Rev. Brandan Robertson

The “TikTok Pastor,” Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church, Author, Activist & Public Theologian

Rev. Brandan Robertson

The “TikTok Pastor,” Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church, Author, Activist & Public Theologian

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Biography

Rev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. He currently serves as the Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in Queens, New York. Known globally as the “TikTok Pastor,” Robertson has created thousands of viral videos on inclusive theology and progressive spirituality, garnering more than 300,000 followers and over 7 million views across platforms.

A prolific writer, he is the author of numerous books on spirituality, justice, and theology, including the INDIES Book of the Year Award finalist True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace. Robertson has bylines in publications such as TIME, San Diego Union Tribune, The Huffington Post, NBC, and The Washington Post, and is a regular columnist for Bishop John Shelby Spong’s Progressing Spirit newsletter as well as Baptist News Global. As a trusted voice on progressive faith and politics, he is frequently interviewed by national and global media outlets including CNN, National Public Radio, MSNBC, Hot Press Ireland, The Independent UK, and The New York Times. In 2021, Rolling Stone included Robertson in its annual “Hot List” of top artists, creatives, and influencers who “are giving us reason to be excited about the future.”

Each year, Robertson speaks on a variety of topics across the globe and has been an invited speaker at institutions such as The White House, Oxford University, and The Parliament of World Religions. In 2023, he was selected as a speaker at TEDx Lake Superior State University. He has taught seminars for San Francisco Theological Seminary and Disciples Seminary Foundation and currently serves on the faculty of The Lakelands Institute. He has also served on advisory committees and working groups for the Democratic National Convention, the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Health and Human Services, and The Humane Society, and in 2020 was named a Fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar.

Named by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the top faith leaders advancing LGBTQ+ equality, Robertson has worked with political leaders and activists around the world to end conversion therapy and promote the human rights of sexual and gender minorities. He works as a national organizer of people of faith on a wide array of social and political issues and is a founding member of The Union of Affirming Christians, The Global Interfaith Commission on LGBTQ+ Lives, and The Ozanne Foundation US, and serves as a Patron of One Body, One Faith UK.

Robertson received his Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Theology from Moody Bible Institute, his Master of Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology, and his Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Religion from Drew University.

A sought-after speaker, Robertson engages universities, organizations, faith communities, and civic groups on inclusive theology, LGBTQ+ rights, and the future of faith, equipping audiences with language and perspective to build more just and compassionate communities. Rev. Brandan Robertson works in partnership with APB Speakers for speaking engagements worldwide.

With a bold, deeply rooted voice, Robertson is leading a new generation of spiritual seekers toward a faith that liberates rather than confines.

Speaker Videos

True Inclusion

Gay and Christian, No Contradiction | Brandan Robertson | TEDxLSSU

On Marriage Equality Ruling

Evangelizing Marriage Equality Among Evangelicals Clip

See Fewer Videos

Speech Topics

True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace

Inclusion isn’t measured by what we display—it’s defined by how people experience our spaces. Brandan Robertson challenges audiences to move beyond performative gestures and toward meaningful, lasting inclusion. Drawing from his work with governments, nonprofits, and faith communities, he offers a practical framework for building environments rooted in belonging, accountability, and justice. Robertson expands the conversation beyond internal culture, exploring how communities can turn shared values into collective action. This talk equips audiences with the mindset and tools to create spaces that not only welcome people—but actively support and empower them.

Audiences will learn:

The difference between performative inclusion and authentic belonging
How to build intersectional communities rooted in trust and accountability
Practical ways to turn values into action and create lasting impact

Queer & Christian: Faith as Holy Resistance

What if faith could be a source of liberation instead of exclusion? Brandan Robertson blends personal story with theological insight to explore what it means to live authentically at the intersection of queer identity and Christian faith. From his own journey of coming out to his work reimagining theology, Robertson challenges audiences to move beyond tolerance and toward full affirmation and celebration. He invites communities to see queer identity not as something to reconcile, but as a vital and sacred part of faith. Honest, bold, and deeply human, this talk offers a vision of spirituality rooted in courage, belonging, and radical love.

Audiences will learn:

How authenticity can transform both personal identity and community belonging
Why moving beyond “affirming” is essential to inclusive faith spaces
Practical ways to create environments where LGBTQ+ individuals are fully celebrated

Bridges, Not Bonfires: What 7M Views (and Plenty of Trolls) Taught Me About Crossing Divides

What if the goal isn’t to win the argument—but to transform the conversation? Brandan Robertson draws on his experience as the “TikTok Pastor,” where millions of views and intense online backlash have placed him at the center of some of today’s most polarized debates. Through candid storytelling and spiritual reflection, he explores what it takes to stay grounded in the face of criticism, engage with people across deep ideological divides, and resist the pull of outrage culture. Robertson offers both insight and practical tools for navigating difficult conversations with curiosity, clarity, and compassion—turning moments of conflict into opportunities for connection. Timely and highly relatable, this talk equips audiences to lead with intention in a world that too often rewards division.

Audiences will learn:

How to engage across differences without escalating conflict
Why curiosity and empathy are essential in polarized environments
Practical strategies for turning disagreement into meaningful dialogue

Nomad: Creating A Spirituality Of Your Own

What does it mean to be spiritual when the old frameworks no longer fit? Brandan Robertson explores the growing movement of people stepping outside traditional religious institutions while still seeking meaning, connection, and purpose. Drawing from his work as a progressive faith leader, he examines how individuals are crafting personal spiritual paths grounded in compassion, curiosity, and integrity. Robertson invites audiences to rethink long-held assumptions about faith, making space for doubt, exploration, and a more expansive understanding of belief. Reflective and forward-looking, this talk offers a thoughtful guide for anyone navigating spirituality in a rapidly changing world.

Audiences will learn:

Why more people are redefining spirituality outside traditional institutions
How to embrace doubt, curiosity, and exploration as part of spiritual growth
Practical ways to build a meaningful, values-driven spiritual life

The Rise of Christian Nationalism — and What We Can Do About It

When faith is used to consolidate power, what happens to democracy? Brandan Robertson unpacks the growing influence of Christian nationalism and its impact on the political and cultural fabric of the United States. Drawing on his work as a theologian and public voice, he examines the ideological roots of this movement and how it challenges pluralism, equity, and democratic values. Robertson moves beyond diagnosis to offer a clear path forward, equipping both faith-based and secular audiences with strategies to recognize, resist, and respond. Grounded in a vision of faith as a force for inclusion and the common good, this talk invites audiences to reclaim the role of spirituality in building a more just and democratic society.

Audiences will learn:

What Christian nationalism is and why it poses a threat to democracy and pluralism
How to recognize its influence in political, cultural, and religious spaces
Practical strategies to resist its impact and promote a more inclusive vision of faith

Testimonials

“Exhibiting clarity, wisdom, and insight that belie his youth, Brandan Robertson has emerged as an exciting voice and leader... Robertson’s work is highly instructive—and a true inspiration.”

- Tom Krattenmaker, USA Today

"Brandan stands out as a thinker and as one of the young leaders whom we would be wise to watch and to listen to. His vocation and dedication are ever-present in what he writes and says and creates."

- Phyllis Tickle, Publishers Weekly

“Brandan retrieves the beautiful, miraculous, inalienable truth that God loves all His creation and that the bitter, toxic language of homophobia is not the language of God… and not the language of any true Christian.”

- Dr. Mary McAleese, Eighth President of Ireland

“Brandan is fearless and one of the clearest voices on the topic of faith and LGBTQ+ inclusion... paving the way for a more inclusive and loving understanding of faith.”

- Don Lemon, Host, Don Lemon Show

“Brandan is really intelligent and has a huge heart, but he's also fearless— and it's that alchemy that makes him such a compelling voice for what Jesus is up to in the world.”

- Rob Bell, New York Times Bestselling Author, Love Wins