Recorded live from the 2025 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, TN, Loren is joined once again by pastor and podcaster Dennis Sanders for a candid conversation about the state and future of the denomination. They reflect on what’s changed since past gatherings, the unique role and challenges of General Assembly in a time of declining attendance, and the ongoing tension between institutional loyalty and openness to diverse theological voices. From the missed opportunity of a revival resolution to the practical realities of costs, exhibitor layouts, and programming balance, Loren and Dennis bring both deep care and honest critique.

The conversation also moves beyond denominational borders—raising questions relevant to mainline and evangelical contexts alike:

• How should denominations engage in political advocacy when their cultural influence has waned?

• What would it take to be truly inclusive of conservative, moderate, and progressive voices?

• Where might revival come from—and how will we know it when we see it?

Dennis Sanders is an ordained Disciples of Christ minister and lead pastor of First Christian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. A native of Flint, Michigan and big fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions, Dennis is also a communications specialist for a Lutheran congregation in the Twin Cities and is the host of the Church and Main podcast, which tries to live out Karl Barth’s quote of reading the Bible and the newspaper and interpreting the news through the Bible. Dennis lives in Minneapolis with his husband Daniel and their cats.

Mentioned Resources:

🎧 Last GA Episode with Dennis: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-fgenv-1476ff7

📱 Dennis instagram: @adventcelina

📖 Mixed Ecology Book: https://www.churchpublishing.org/embracingthemixedecology

🌐 Ben Crosby's Substack: https://substack.com/@bencrosby

🌐 Jeff Gill's Substack: https://substack.com/@knapsack

🎧 Dennis Sanders: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-q2e35-134587d

🎧 Church and Main Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/church-and-main/id1660817140

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.

Supporting Sponsors:

Restore Clergy If you are clergy in need of tailored, professional support to help you manage the demands of ministry, Restore Clergy is for you!

Kokoro Join in for heartfelt journeys that challenges the way we see ourselves, each other, and the world we share.

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant