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. Robertson is most known for his work as the “TikTok Pastor”, creating thousands of TikTok videos on inclusive theology which have garnered over 215k followers and 5 million views. Read More >

A prolific writer, he is the author of nine 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 Magazine, 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, Robertson is regularly interviewed in 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 Magazine 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 honored speaker at renowned institutions such as The White House, Oxford University, and The Parliament of World Religions. In 2023, Robertson was chosen to be a speaker at TEDx Lake Superior State University. He’s taught seminars for San Francisco Theological Seminary and Disciples Seminary Foundation and currently serves on the faculty of The Lakelands Institute. He has 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, The Humane Society, and in 2020 was named a Fellow of the prestigious Salzburg Global Seminar.

Named by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the top faith-leaders leading the fight for 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, 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. He currently resides in New York City. Read Less ^

Speaker Videos

True Inclusion

Gay and Christian, No Contradiction | Brandan Robertson | TEDxLSSU

On Marriage Equality Ruling

Evangelizing Marriage Equality Among Evangelicals Clip

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Speech Topics

True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace

How can we embrace intersectional inclusion as individuals, schools, non-profits, and faith communities? What does true inclusion look like beyond virtue signaling and outward signs and symbols? Robertson has worked with countless organizations, leaders, and governments to curate environments of intersectional inclusion and in this talk, he offers a practical guide for us all to begin the work of living out true inclusion.

Come Out!

There is a transformational power in coming out as LGBTQ+: It’s a spiritual, social, and psychological journey that requires bravery and boldness. In this talk, Robertson shares his own dramatic coming out story and inspires LGBTQ+ identified people to embrace their identity and their journey, while challenging non-LGBTQ+ communities to empathize, learn from, and ultimately celebrate the LGBTQ+ people in their communities.

Nomad: Creating A Spirituality Of Your Own

Young people are leaving organized religion in droves, but more people than ever are identifying as spiritual. What is happening and where is this all going? In this talk, Robertson uses his own story as a millennial faith leader to help paint a picture of the progressive, inclusive spirituality that is emerging, and inspires audiences to embrace a creative spirituality of their own.

Testimonials

"The thing about Brandan is he’s really intelligent and he has a huge heart but he’s also fearless, and it’s that alchemy that makes him such a compelling voice."

- Rob Bell, NYT Bestselling Author

“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