**A More Perfect Fellowship** is a podcast that explores the crossroads of faith, patriotism, democracy and difficult conversations. In an era when churches have too often become polarizing forces of extremism, this podcast challenges and resources church leaders to serve communities for civic renewal. Host Joel Allen examines how worshiping communities can overcome incivility and build social capital that underlies democratic norms. The McGovern Center, housed at Dakota Wesleyan University, works to extend the legacy of George and Eleanor McGovern, its most prominent alumni. This podcast dis ..read more

A More Perfect Fellowship: Faith, Democracy, and Difficult Conversations Host: Joel Allen with Ian Chrisler Welcome to A More Perfect Fellowship: Faith, Democracy, and Difficult Conversations, where we explore how scripture speaks to our most pressing challenges—especially the challenge of engaging with those we might rather avoid. I’m [Your Name], and today, we continue our journey through the book of Jonah. Jonah’s story is often remembered for the great fish, but his real struggle isn’t with the sea—it’s with God’s mercy. In chapters 2 and 3, we follow Jonah from the depths of the fish’s be ..read more

A More Perfect Fellowship: Faith, Democracy, and Difficult Conversations Host: Joel Allen (with Ian Chrisler) Welcome to A More Perfect Fellowship: Faith, Democracy, and Difficult Conversations, where we explore how faith communities can bridge divides, foster meaningful dialogue, and cultivate a spirit of reconciliation in a polarized world. I’m Joel Allen and I’m glad you’re here. Today, we turn to the story of Jonah—one of the Bible’s most compelling narratives about resistance, reluctance, and, ultimately, God’s radical love for the ‘other.’ We often think of Jonah as the prophet who was s ..read more

In a time of deep division, this podcast explores how communities of faith can become catalysts for civic renewal and social connectedness. Through compelling conversations and real-world examples, we challenge religious leaders to see building social capital not just as a civic duty, but as a vital part of their spiritual calling. Join us as we uncover how faith can bridge divides and strengthen the fabric of our communities ..read more

This is a podcast exploring the possible role to be played by communities of faith in developing social capital so as to become agents of civil renewal. While the focus here is on Christian communities of faith, the point is broadly applicable to other communities of faith. This podcast comes to you from the McGovern Center at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell South Dakota. Please check out of Facebook Group page at https://www.facebook.com/McGovernCenter/ . The goal of this podcast is to work toward civic renewal in our fractured culture by encouraging religious leaders to see civic rene ..read more

This episode is designed for church leaders who would like to have a resource to help develop an ethos of civic renewal and depolarization in their churches ..read more

This podcast explores the story of Jonah as a biblical resource for church leaders who are called to a ministry similar to his. You (like Jonah) may be burdened by the stressful political polarization in your community. You feel compelled to weave civic cohesiveness so frayed in our tense times. You recognize both its risks and potential. Churches can provide safe spaces for inter-tribal conversation and civic strengthening. On the other hand, sometimes what you intend as civil discourse tragically turns out to be neither civil nor discourse. The story of Jonah provides insights and inspiratio ..read more

Mark Lempke here interviews Peter Stavrianos - a long-time friend of the McGovern family. Peter drove McGovern around as he campaigned for his seat in the US Senate. The overarching theme of this episode is the tremendous kindness and humility with which Sen. McGovern treated everyone no matter what their political opinion. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-allen4/message ..read more

Peter Stavrianos knew George and Eleanor McGovern when he was a small child. His father was one of George's history professors at Northwestern University in the 1950's. Peter went on to be McGovern's driver when he campaigned for his seat in the US Senate in 1962. Peter went on to work on the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs (along with Marshall Matz and Alan Stone whom we have interviewed here). He later worked both for Senator Jim Abourezk and Senator Tom Daschle. The overarching theme of Peter's talk is McGovern's remarkable and genuine kindness. Throughout his whole life, from ..read more

Sen. George McGovern was born on July 19, 1922. To celebrate his 101st birthday, and to extend and enliven his legacy, I offer this conversation. Ann McGovern, the eldest daughter of George and Eleanor, and her brother-in-law Jim Rowen, joined us to get a glimpse of both George and Eleanor on a more personal and intimate level. Historian Mark Lempke led our conversation. Thanks to all for your participation! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-allen4/message ..read more