Shows
Give and TakeEpisode 296: Swimming With The Sharks: Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red-and-Blue World, with Jack HabererIn this episode of Give and Take, Scott Jones sits down with pastor and author Jack Haberer to discuss his new book, Swimming With the Sharks: Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red-and-Blue World. As political polarization increasingly shapes—and often divides—American congregations, Jack brings hard-earned wisdom, theological depth, and pastoral sensitivity to the challenge of leading churches across ideological lines.
Drawing from decades of ministry in diverse settings, Jack shares real-world stories, practical insights, and a hopeful vision for what it means to shepherd a church that refuses to split down party lines. The conv...
2025-07-1747 min
The Theology MillJack Haberer / Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red-and-Blue WorldJack Haberer was raised Roman Catholic, became a Jesus freak, was formed in faith by Baptists, Pentecostals, Charismatics, Methodists, Non-denominationals, and finally ordained a Presbyterian, earning three academic degrees in the process. He has served influential churches as pastor—in twenty-two of which he preached to rocket scientists. The congregations flourished. He has written three earlier books and served as editor of The Presbyterian Outlook for nine years. He is the author of Swimming with the Sharks: Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red-and-Blue World (Cascade, 2024).
PODCAST LINKS:
- Swimming with the...
2024-12-3159 min
Church and MainAbout the Purple Church Initiative with Beth Crissman | Episode 212I speak with Reverend Beth Chrisman about the Purple Church Initiative, which aims to bridge partisan divides within congregations by fostering inclusivity and dialogue. We discuss the initiative's origins and its practical tools, like "Conversation Across the Aisles," designed to promote healthy discussions around differences. Rev. Chrisman emphasizes the need for open communication to build understanding among church members and shares proactive steps churches are taking to engage their communities.
Related Links:
Purple Church Initiative webpage
Related Episodes:
Beyond the Purple Church with Jack Haberer | Episode 194
Links:
...
2024-12-0435 min
Church and MainPre-post Election Thoughts | Episode 209In this episode, Dennis shares a sermon he gave on the Sunday before the election, which might serve as thoughts on how we are to be Christians after the election. For Dennis, the most important thing is that we love one another regardless of how one voted. Give a listen.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Whatever Happens, Love Thy Neighbor by Larissa Phillips
Love God. Love Neighbors. Sermon Text
Related Episodes:
John Wesley's Voting Advice with Drew McIntyre | Episode 208
Does Election Day Communion Still Matt...
2024-11-0930 min
Church and MainJohn Wesley's Voting Advice with Drew McIntyre | Episode 208On this second episode focusing on the upcoming Presidential election, we look at how Christians act during an election. I talk with Drew McIntyre about his recent article called “Sanctimony or Sanctification? John Wesley’s voting advice for today.”
Drew is the Pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina and a host of the God and Whiskey Podcast.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Sanctimony or Sanctification article
God and Whiskey Podcast
Related Episodes:
The Aftermath of the United Methodist General Conference with Drew McIntyre...
2024-11-041h 00
Church and MainDoes Election Day Communion Still Matter? with Andrew Camp | Episode 207Election Day Communion was an effort started by two Mennonite pastors and an Episcopal layperson in 2012. to try to bring people together on Election Day. The hope was after people voted, they would come and gather at the communion table. Subsequent events took place in 2016 and 2020. But the Facebook Page for Election Day Communion was not updated for 2024. After January 6 and the rise of Christian Nationalism, is there still a place for this event?
Andrew Camp, says yes and joins me to say why. Camp is both a former pastor and a former sous chef interested in the...
2024-10-3150 min
Rethinking God with Tacos PODCASTJack Haberer / Swimming With SharksIn this conversation, Jason and his uncle, Jack Haberer, discuss Jack's journey in ministry and his new book, Swimming with Sharks: Leading The Full Spectrum Church In A Red And Blue World.
The book addresses the polarization within American Christianity and offers insights on fostering unity across denominations and ideologies.
They explore the importance of speaking the truth in love and embracing a full spectrum approach to church, where all voices are heard and valued.
They also discuss the need to go beyond dualistic thinking and embrace the revelation of God's love and...
2024-07-241h 09
Church and MainBeyond the Purple Church with Jack Haberer | Episode 194 Jack Haberer returns to talk about his latest book, "Swimming with the Sharks: Leading the Full Spectrum Church in a Red and Blue World." Using encounters with sharks as a metaphor, we explore the divisive forces in society and the importance of empathy in bridging divides. Jack challenges binary thinking, encourages partnership over proselytizing, and emphasizes biblical teachings on love and compassion.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
Swimming with the Sharks book
Related Episodes:
Voting as a Moral Act with Bryan McGraw | Episode 176
Donate: Venmo- @churchandmainpod |TipTopJar- https://tiptopjar.com/ele...
2024-07-2458 min
Church and MainThe End of the Religious "Big Tent" with Ted Smith | Episode 190In this episode, theologian Ted Smith explores the transformation of denominations in the United States, moving from broad structures to more specialized affinity groups. The shift is driven by societal changes, leading to more homogeneous and smaller denominations. Smith highlights advantages like reduced conflict, clearer paths to ordination, and lower institutional overhead. Despite benefits, challenges include the loss of diverse viewpoints and potential alignment with political movements. The discussion also addresses the evolution of theological education in response to current trends and the evolving landscape for seminaries.
Suggested Reading and Listening:
The Aftermath o...
2024-07-0847 min
Church and MainInclusion, Pluralism and the Presbyterian Church (USA) with Jack Haberer | Episode 188The 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is set to meet soon in Salt Lake City. One of the many issues to be discussed is a proposal called the "Olympia Overture," which would formally prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ Presbyterians, but could according to some make it hard for those with different theological interpretations to remain in the denomination. In this episode, I talked with retired PC(USA) pastor and former editor of Presbyterian Outlook Jack Haberer about the proposal and what it would mean for the denomination.
Suggested Reading:
Embracing Diversity Without Exclusion (ar...
2024-06-2458 min
2024-03-0322 min
First Presbyterian Church - Allentown, PAJanuary 12, 2020 Pray for One Another - Jack HabererJanuary 12, 2020 Pray for One Another - Jack Haberer by FPCA
2020-01-1221 minFirst Presbyterian Church - Allentown, PADecember 24, 2019 Straw for the Manger: Pa-Rum-Pum-Pum-Pum - Jack HabererDecember 24, 2019 Straw for the Manger: Pa-Rum-Pum-Pum-Pum - Jack Haberer by FPCA
2019-12-2520 min
From the Concert HallDr. Jack HabererIndividual artist interviews as done by the FTCH crew. Each artist brings something unique to the table and here on From the Concert Hall we try to showcase such artists and show the world a side of them that they may not have known.
2015-05-0859 min
2014-03-0226 min