expanding the community of radical grace
November 6-8
Join us in Helena for the next George Harper Expanding Faith Lecture Series, featuring John Fugelsang and Brandan Robertson.
Throughout the weekend attendees will have the opportunity to hear presentations from each speaker, enjoy a moderated dialogue between John and Brandan, participate in interactive question-and-answer sessions, and break into small groups for deeper discussion. Brandan Robertson will kick us off on Friday evening with a compelling and insightful session and John Fugelsang will bring the weekend to a close on Saturday evening with his thought provoking comedy. Youth will also have the opportunity to meet with both Brandan and John through special youth-focused events.
ALSO - Join us Sunday morning for worship where John will be preaching.
Registration will open August 8th.
Tickets for the weekend will be $50. A virtual-only option will be available for $10. Youth Tickets are $20. Please contact our office for special rates and registration for Youth Groups.
Why?
If Christians are supposed to love their enemies, why are so many separated by hate? That question, and its remedy, are at the heart of this year’s Expanding Faith Series hosted by St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in the Helena, Montana.
At a point in American history where division feels rampant and disdain is often clothed in religious language, St. Paul’s is looking for a way forward. This year’s series is about reclaiming Christian values and language to create communities of cohesion and embrace rather than anger and dismay.
John Fugelsang, comedian and author of the New York Times best-selling Separation of Church and Hate, uses scripture, history, and humor to challenge exclusive nationalist ideas of Christianity and reclaim the Bible’s focus on compassion for the marginalized as the door to salvation, both for individuals and society.
Brandan Robertson, pastor and public theologian, is “spreading the Good News of an inclusive modern gospel” according to Rolling Stone magazine, through his ministry and recent book, True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace.
Together, these two inspiring thinkers and speakers will present their ideas for building the kingdom of heaven on earth through presentations, moderated dialogue, and small group interaction November 6-8, 2026 at St Paul’s UMC, 512 Logan Street, Helena, Montana.
Jesus said to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, let’s give it a try!
Who?
BRANDAN ROBERTSON
Rev. Brandan Robertson is an acclaimed author, activist, and public theologian working at the intersection of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. He serves as Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City and Theologian-in-Residence at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ in Miami, Florida. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, he is also the Founder and Executive Director of DevOUT, a nonprofit dedicated to countering far-right religious narratives and amplifying inclusive theological voices through media and education.
Known widely as the “TikTok Pastor,” Robertson’s digital ministry reaches nearly 400,000 followers and millions of viewers worldwide. He has authored or contributed to more than twenty books on faith and justice, including True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace, an INDIES Book of the Year Award finalist. His work has been featured by TIME Magazine, NBC, CNN, and The Washington Post, and he has spoken at venues such as the White House, Oxford University, and the Parliament of the World’s Religions.
A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, Robertson was named to Rolling Stone’s “Hot List” and Out Magazine’s 2025 OUT100. He lives in New York City and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at Drew University.
John Fugelsang
John Fugelsang is an actor, comedian, radio personality, and political commentator and author. He hosts the popular comedy/politics talk show Tell Me Everything on SiriusXM Radio. His new film "Dream On," a road trip in search of the American Dream, was named "Best Documentary" at the NY Independent Film Festival.
He recently performed in 'The Bill of Rights Concert" alongside Lewis Black & Dick Gregory which aired on AXS. He's also appeared at Montreal’s ‘Just for Laughs’ Festival, HBO’s U.S Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, hosted America's Funniest Home Videos for ABC and Bill Maher called him ‘one of my favorite comedians’.
John has interviewed Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Brian Wilson, Yoko Ono, Willie Nelson, Tony Bennett, Alan Rickman, Joey Ramone, Carlos Santana, James Taylor, Bo Diddley, Stevie Nicks, Robbie Robertson, Ravi Shankar, Beyonce Knowles, Olivia Harrison, Garth Brooks, William Hurt, Helen Hunt, Ashanti, John Fogerty, William Shatner, Sen. Trent Lott, Sen. Tom Daschle, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Ed Asner, Nile Rogers, Michael Moore, JK Simmons, Valerie Plame, Ethan Hawke, Brian Dennehy, Mavis Staples, Joel Grey, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Lily Tomlin, Dave Matthews, Terrence McNally, Stanley Tucci, Michael Shannon, Noel Gallagher, Jeff Daniels, Rita Moreno, & Carl Reiner. His interview with George Harrison included JF persuading George to play several songs on acoustic guitar.
Fugelsang’s New York Time’s bestseller, Separation of Church and Hate uses scripture, history, and humor to challenge exclusive nationalist ideas of Christianity and reclaim the Bible’s focus on compassion for the marginalized as the door to salvation, both for individuals and society.
Photo credit Curtis Brown Photography 2025