In this deeply human and compelling episode, Chris Bellanger helps us rediscover a truth often forgotten in a polarized culture: every person carries inherent dignity. Drawing from decades of ministry, community work, and personal encounters across socioeconomic and cultural divides, Chris offers a grounded and practical perspective on seeing—really seeing—people the way Jesus does.
The conversation begins with a simple but profound conviction: dignity isn’t something we give; it’s something we recognize. Chris shares stories from his pastoral life and community leadership, where he witnessed the transformative power of treating people not as problems to fix but as image-bearers worth honoring. Whether sitting with someone experiencing homelessness, leading in diverse ministry spaces, or navigating high-tension social issues, Chris has learned that dignity is the starting point for genuine change.
Throughout the episode, Chris challenges the assumptions that often fuel division. He explains how labeling, dismissing, or dehumanizing—even subtly—erodes our ability to love well. In contrast, approaching people with dignity builds bridges, opens conversations, and restores trust. He unpacks how this posture shifts the tone of our engagement: listening replaces lecturing, compassion replaces contempt, and presence replaces performance.
Chris also offers practical ways to cultivate a culture of dignity within the church: slowing down, entering conversations with curiosity, acknowledging our blind spots, and choosing empathy over assumptions. He emphasizes that dignity does not negate truth-telling—it strengthens it. When people feel seen and valued, even difficult conversations can lead toward healing rather than hostility.
Through honest stories and thoughtful wisdom, Chris calls the church to model a better way in a world too quick to shame or silence. Dignity, he reminds us, is not optional for followers of Jesus—it is the way of Jesus. And when the church leads with dignity, it becomes a refuge of hope in a culture shaped by division.
Interviewee: Chris Bellanger
Chris Bellanger is the City Director for LINC Twin Cities, a nonprofit ministry committed to empowering local grassroots leaders to reach their communities with the hope of the Gospel. Under Chris’s leadership, LINC equips emerging leaders through coaching, training, strategic planning, and relational support, helping them launch and strengthen church plants, nonprofits, and Kingdom-minded businesses throughout the Twin Cities.
Grounded in the belief that “No leader walks alone,” Chris is passionate about championing voices that are often overlooked, bridging diverse communities, and building collaborative partnerships across the Body of Christ. His heartbeat is to see every neighborhood saturated with the Gospel, where every person has the opportunity to encounter Jesus in a way they can understand, through someone they personally know.
Chris is a Husband, Father, Pastor, and Community Leader. Who is deeply committed to seeing leaders thrive, cities healed, and lives transformed through the power of the Gospel.
Connect with Mission Church MSP:
Website: missionchurchmsp.org
Instagram: instagram.com/MissionChurchMSP
Facebook: facebook.com/@MissionChurchMSP
YouTube: youtube.com/@MissionChurchMSP
