Pastoring in an Era of Christian Nationalism
Oct 14 - Oct 15
THE ASSOCIATION OF INTERIM MINISTERS (AIM) OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN ILLINOIS & WISCONSIN REGION AND THE ILLINOIS CONFERENCE OF UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST PRESENTS:
Pastoring in an Era of Christian Nationalism
October 14 – 15, 2025
Pilgrim Park Camp and Conference Center
Christian Nationalism is an ideology that threatens both church and state. This retreat will explore this dangerous doctrine and how pastors might navigate, confront, and refocus its presence in their congregations and broader society. Attendees will leave with an in-depth understanding of what Christian Nationalism is, the problems it poses, and practical pastoral responses to it.
Keynoter: Beau Underwood
Beau Underwood is the co-author of Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism (Chalice Press, 2024). The book has received several notable awards, including the 2024 top award for non-fiction from both the Religion Communicators Council and the Associated Church Press.
He serves as the senior minister of Allisonville Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is also a contributing editor to Word&Way. He completed his undergraduate studies at Eureka College, earned graduate degrees in both religion and public policy at the University of Chicago, and is currently a doctoral candidate in public affairs at the University of Missouri.
Underwood is also the co-author of a book on Christian fatherhood called, Dear Son: Raising Faithful, Just, and Compassionate Men that is also published by Chalice Press. His writing has appeared in Religion News Service, Sojourners, The Christian Century, Religion & Politics (now ARC), Sightings, Religion Unplugged, and other places.
In addition to pastoring and writing, Underwood has past ministry experience in faith-based advocacy and hospital chaplaincy. He has also held a variety of leadership roles within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Double Occupancy Fee: $200 (registration, one night lodging, and four meals)
Single Occupancy Fee: $250 (registration, one night lodging, and four meals)
Non – Occupancy Fee: $150 (registration, no lodging, and four meals)
AIM Tenative Conference Schedule
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- 11:00 AM – Registration Opens
(Lunch available at 12:00 PM) - 1:00 PM – Welcome & Devotions
- 1:15 PM – Session 1: What Exactly is Christian Nationalism?
(How does it operate in our society to advantage some voices?) - 4:30 PM – Annual AIM Meeting
- 5:30 PM – Dinner
- 7:00 PM – Session 2: The Heresy of Christian Nationalism
(How does it contradict some basic Christian concepts?) - 9:00 PM – Free Time, Refreshments, Campfire, etc.
You are invited to bring snacks to share during the conference and for Tuesday evening.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – Devotions
- 9:15 AM – Session 3: Christian Nationalism — Past, Present, and Future
(Explore practical pastoral responses.) - 12:00 PM – Lunch
- 3:00 PM – Departure