Faith in the Public Square: Living Our Call Beyond Sunday
In Episode #4201 of Day1, Rev. Jody Andrade, a Presbyterian minister serving as a transitional pastor in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, sits down with me to talk about what it means to live faith outside the walls of the church.
In this clip, Jody reflects on her journey through interfaith collaboration and civic engagement in Atlanta. She invites us to think about how following Jesus is not limited to Sunday morning worship but extends into the public square—through advocacy, dialogue, and everyday acts of kindness.
From joining prayer vigils to speaking out in public forums, Jody reminds us that being Christian is not about shouting louder than others but about living the gospel through love, justice, and hospitality. Her words echo the wisdom of leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and contemporary interfaith voices, urging us to embody our faith with courage and grace.
Rev. Dr. Katie Givens Kime
So, Jody, you've been involved in all kinds of things and have your career has weaved in all sorts of areas. One of them is in interfaith and in civic work in Atlanta. How do you feel like that's broadened your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus in the public square, specifically, like outside of church?
Rev. Jody Andrade
Yeah, right, we're not just Christians on Sunday mornings from 11 to 12. Gosh, I think it's so exciting to be a Christian. It's so exciting.
And it's something we want to yell, shout from the rooftops. But if we are shouting so loudly that others are being drowned out, I'm not sure that's our call.
I have been involved in interfaith work and have enjoyed every ounce of it. Partnered with other religious leaders and also pay close attention to how faith impacts public life.
There are so many ways to get involved in those things, from prayer, vigils to marches to joining an advocacy group.
That's going to impact public policy. Of course, I have the privilege of having a pulpit from which I can often preach.
But I think we all have the opportunity to dialogue, be it in letters to the editor or blogs, or in conversation around the table.
There's always an opportunity to talk about what really matters in our Christian faith and how we can spread that.
Not necessarily shove it down someone's throat, but live those basic things that Jesus urged us to do, to offer shelter and food and kindness to others.
Jody’s reflections remind us that the life of faith doesn't have to be confined to an hour of worship each week. Christianity calls us into the public square, where our actions, words, and presence can bear witness to the love of Christ.
Her emphasis on dialogue—rather than shouting—echoes the gospel’s call to humility and hospitality. In an era when public discourse is often dominated by division, Jody challenges us to model a faith that listens, cares, and engages constructively.
For pastors and educators, this means equipping congregations to see their daily lives as arenas of ministry. For all of us, it means finding small, tangible ways to live out Christ’s command to love our neighbors—whether through advocacy, acts of kindness, or simple conversations around a table.
Explore Rev. Jody Andrade’s full sermon from episode 4201 >>>