons could other congregations, struggling with similar low membership and high operating costs, learn from New Garden Church?

This episode also features a conversation with The Christian Chronicle's editor-in-chief, Bobby Ross Jr., who talks about how and why The Christian Chronicle chooses to cover stories of congregations that leave behind traditional practices (and sometimes drop the "Church of Christ" name altogether). Ross also touches on the Chronicle's recent decision to publish a profile on Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's controversial superintendent of public instruction.

Link to Bobby Ross Jr.'s Christian Chronicle story on Hermitage Church of Christ becoming New Garden Church

Link to Bobby Ross Jr.'s Christian Chronicle story on Oklahoma public schools superintendent Ryan Walters

Link to Bobby Ross Jr.'s editorial on how and why The Christian Chronicle covers stories like New Garden Church and Ryan Walters

Link to New Garden Church

Link to Heritage 21 Foundation (referenced in the New Garden Church segment)

Find more news and stories at christianchronicle.org

Donate to support this ministry of "information and inspiration" at christianchronicle.org/donate

Send your comments, ideas, and suggestions to podcast@christianchronicle.org

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 - 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type "Church Leadership Workshop" in the search bar

Send us a Text Message.

Bestselling author (Ghosted: An American Story) and Church of Christ daughter Nancy French opens up about her new memoir and allegations of childhood sexual abuse by a minister. She talks about how sexual abuse happens in Christian churches and organizations and why they sometimes protect perpetrators and not their victims. And, in Christianity, where forgiveness of sins and redemption are central, how might congregations hold abusers accountable while also holding fast to the gospel?

Link to Ghosted: An American Story, by Nancy French (Zondervan)

Link to The Christian Chronicle's review of Ghosted: An American Story

Find more news and stories as christianchronicle.org

To donate to this ministry of information and inspiration, click on christianchronicle.org/donate

This episode is brought to you by Freed-Hardeman University Church Leadership Workshop, September 27 - 28, 2024, at Mid-South Youth Camp in Henderson, Tennessee. FREE for all church leaders who register in advance.

Go to fhu.edu and type "Church Leadership Workshop" in the search bar