We live in a highly polarized time. You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, knowing we often discuss it on the Podcast.
It is easy in our given times not to pull our heads above the mess to see that we have been here before. In other words, there have been other catalytic moments in history with tremendous polarization. So, how do we know we are one of these times?
“Not only are Americans sorting; there are also processes in place that, within those sorted regions and groups, there is an increasing movement toward uniformity and homogenization,” said Father Aaron Wessman on the CBF Podcast Conversation. “The result is that large sections of the US have little in common with other sections, the commonalities that perhaps do exist are slowing fading away, and there is little incentive and opportunity to associate with groups that are different.”
Wessman is the vicar general and director of formation for the Glenmary Home Missioners and a contributing writer for American Magazine. We visited with Father Wessman to explore his new book, The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World.
Subscribe or Livestream
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.
Join this audio Podcast by subscribing on iTunes, SoundCloud, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Facebook.
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 is equipping leaders through their Homegrown Initiative, offering ministry leaders training and growth that fits into their busy schedules.
- A Model Ministry: A Model Ministry is a registered non-profit organization specializing in safety education, policy writing, and risk assessment to mitigate child sexual abuse in ministry organizations.
- 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 NRSV, Update Edition from Zondervan: Explore the depth and beauty of Scripture with the NRSV, Updated Edition. With revisions based on new textual evidence, historical insights, and linguistic precision, this updated edition of the NRSV delivers a translation of Scripture based on meticulous care for accuracy and readability.
Listener Support
We invite you, the listeners, to join us in connecting with the Podcast. Become a monthly listener supporter and receive some perks, including name recognition, questions for upcoming guests, free books from the Podcast, joining the Podcast for an interview, and a VIP experience with the General Assembly Podcast guests.
There are five levels of listener support, starting at $5 per month…learn more and become a supporter today at www.cbf.net/podcastsupport.
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.
