In this episode of the Disarming Leviathan podcast, Caleb Campbell talks with John Thielepape, a pastor and community leader from North Texas who now works with the Multifaith Neighbors Network and LocalNet. John shares how his team is helping churches and local institutions respond to political polarization, extremism, and social fragmentation. Drawing from his experience managing a community response project in Tarrant County, Texas, John explains how practical tools like the Peacemakers Toolkit and conversation action cards were developed to equip pastors and laypeople for everyday peacemaking. The conversation explores how belonging, trust, and listening can help provide “off-ramps” from radicalization and how discipleship rooted in the way of Jesus can reframe our engagement with those shaped by fear, division, or conspiracy thinking.
About John
John Thielepape (pronounced Tee-lee-pap) has served as the Director of Missions for the Parker Baptist Association since 2006, supporting Southern Baptist churches in Parker County, Texas—just west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, John now lives in Weatherford, Texas with his wife Charlotte, a retired public school educator. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry focused on Faith Development Theory.
Find the Peacemakers toolkit at https://mfnn.org/resource/peacemakers-toolkit/
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