Dr. Ryan Burge is back to unpack closing the church he pastors and put it in the changing context of institutional religion in America. This is a candid discussion on the personal and societal impacts of church closures in America, illustrated by Ryan's own experience of closing his long-term church. The conversation explores theological diversity, the digital evolution of faith awareness, and the shifting landscape of religiosity in America. With anecdotes about conference speaking, humorous takes on 90s Christian rock, and reflections on pop culture influences like South Park, this episode is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Perfect for anyone grappling with similar challenges or curious about the state of American Christianity.

WATCH the conversation on YouTube

Ryan P. Burge is an assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University. Author of numerous journal articles, he is the co-founder of and a frequent contributor to Religion in Public, a forum for scholars of religion and politics to make their work accessible to a general audience. Burge is a pastor in the American Baptist Church. 

Previous Visits from Ryan Burge

• The Future of Christian Education & Ministry in Charts


• The Sky is Falling & the Charts are Popping!


• Graphs about Religion & Politics w/ Spicy Banter


• a Year in Religion (in Graphs)


• Evangelical Jews, Educated Church-Goers, & other bits of dizzying data


• 5 Religion Graphs w/ a side of Hot Takes


• Myths about Religion & Politics

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