Ministry in a Secular Age featuring Dr. Andrew Root

Baal and the Gods of More

Andy and Derek discuss Andy's new book "Baal and the Gods of More".  They discuss the trappings of resources and wanting more, and how the God of the Israelites calls us to grow into relationship rather than resources.

How Do You Pastor Through This???

Derek texts Andy in the middle of the ICE raids in Minneapolis asking how the he's supposed to pastor through this. Andy thinks the answer has everything to do with Bonhoeffer — and nothing to do with heroism.

Much Ado About Grieving

Andy saw Hamnet and wept in the theater. When he told other people, they called it "grief porn." Andy now thinks our culture has engineered away the spaces where feeling too much is the whole point. Andy and Derek dig into Byung-Chul Han, Shakespeare, and the ancient human need to mourn together in community. Meanwhile, Derek watched Hamnet alone and cried on his couch.

 

Thoughts and Prayers

Andy has thoughts about thoughts and prayers.

This is our season finale.   We'll be back in April of 2026 with episodes twice a week until November 2026.  Stay tuned for more and thanks for listening!

Zombies, Poetry, and Resonance

Andy thinks ideas from Charles Taylor's recent works about resonance, poetry, and beauty can be found in the zombie show "The Last of Us".   And it says a lot about what ministry looks like in a Secular Age.

Quiet Revival Brewing?

Andy has returned from traveling abroad with news of a Quiet Revival happening in European churches.  Andy and Derek discuss reasons for this and what it could mean for ministries in this secular age.

Charlie Kirk, Taylor's Triangle, and Breaking Ressentiment

Andy discusses Charlie Kirk's death and how interpreting it is tied deeply to Charles Taylor's Triangle.  Andy thinks this is not only helpful for those of us in ministry, but for society at large to break the cycle of ressentiment that perpetuates these sorts of violent acts.

Our call-in line is open!  Call us at ‪(612) 405-8071‬ to leave a question for a future episode!

In God We Trust (But Also Money!)

All churches need money to run.  But sometimes Derek feels more like a small business owner than a pastor sometimes.  Andy explains how money actually has more power than God in the Secular Age, but this gives churches an opportunity to talk about money, stewardship, budgets, and promises in a new way.

Our call-in line is open!  Call us at ‪(612) 405-8071‬ to leave a question for a future episode!

A Pilgrimage into Letting Go

Andy has a brand new book out called "A Pilgrimage into Letting Go".  He talks about the book and why it's important for pastors, parents, and all people to practice the art of letting go.

Our call-in line is open!  Call us at ‪(612) 405-8071‬ to leave a question for a future episode!

 

Empire State of Mind

Derek wonders about what the Gospel is when Christianity is formed in an Empire.  Andy dusts off the works of an obscure scholar who saw history as separate times of First, Second, and Third Culture.  And Fourth Culture is on the way whether we like it or not.

Our call-in line is open!  Call us at ‪(612) 405-8071‬ to leave a question for a future episode!