By Andy Hale
This week on the CBF Podcast Conversation, we bring you two compelling episodes that delve into some of the most pressing issues facing the church and society today. First, we welcome Dr. Brian Kaylor, president and editor-in-chief of Word & Way, to discuss his latest book, Baptizing America. Kaylor challenges us to examine how mainline Protestantism contributed to the rise of Christian Nationalism and the dangerous ways faith has been co-opted for political power. From the January 6th insurrection to the weaponization of religious language, he unpacks the historical and theological implications of this ideology, reminding us that the future of both the church and democracy depends on confronting these distortions of faith.
In our second episode, we sit down with Lydia Wylie-Kellermann, writer, activist, and director of Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center, to discuss her book This Sweet Earth. With poetic wisdom, Wylie-Kellermann reflects on raising children in the age of climate collapse, urging us to rekindle our sacred connection to the land. She challenges us to recognize the injustices of colonialism, acknowledge the resilience of Indigenous land stewards, and embrace a love for place that fuels both resistance and hope. As she calls us to live humanely and invite our children into a deeper relationship with creation, her words offer both a prophetic warning and an invitation to renewal. Don’t miss these two transformative conversations this week on the CBF Podcast Conversation.
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CBF’s podcast shares stories from across the Fellowship and innovative practices of those working to renew God’s world. The vision is to share ideas, stories, and innovations from ministers, authors, and practitioners.
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Sponsorship
This podcast is presented by:
- Baylor’s Garland School of Social Work: Social workers can be found addressing the full scope of the human experience in churches, schools, prisons, government agencies, senior living centers, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies.
- Baptist Seminary of Kentucky: BSK equips leaders through their Homegrown Initiative, offering ministry leaders training and growth that fits into their busy schedules.
- The Gardner-Webb School of Divinity: The Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity aims to equip, nurture, encourage, and support men and women for their very best service in the Kingdom of God.
- The Center for Congregational Health: Strengthening congregations through consulting, leadership coaching, and intentional ministry.
- The Baptist House of Studies at Union Presbyterian Seminary: Exists by God’s grace to educate, inspire, and support generations of bold, faithful servant leaders as they seek actively to participate in God’s mission in the world.
- Community Transformation Center: Through educational opportunities, community conversations, and research initiatives in collaboration with universities and local leaders, PBACTC is at the forefront of integrating spiritual care into holistic community development.
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Andy Hale is the creator and host of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Podcast. Hale is the Associate Executive Coordinator of CBF North Carolina. He’s also served as CBF’s Church Start Specialist, the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton, and the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Follow on Twitter @haleandy.