The Upstate Ploughman

When Ploughshares Become Swords: Semiquincentennial Special Episode

In honor of the United States' semiquincentennial anniversary, the Ploughmen welcome back James Monahan (history teacher at Chapel Field Christian School) to discuss the anniversary of American Independence and especially the minutemen who fired the "shot heard around the world" that kicked off the Revolution against British tyranny. They look at the famous statue of "the Minuteman" in Concord, Massachusetts (by Daniel Chester French), and how its symbolism gets to the heart of what it means to be both loyal farmers dedicated to your field and community, and courageous soldiers willing to lay down your life--even when the forces of tyranny seem unbeatable. Daniel Chester French's statue, "The Minuteman" (1875): https://www.nps.gov/mima/learn/historyculture/the-minute-man-statue-by-daniel-chester-french.htm 1843 interview with Captain Levi Preston, veteran of the Battle of Concord: https://www.google.com/books/edition/John_Adams_the_Statesman_of_the_American/E-ZAYsSidj4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Young%20man%2C%20what%20we%20meant%20in%20going%20for%20those%20Redcoats&pg=PA249&printsec=frontcover “The Sacrifices Made by the Men Who SIgned the Declaration” by Mike Sabo https://www.dailysignal.com/2016/07/01/the-sacrifices-made-by-the-men-who-signed-the-declaration/

Using Your Front Porch to Love Your Neighbor (and Glorify God)

Warmer weather has finally come, and many of us are thinking about getting outdoors, gardening and barbeques. In this episode, Nathan interviews Ian Lamont about the way the Lamont family uses their front porch, not just for relaxation and enjoyment, but to get to know their neighbors and witness to the them about the Gospel. They discuss an article about how front porches were once used to foster community and love of neighbor, and how (whether you have a porch or not) our homes can be used in this way again. From Porch to Patio by Richard H. Thomas Article Link: https://www.frontporchrepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/From-Porch-to-Patio-R.-Thomas.pdf

Book Discussion: Harmonizing Soul and Service

In this episode Ian and Nathan discuss Gregory the Great's Book of Pastoral Care, which gives timeless advice to anyone who teaches (including parents and church officers) others about how to balance the Christian commitment to taking our duties in the world seriously, and yet keeping our gaze fixed on Heaven.

Breaking down the Generation Gap in Ministry (ft. Isaiah Keator)

Isaiah Keator, Associate Pastor of Chenango Christian Church, talks about life and ministry in a blue-collar, upstate New York community, his church's growing ministry to the elderly, and how the church works to equip heads of households, and bring families and generations together in their knowledge and love of Christ.

Learning to Love Your Local Heritage (ft. James Monahan)

In this interview James Monahan, history teacher at Chapel Field Christian School in Pine Bush, NY, discusses how he uses local history to help his students grow in piety and loyalty to the place God has entrusted to them; he also gives some hints about creative but practical ways Christian parents and leaders can help instill these virtues in those under their care.