October 22, 2024
53
2
3.77%
Every word spoken in this episode is indexed. Type any phrase to jump straight to the moment it was said.
Type any word or phrase that may have been spoken. Click a result to seek the player to that exact moment.
Try a name, a topic, or a quoted line
1:04:59Now PlayingHave a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email usWill@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com ()
In this episode of Faithful Politics, Will Wright and Josh Burtram engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Amanda Clark, a pastor at Branches Vineyard Church. The discussion dives into Amanda's journey as a woman in ministry, navigating her calling within the context of a complementarian background. Amanda shares how her early desire to serve Jesus as a missionary eventually evolved into pastoral leadership, despite the challenges posed by conservative views on women in ministry.
Throughout the episode, Amanda reflects on the barriers female pastors often face, such as the societal awkwardness and traditional rules against male and female leaders meeting privately. She also touches on the support she received from key mentors, her theological journey in seminary, and how she reconciled her beliefs with the Bible's teachings on women in leadership.
The conversation expands into broader issues affecting the church today, including political polarization, social justice, and the role of discipleship in church growth. Amanda emphasizes the importance of balancing leadership growth with the spiritual development of congregants, avoiding the pitfalls of the church growth model that prioritizes numbers over genuine spiritual depth.
This episode also explores Amanda’s personal experiences as a lead pastor in a rural, predominantly conservative area. She candidly discusses the challenges of being perceived as too progressive by some, while also attracting those who value her inclusive approach to ministry. Finally, Amanda offers insights on how pastors can stay grounded in their core convictions, resisting the temptation to cater to popular opinion at the expense of their beliefs.
It’s a powerful discussion about leadership, faith, and the evolving role of women in the church. You can learn more about Amanda's ministry at Branches Vineyard Church and follow her on social media for further insights.
To learn more about our Guest Check Out:
• Branches Vineyard Church
• Theology for Women in Church Leadership Class () , taught by Amanda Clark, through the Vineyard Women’s Association
Books mentioned:
• Tell Her Story () , Nijay K Gupta
• Half the Church () , Carolyn Custis James
Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She DoesWhy Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026. Bookshop.org
Support the show ()
Keep the conversation going.
Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?
Visit our website:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore
Support the show and help us keep these conversations going:
patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics
Subscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com
Contact the hosts:
Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com
Will Wright, Political Host: Will@faithfulpolitics.com
Follow Faithful Politics:
Instagram: faithful_politics
Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
Sentinel Indexing in Progress
Metadata and chapters are available. Claim extraction for this episode is pending.
All video content is delivered via YouTube embedded players in accordance with the YouTube Terms of Service. Sentinel provides research tools that promote discovery and accountability across political media.