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
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 over 300,000 followers and 7 million views across platforms.
A prolific writer, he is the author of countless 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. 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
Speech Topics
True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace
What does it truly mean to create inclusive spaces that move beyond rainbow flags and surface-level solidarity? In this talk, Robertson shares a practical framework for fostering intersectional inclusion within faith communities, schools, and organizations. Drawing from years of work with governments, nonprofits, and churches, he equips audiences with tools to build communities of belonging rooted in justice and authenticity.
Come Out!
Coming out is more than a personal act—it is a sacred journey that reshapes lives and communities. Sharing his own story of coming out as a Christian leader, Robertson speaks to the spiritual and social power of embracing one’s full identity. He challenges communities to move from tolerance to celebration, cultivating spaces where LGBTQ+ people are honored and empowered.
Nomad: Creating A Spirituality Of Your Own
As institutional religion declines, more people than ever are charting their own spiritual path. In this talk, Robertson explores the rise of progressive spirituality and what it looks like to live a meaningful, connected life outside traditional faith structures. He invites audiences to rediscover wonder, embrace doubt, and construct a spiritual practice rooted in compassion and integrity.
Queer & Christian: Faith as Holy Resistance
In a time when Christian nationalism and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric are on the rise, reclaiming queer faith is a defiant and sacred act. Robertson draws from his latest book to challenge audiences to move beyond merely “affirming” theology toward a Queer Christianity that confronts injustice and reimagines belonging. This talk offers a bold vision of inclusive faith rooted in liberation, resistance, and the radical love of Christ.
From Organized Religion to Religion for Organizing
In a time when Christian nationalism and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric are on the rise, reclaiming queer faith is a defiant and sacred act. Robertson draws from his latest book to challenge audiences to move beyond merely “affirming” theology toward a Queer Christianity that confronts injustice and reimagines belonging. This talk offers a bold vision of inclusive faith rooted in liberation, resistance, and the radical love of Christ.
The Rise of Christian Nationalism — and What We Can Do About It
Christian nationalism is one of the most urgent threats to democracy and pluralism in the United States today. Robertson breaks down the theological and cultural roots of this ideology and its dangerous impact on our political and social landscape. He equips audiences—faithful and secular alike—with strategies for resisting this movement and reclaiming faith as a force for the common good.
Bridges, Not Bonfires: What 7M Views (and Plenty of Trolls) Taught Me About Crossing Divides
In an age of outrage and ideological division, is it still possible to build bridges? Drawing on his experiences navigating public debates and online hate as the “TikTok Pastor,” Robertson offers spiritual insights and practical tools for meaningful engagement across deep divides. This talk helps audiences learn how to stay grounded, lead with curiosity, and transform conflict into connection.
Testimonials
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Founding Director, Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice & Founder/Ambassador, Sojourners