Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

Church conflict is no longer the exception—it’s the norm. In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram are joined by Andy Hale, congregational psychologist and author of Mending the Fracturing Church, to explore why churches are experiencing deeper polarization and what it takes to rebuild trust.

Hale explains how psychology, family systems theory, and theology intersect in congregational life, and why conflict itself is not the real threat—avoidance and fear are. The conversation digs into how political identity, generational divides, and moral certainty are reshaping church communities, often in ways leaders are unprepared to address.

Rather than offering quick fixes or ideological answers, Hale calls for patience, self-awareness, and practices that restore human connection—starting with understanding how fear, identity, and the need to be “right” shape the way we treat one another. It’s a grounded, hopeful conversation about what it looks like for the church to remain faithful in a polarized age.

Guest Bio

Andy Hale is a congregational psychologist, minister, and organizational consultant who works with churches navigating conflict, polarization, and institutional change. With nearly three decades of experience in congregational and denominational leadership, his work integrates psychology, family systems theory, and theology to help faith communities rebuild trust and practice healthier forms of disagreement.

He is the author of Mending the Fracturing Church: How to Navigate Conflict and Build Trust for Thriving Communities and hosts two podcasts, including Clergy Confessions, which explores the hidden pressures pastors face today. Hale currently serves in denominational leadership with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

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In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Dan Carr, a pastor and Republican political organizer whose faith and politics are closely aligned with the MAGA movement.

The conversation explores how theological conviction becomes political identity and where those convictions collide with the realities of a pluralistic democracy. Carr shares his faith story, explains why he believes Christians should be deeply engaged in politics, and outlines how he evaluates public policy through a biblical worldview.

From contrasting political perspectives, the discussion moves beyond party labels to examine deeper questions: Where is the line between moral conviction and coercion? How should people of faith relate to those who do not share their assumptions? And what happens when religious identity and political identity become inseparable?

Rather than seeking agreement, the episode offers clarity. It reveals how faith-driven conservatism understands power, policy, and culture—and what it looks like when those ideas are tested in direct conversation with a Democratic host.

Learn more: https://danqcarr.com/

Dan Carr is a pastor, author, and political organizer working at the intersection of faith and conservative politics. He serves as pastor of Community Baptist Church and is involved in Republican political strategy and civic engagement in Mississippi. Carr has worked in political organizing and public policy, including serving as a political director connected to the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

Raised in a ministry family, Carr’s work focuses on strengthening churches, families, and local communities while encouraging Christians to remain active in public life. He is the author of Chivalry Isn’t Dead and I Have Surrendered, where he explores themes of faith, identity, and cultural responsibility. Carr is a prominent voice in conservative Christian circles, advocating for policies shaped by a biblical worldview and engaging debates around religious freedom, social issues, and the role of government in American society.

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🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?
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faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:
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📩 Reach out to us:

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In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram speak with Dr. Matthew Boedy, professor of rhetoric and author of The Seven Mountains Mandate, about the ideological and strategic framework driving modern Christian nationalism.

Boedy explains how the Seven Mountains Mandate evolved from a missionary concept into a coordinated political strategy aimed at gaining institutional control over key sectors of society, including government, education, media, religion, and family. He traces the movement’s theological roots, its connection to the New Apostolic Reformation, and its modern expression through figures like Charlie Kirk and organizations such as Turning Point USA.

The conversation explores how Christian nationalism differs from traditional religious influence, how eschatology shapes political urgency, and why the movement represents a shift from persuasion to power. Will and Josh also wrestle with the implications for democracy, religious freedom, and marginalized communities, while asking what responsible Christian leadership looks like in an era of rising populism and polarization.

Buy the book: The Seven Mountains Mandate: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780664269210

Guest Bio

Dr. Matthew Boedy is a professor of rhetoric and composition at the University of North Georgia and a scholar of religion, politics, and extremism in American culture. His work focuses on how religious ideas shape political movements and how rhetoric is used to mobilize power in public life.

He is the author of The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy, which traces the theological origins, political strategy, and institutional networks behind the modern Christian nationalist movement. In the book, Boedy examines how figures such as Charlie Kirk and organizations like Turning Point USA have transformed religious ideology into a coordinated strategy for influencing government, education, media, and other key sectors of society.

Boedy’s research bridges theology, political theory, and cultural analysis, offering a framework for understanding how faith-based movements evolve from spiritual influence into o

Support the show

🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?
👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com

📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore

❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:
https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics

📩 Reach out to us:

• Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com
• Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com

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