Happy & Holy: Recent Episodes

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, Kate Boyd, Jenai Auman, and Liz Daye continue their exploration of 2 Samuel, examining chapters 21-22—a jarring collection of appendices that reveal David’s legacy through violence, political maneuvering, and self-congratulatory poetry.

This isn’t a triumphant conclusion to David’s reign—it’s a sobering look at how powerful people rewrite history to justify harm, and how the quiet faithfulness of marginalized women like Rizpah often goes unnoticed while loud, self-serving declarations get preserved as “worship.”

Topics Covered

• Understanding the structural shift in 2 Samuel 21-24 from linear narrative to a collection of “appendices” that are deliberately out of chronological order, giving different perspectives and even contradicting earlier accounts like the story of who actually killed Goliath

• How David responds to a three-year famine by asking the Gibeonites (not God) how to fix it, resulting in the execution of seven of Saul’s descendants—a solution that violates Torah patterns of repentance while serving David’s political interests by eliminating threats to his throne

• The prophetic witness of Rizpah, a concubine who holds vigil over her sons’ desecrated bodies for six months, whose quiet faithfulness actually lifts the famine when David finally gives the bodies proper burial—yet most major commentaries ignore her story entirely

• Why the famous contradiction about Goliath’s death (attributed to Elhanan here rather than David) reveals how stories were shaped to serve David’s propaganda, showing us that “history favors the victor” and inviting us to read with suspicion

• Examining David’s Psalm in chapter 22 as an unreliable narrator’s self-congratulatory rewriting of history, claiming blamelessness and righteousness while celebrating violence and conquest that directly contradicts Torah values and God’s vision for leadership

• How hyper-spiritualizing language gets weaponized to justify harm—from David’s beautiful words masking brutal actions to modern Christian nationalism using similar rhetoric to consolidate power while claiming God’s blessing on violence and oppression

Timestamps:

01:00 Chapter 21: Famine, Gibeonites, and Political Pragmatism

06:00 David’s Solution: Execution Instead of Repentance

12:00 Rizpah’s Vigil: Six Months of Prophetic Witness

18:00 Why Most Commentaries Erase Rizpah’s Story

24:00 The Goliath Contradiction and David Propaganda

33:00 Chapter 22: David’s Self-Congratulatory Psalm

42:00 Rewriting History: When Beautiful Words Mask Violence

52:00 Context Matters: Why We Can’t Proof-Text Our Way Through

59:00 Reading with Suspicion and Through the Lens of Torah

1:04:00 Loud Posturing vs. Quiet Faithfulness

1:10:00 Finding the Hosts Online

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, Kate Boyd sits down with Mandy Capehart, author of Restorative Grief, for an intimate conversation about how faith deconstruction is actually a complex grief process that affects every dimension of our lives.

This isn't just about changing your theology—it's about recognizing that when we deconstruct faith, we're grieving the loss of safety, belonging, community, identity, and even our relationship with our own bodies. Mandy offers a compassionate framework for understanding why this process is so difficult and how healing can happen holistically.

Mandy Capehart is a grief educator, somatic practitioner, and author of Restorative Grief. She hosts the Restorative Grief podcast and leads the Restorative Grief Project, a supportive online community. Her work focuses on helping people understand grief as a holistic experience that involves heart, mind, body, and spirit.

Topics Covered

• Understanding faith deconstruction as a layered grief process that involves losing "the systems and structures that have really shaped our sense of safety, belonging, and community," not just changing beliefs about theology or biblical interpretation

• How leaving faith communities mirrors other major life transitions like divorce or coming out, particularly when "we have disrupted our foundation" and can no longer rely on our faith as the solid rock during other difficulties

• The difference between fitting in and true belonging, and how many people discover they were conditionally accepted in their faith communities only when they could edit themselves to match expectations rather than bring their full selves

• Why intellectualizing deconstruction can become a protective strategy that creates "an illusion of control" while avoiding the necessary work of processing how these changes affect us emotionally and somatically in our bodies

• How faith communities often suppress connection to our physical selves, leading to embodied symptoms like "tightness in their throat, in their chest" and the inability to speak authentically when our voices have been deemed unsafe or invalid

• The transformative power of learning to "take up space" and speak with authenticity, even when it means risking correction or disagreement, and finding safety in being humbled while maintaining belonging

Timestamps:

01:00 What Are We Actually Grieving in Faith Deconstruction?

05:00 Beyond Theology: How Environment and Values Shape Us

11:00 Why Faith Deconstruction Looks Like Divorce

18:00 Grieving Community and the Loss of Belonging

23:00 Identity Grief: When Labels and Roles No Longer Fit

29:00 How Grief and Transition Show Up in Our Bodies

36:00 Learning to Take Up Space and Use Our Voices

40:00 Restorative Grief: Finding Safety in the Eye of the Storm

47:00 Finding Mandy's Work and Resources

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, we continue our deep dive into 2 Samuel with Kate Boyd, Jenai Auman, and Liz Daye — examining chapter 20 and its stark contrasts between violence and peacemaking, power and wisdom.

This isn't just ancient history—it's a cautionary tale about what happens when leaders prioritize power over God's vision of shalom, and how the pursuit of control creates systems that harm the most vulnerable while claiming to restore order.

Topics Covered

• How Sheba's rebellion represents a more serious threat to David's kingdom than Absalom's revolt, with "all the men of Israel" deserting David and foreshadowing the eventual split of the kingdom that echoes this same rallying cry

• Understanding Joab's brutal murder of Amasa as the physical embodiment of David's strategic manipulation—both men eliminate threats to maintain power, but Joab does openly what David orchestrates from behind the scenes

• Examining the treatment of David's ten concubines as property that gets "handled" rather than cared for, showing how David's view of women as disposable objects extends from Michal to these women who are condemned to live "as widows until the day of their death"

• The contrast between male violence and female wisdom through the unnamed "wise woman" who speaks in poetry to negotiate peace, representing the biblical pattern of women stepping up to end conflicts when men create chaos through their pursuit of power

• How the concept of shalom differs from simple peace or absence of conflict—it represents "the harmony between things and the right relatedness of things," a holistic vision of flourishing that stands in stark opposition to David's hierarchical kingdom

• Why the chapter's ending list of David's officials, including someone "over forced labor," reveals a kingdom that has abandoned God's Torah vision and adopted the oppressive practices of surrounding empires, directly contradicting Israel's identity as people freed from slavery

Timestamps:

01:00 Sheba's Rebellion: A More Serious Threat Than Absalom

03:00 Joab's Betrayal Kiss: Violence to Maintain Power

06:00 The Concubines: How David "Handles" Women as Property

10:00 The Wise Woman: Poetry, Peace, and Maternal Protection

16:00 Shalom vs. Power: Two Visions of Community

24:00 God's Absence and the Politics of David's Kingdom

28:00 David as the god of Christian Nationalism

33:00 Reading Narrative as Literature: Seeing the Bigger Picture

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, Kate Boyd sits down with Rohadi, author of When We Belong, for a provocative conversation about the difference between progressive Christianity and truly decolonized faith.

This isn't about finding a more liberal church or updating your theology—it's about fundamentally reimagining what liberative community looks like when we center marginalized voices and embody radical love ethics in our neighborhoods and daily lives.

Rohadi is an author, speaker, and community leader who focuses on decolonizing Christianity and embodied spiritual practices. He leads an online faith community called A Beautiful Table and hosts the podcast series "Farewell Evangelicalism." His upcoming book on embodied meditations will be released in 2026.

Topics Covered

• Why leaving white evangelicalism for progressive or liberal churches often replicates the same harmful patterns, as recent data shows most "liberal" denominations still vote majority Republican and maintain foundational issues with ableism and white supremacy

• Understanding how evangelical formation is designed to control bodies, particularly women and children, and why those who don't conform to white male, cisgender, able-bodied norms will "never belong fully" regardless of theological adjustments

• The crucial difference between knowledge and embodied wisdom—why reading books about justice isn't the same as participating in liberative community that seeks "right repair unto right relationship" with land, people, and resources

• How decolonizing faith requires listening to indigenous voices and resistance movements specific to the land where your feet touch, rather than seeking universal solutions or centering white voices in leadership

• Exploring embodied spiritual practices like body scans and breath work that help reclaim the body after evangelical teachings that promote distrust and disconnection from physical experiences and emotions

• Why truly liberative communities are found "on the margins"—in recovery churches, queer churches, and racialized communities—and how white people can join existing movements without needing to lead or start their own organizations

Timestamps:

01:00 Beyond Evangelicalism: Progressive vs. Decolonized Faith

04:00 How Evangelical Formation Controls Bodies and Margins

09:00 The Lifelong Process of Unlearning White Supremacist Patterns

14:00 Moving Slow: Relationships, Grief, and Embodied Wisdom

21:00 Living in Tension: Safety, Community, and Vulnerability

26:00 Whose Traditions? Questioning Christian Orthodoxy and Authority

33:00 Embodying Radical Love Ethics in Local Context

f37:00 Finding Rohadi's Work and Resources

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, Kate Boyd sits down with Lisa Colon DeLay, author of The Way of the Desert Elders, for an illuminating conversation about ancient Christian wisdom that speaks directly to modern faith struggles.

This isn't just church history—it's a roadmap for Christians navigating the tension between empire and authentic discipleship, offering embodied practices for healing religious trauma and rebuilding faith after deconstruction.

Lisa Colon DeLay is a pastor, author, and host of the Spark My Muse podcast. Her work focuses on spiritual formation and connecting modern Christians with ancient wisdom traditions. She's also the author of The Wild Land Within and offers resources for spiritual practices rooted in early Christian traditions.

Topics Covered

• How the Desert Fathers and Mothers (300-600 AD) responded when Christianity became corrupted by political power and empire, creating communities that prioritized devotion over career advancement and cultural status

• Understanding the nine "afflicting thoughts" (later developed into the seven deadly sins) as a holistic framework addressing body, mind, and spirit—not moral failings but predictable challenges that arise when pursuing spiritual growth

• Why healing from religious trauma requires embodied practices, not just cognitive processing, and how ancient spiritual disciplines can help integrate the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of faith

• The essential role of spiritual mentorship in faith reconstruction, contrasting the Desert tradition of pairing every seeker with a spiritual mother or father against modern evangelicalism's individualistic approach to spiritual growth

• Exploring the practice of "vigil"—waiting expectantly on God as an active spiritual discipline that reorients us from productivity-based faith to relationship-based presence with the divine

• How ancient wisdom addresses modern challenges like spiritual overwhelm, digital distraction, and the temptation of "acedia" (spiritual boredom), offering practices for slowing down and creating space for intimacy with God

Timestamps:

00:52 Who Were the Desert Fathers and Mothers?

02:00 Empire and Faith: When Church Meets Political Power

05:00 Embodied Spirituality vs. Head-Centered Faith

09:00 Rebuilding Faith Through Ancient Community Models

13:00 The Nine Afflicting Thoughts: Body, Mind, Spirit 1

8:00 What Would Concern and Encourage the Desert Elders Today?

21:00 Productivity vs. Faithfulness: Redefining Spiritual Success

26:00 The Practice of Vigil: Active Waiting on God

30:00 Finding Lisa's Work and Resources

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In 2 Samuel 19, we witness David's complicated return to power after Absalom's death—a chapter that reveals the messy intersection of grief, politics, and justice.

Through three pivotal encounters on his journey back to Jerusalem, we see how David's approach to leadership prioritizes political expediency over genuine justice, particularly in his heartbreaking dismissal of Mephibosheth's legitimate grievances.

This chapter serves as a sobering preview of the kingdom's coming division, showing us the cost of leadership that values loyalty over righteousness and efficiency over authentic relationship.

Topics We Cover

• How David's public mourning for Absalom gets shut down by Joab, leading to immediate political maneuvering that reveals the performative nature of his subsequent "mercy"

• Examining David's encounters with Shimei (performative forgiveness), Mephibosheth (dismissive injustice), and Barzillai (transactional loyalty) as a study in how power corrupts discernment

• Why David's unjust ruling that divides Saul's land represents both a violation of Torah justice and literary foreshadowing of the kingdom's eventual split

• How David's calculated mercy exposes a broader cultural pattern of transactional relationships that prioritizes political gain over authentic love and loyalty

• Exploring how David's "move fast and break things" approach to leadership reflects systems that value efficiency over people, ultimately fracturing both family and kingdom

Timestamps:

01:42 David's Return to Jerusalem

05:13 David's Grief and Political Maneuvering

10:05 Joab's Role and David's Struggles

13:33 Generational Trauma and Loyalty

19:51 David's Strategic Forgiveness

25:20 Chronological and Literary Analysis

27:02 The Impact of David's Actions on Mephibosheth

30:11 David's Strategic Kindness and Manipulation

33:58 The Exhaustion of Maneuvering in a Toxic System

38:39 Foreshadowing the Split of the Kingdom

44:43 Takeaways

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, Kate Boyd sits down with Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley, author of The Anti-Greed Gospel, for a bold conversation about money, power, and faith that most churches avoid.

This is about more than stewardship. It's a prophetic call to reimagine what Christian community could look like when we take Jesus' economic teachings seriously.

Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley serves as special advisor to the President for equity and campus engagement at Baylor University and co-pastors Mosaic Waco, an intentionally multicultural church in Waco, TX. He has written for Christianity Today, The Anxious Bench, and Mere Orthodoxy.

Topics Covered

• Understanding how Jesus identified money/riches as the primary rival to God for human devotion, and why this spiritual reality demands material responses in how we live and share resources

• How the pursuit of cheap labor and expanded markets drove the development of racial categories as justification for exploitation, creating what Foley calls "a demonic cycle of self-interest"

• Exploring how American Christianity has separated racial justice from economic justice, focusing on generosity and stewardship while avoiding discussions of greed, class, and systemic exploitation

• The difference between generous giving that maintains power imbalances and true solidarity that seeks equality and mutual exchange, as modeled in 2 Corinthians 8

• How to read texts like the Sermon on the Mount without softening their radical economic demands, believing that "by the Spirit we can" live into Jesus' vision of community sharing and mutual care

Timestamps:

00:52 Discussing Money and Greed in the Bible

01:37 Mammon and Its Implications

03:03 Greed, Generosity, and Economic Justice

10:26 Historical Context of Greed and Racism

16:09 Economic Justice and the Church's Role

24:36 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, host Kate Boyd sits down with Julia Rocchi to explore how design thinking principles can transform our approach to spiritual questioning. Julia, a practicing Roman Catholic with expertise in design thinking and facilitation, shares how asking better questions—rather than seeking definitive answers—can deepen our faith journey and create space for mystery and growth.

This conversation offers practical tools for those navigating doubt, deconstruction, or simply wanting to cultivate a more curious and expansive relationship with God.

Topics Covered

• Design Thinking Meets Faith: How principles from design thinking—particularly the art of asking strong, open-ended questions—can enhance spiritual exploration and move us beyond binary thinking

• Questions as Tools, Not Threats: Reframing spiritual questioning as complementary to faith rather than opposing it, and understanding how curiosity can foster humility, compassion, and spiritual growth

• The Design Thinking Examen: A practical, step-by-step spiritual practice that adapts traditional Ignatian reflection with design thinking principles to help process life's challenges through productive questioning

• Community and Embodied Faith: The vital role of community in spiritual questioning, including how sharing questions out loud transforms them and how healthy faith communities can enhance rather than restrict our spiritual curiosity

• Productive Tension in Prayer: Embracing discomfort and uncertainty as valuable aspects of spiritual practice, learning to sit with questions rather than rushing toward answers

Timestamps:

01:47 Understanding Design Thinking

05:10 The Power of Questions in Faith

12:58 Design Thinking Tactics for Spiritual Growth

16:35 Incorporating Questions into Spiritual Practice

22:42 The Role of Community in Spiritual Questions

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, host Kate Boyd welcomes back guest Sharifa Stevens to discuss her new book about prayer and poems. Their conversation explores how many Christians struggle with barriers to authentic prayer, often feeling they must approach God in a "perfect" way. Sharifa shares her journey toward understanding that there's no wrong way to bring our full selves to God, and how harmful theology has created unnecessary barriers between believers and authentic spiritual connection.

Sharifa Stevens is a writer, poet, speaker, and singer. She is the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, born and raised in New York, and currently resides with her family in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Columbia University in New York with a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies before earning a master’s in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Sharifa aspires to use writing as a vehicle that moves readers to intersect with the sacred and the honest. She co- authored Only Light Can Do That and contributed to the books Vindicating the Vixens, Rally, and Lecrae’s upcoming Set Me Free. Sharifa is married to a Renaissance man and is a mother to two lively boys.

Topics Covered:

• Barriers to prayer that many experience, including the feeling that we can't approach God with certain struggles or that we need to be in an "almost heavenly state of being" to pray

• How performance-based faith and "worm theology" (focusing on our unworthiness) creates voids in our relationship with God and prevents authentic connection

• The impact of gender on spiritual experiences, particularly how women are often infantilized in church contexts and discouraged from spiritual autonomy

• How our bodies often signal when we're holding back parts of ourselves due to fear, and why vulnerability can be difficult after negative experiences

• The value of written prayers and spiritual resources that give us language when we can't find our own words to express our experiences to God

Timestamps:

02:06 Understanding Prayer and Barriers

06:14 Personal Experiences with Prayer

08:53 The Impact of Theology on Self-Perception

21:34 The Role of Women in Faith and Society

27:12 Jesus and His Treatment of Women

28:34 Modern Conversations on Women's Roles

30:03 The Impact of Bad Theology

35:18 Navigating Faith and Mental Health

38:46 The Importance of Community and Self-Trust

44:04 Embracing Emotions and Coping Mechanisms

46:35 The Role of Compassion in Faith

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most bizarre and tragic chapters in the David narrative - the death of Absalom. Set against the backdrop of a father-son civil war, 2 Samuel 18 tells the surreal story of Absalom getting caught in a tree while riding a mule, and Joab's brutal decision to kill him despite David's explicit command to "deal gently" with his son. We explore the literary complexity of this text, including surprising parallels to Jesus' death, the politics of empire, and the profound cost of unchecked power dynamics within families and kingdoms.

Topics Covered

• The absurd circumstances of Absalom's death - How Absalom gets stuck in an oak tree while riding a mule and the darkly comic elements that make this biblical narrative so memorable

• Literary parallels between Absalom and Jesus - The striking similarities including hanging from a tree, betrayal, burial under stones, and the presence of multiple messengers racing to deliver news

• Joab's defiance and the exploitation of the Cushite messenger - How Joab deliberately ignores David's command and sends a foreign messenger (the Cushite) to deliver the devastating news, highlighting issues of belonging and exploitation of marginalized people

• David's dual role as king and father - The tension between David's political needs as a ruler and his emotional devastation as a father, including the shift from calling Absalom "the young man" to "my son"

• The broader costs of empire and injustice - How this tragic family drama reflects larger themes about the price of power, the perpetuation of cycles of violence, and the missed opportunity to address injustice against Tamar that started the whole conflict

Timestamps:

01:09 Recap of David and Absalom's Conflict

02:07 The Battle and Absalom's Fate

03:17 Joab's Defiance and Absalom's Death

04:40 The Aftermath and David's Mourning

05:26 Literary Parallels with the Crucifixion

21:12 Joab's Role and the Cushite Messenger

27:17 David's Dual Roles and Moral Dilemmas

32:18 Takeaways

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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Join Kate and Liz Charlotte Grant as they explore how to approach Scripture when traditional, literal interpretations no longer serve believers who are deconstructing or reframing their faith. Grant shares her journey of finding new ways to engage with biblical texts through literary analysis, diverse commentators, and interdisciplinary connections.

Liz Charlotte Grant is an award-winning essayist, author of the Empathy List substack, and her debut book, a personal, interdisciplinary commentary on the book of Genesis, Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible is available now.

Topics Covered:

• How traditional methods of reading the Bible, especially within White American Evangelicalism, have been limiting and sometimes harmful, and why new approaches are needed for those reframing their faith

• The importance of diverse voices in biblical interpretation, particularly from women, people of color, and other historically excluded groups who offer fresh perspectives beyond the dominant white male theological tradition

• Grant's creative approach to Genesis through interdisciplinary connections—linking biblical stories to art, science, and literature to illuminate scripture in new ways

• The distinction between factual accuracy and deeper truth in scripture, and why approaching the Bible through a literary lens can reveal profound insights without requiring historical literalism

• Practical advice for those wanting to re-engage with the Bible after deconstruction, including starting with commentaries, trusting your own reading, and creating a diverse "table" of interpretive voices

Grant's book uses creative writing and non-traditional sources to approach Genesis with fresh eyes, demonstrating how scripture can remain meaningful even after one's relationship with the Bible has fundamentally changed.

Timestamps:

01:12 Reframing Faith and Reading the Bible

01:49 Challenges of Traditional Biblical Interpretation

04:43 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives

10:18 Creative and Literary Approaches to the Bible

11:19 Truth vs. Historicity in Biblical Texts

17:12 Why Return to the Bible?

18:06 The Making of the Bible: A Complex Process

19:57 The Sinai Sisters: Manuscript Hunters

23:19 Catherine Bushnell: A Pioneer for Women in the Bible

26:41 Judith Butler: An Artist's Voice

32:24 Reengaging with the Bible: Tools and Tips

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this enlightening episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, host Kate Boyd sits down with Jennifer Layte to explore the concept of stages of faith. Despite many Christians being taught that faith is static or linear, Jennifer shares insights from both James Fowler's modern framework and Teresa of Avila's 16th-century "Interior Castle" to help listeners understand that spiritual growth naturally involves distinct phases and transitions. This conversation offers comfort and clarity for those navigating their own changing relationship with Jesus, especially during periods of deconstruction or spiritual uncertainty.

About Jennifer:

Jennifer A. G. Layte is a pastor, author of two published novels, and founder of The Pilgrimage—a Jesus-centered online spiritual formation community, created especially to tend to the stories of those who have been hurt by the church or are otherwise struggling in their faith.

Jennifer’s training and certification as an Advanced Practice Board Certified Chaplain, a spiritual director, and an ordained pastor have provided her with unique opportunities to work with diverse (on just about every metric) groups of people. The human stories she carries and the ways she has found to shepherd people through the difficult parts of those stories directly influence her writing. Meanwhile, her formal background in literature and theology gives her imaginative ways of retelling the stories of the Bible and of others, encouraging people to live within their own stories better.

Jennifer and her husband Paul live in New England with their two adorable rescue dogs, an impressive garden, and, to their fascination but not always delight, an astonishing array of wildlife.

Website and Social Media Links

Jennifer’s Book Follower

https://jenniferaglayte.com

https://the-pilgrimage.org

https://linktr.ee/jenniferaglayte

Topics Covered:

• Castles, Mansions, and Soul Work: Discover the fascinating historical frameworks for understanding faith transitions, from a 16th century nun's "Interior Castle" to modern psychological approaches

• "I'm Not Sure God Is Anywhere": Why those terrifying spiritual dry spells might actually be doorways to deeper faith, and how knowing about stages can help you not panic when they arrive

• When Church Activism Isn't Enough: Jennifer reveals the significant transition that many Western Christians are experiencing today, and why moving beyond the "busy doing" phase often feels so disruptive

• Same Beliefs, Different Grip: How you might end up believing many of the same things but holding them completely differently—and why Jennifer went from firmly opposing women pastors to becoming one herself

• Loving Across the Divide: Practical wisdom for those moments when you want to scream "Oh my God, what are these people thinking?"—and how to create meaningful connections with those in different faith stages

Timestamps:

00:47 Stages of Faith: An Overview

14:11 Challenges in Faith Transitions

20:58 The Importance of Growth in Faith

22:03 Evolving Beliefs and Perspectives

28:37 Balancing Tradition and Change

29:59 Engaging with Jesus in Faith

32:49 Loving Others in Different Stages

35:07 Grace in Imperfection

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode of Untidy Faith, we dive into a thoughtful conversation with MaryB. Safrit about the valuable perspectives and insights that LGBTQ+ Christians bring to faith communities. MaryB. shares her personal journey and wisdom on how straight Christians can learn from queer believers to create more inclusive and authentic expressions of Christian community. This conversation explores misconceptions, reimagines church structures, and highlights the rich theological contributions that emerge from diverse experiences of faith.

Topics Covered:

• Misunderstandings and Misconceptions: Mary B discusses common misconceptions straight Christians have about LGBTQ+ believers, including assumptions about how queer Christians approach scripture and theology

• Intimacy, Friendship, and Boundaries: How queer Christians have developed nuanced understandings of intimacy, attraction, and friendship that challenge harmful purity culture narratives and can benefit all Christians

• Found Family and Chosen Community: The rich tradition of "found family" in queer communities offers powerful models for Christian community that transcend the nuclear family focus of many churches

• Creating Truly Inclusive Churches: Practical insights for making church spaces welcoming through clarity, co-creation, and valuing all members beyond their perceived "usefulness" to church programs

• Challenging Church Hierarchies: How moving away from corporate/business models of church toward more organic communities creates space for diverse gifts and voices

Timestamps:

02:27 Misconceptions About LGBTQIA+ Believers

05:12 Personal Journey and Challenges

09:41 Lessons from the LGBTQIA+ Community

17:36 Evolving Concepts of Family and Belonging

28:57 Inclusivity in Churches

About MaryB. Safrit:

MaryB. Safrit is a New York City-based writer, merch maker, relationship coach, and host of the Found Family podcast. She is passionate about creating spaces and resources for folks who feel like the church doesn't know what to do with them. MaryB. is your friendly neighborhood bisexual and recovering people-pleaser who is currently in her goblin era. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok @maryb.safrit, and get on her Substack list at marybsafrit.substack.com

Website and Social Media Links

• https://www.marybsafrit.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/maryb.safrit/

• https://www.tiktok.com/@maryb.safrit

• https://www.marybsafrit.com/shop

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Join us as we dive into 2 Samuel 17, examining the complex power dynamics between Absalom and David, the manipulative counsel given by advisors, and the troubling absence of God's voice amid human schemes for revenge and power.

Topics Covered:

• The contrast between Ahithophel and Hushai's advice to Absalom, and how manipulation through vanity and insecurity shaped Absalom's fateful decision

• The recurring theme of women being unnamed and used as tools in men's power struggles, drawing parallels to other biblical stories of women subverting authority

• How cycles of violence perpetuate when justice becomes corrupted by vengeance and personal agendas

• The significant silence of God throughout this chapter, and what that silence might tell us about divine perspective on human power struggles

• The way Absalom's initially pure motives for justice (regarding his sister Tamar) became corrupted through his pursuit of power and vengeance

Timestamps:

01:06 Recap of 2 Samuel 17

01:51 Discussion on Absalom's Coup

05:58 Analyzing the Role of Women in 2 Samuel

08:41 Theological Reflections and Modern Parallels

25:55 Hospitality and Symbolic Significance in the Wilderness

41:11 Takeaways and Final Thoughts

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In this episode, Tiffany Bluhm returns to the Untidy Faith Podcast to help us reframe self-care as an essential component of both personal wholeness and communal flourishing. Moving beyond the commercialized wellness industry, Tiffany offers a powerful perspective on how caring for ourselves in a world that doesn't is both biblical and necessary for creating meaningful social change. Drawing from biblical women and historical examples, she challenges the glorification of burnout and self-sacrifice prevalent in American church culture.

In this episode we discuss:

• How the American church has often discouraged self-care by celebrating and congratulating women who spend themselves until there's nothing left

• The false dichotomy between self-care and self-sacrifice, and why they're actually "a tension to be managed, not solved"

• How biblical women like Miriam demonstrate that self-care isn't a luxury only for the privileged but a necessary component of liberation

• The powerful example of interned Japanese-American women during WWII who practiced communal self-care as resistance

• Practical steps for beginning a self-care journey, including identifying what's missing in your life and what you need to let go of

About Tiffany Bluhm

Tiffany Bluhm is a speaker and writer with more than fifteen years of experience in ministry and nonprofit leadership. She is the author of The Women We’ve Been Waiting For, Prey Tell, She Dreams, and Never Alone. Her work is at the intersection of faith and justice, and her writing has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Sojourners, the YouVersion Bible app, and more. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons.

Timestamps:

00:51 Challenges of Self Care in the American Church

01:33 Redefining Self Care

03:49 Historical Examples of Self Care

07:08 Communal Flourishing Through Self Care

12:52 Practical Steps for Self Care

27:48 Supporting Others in Their Self Care Journey

29:36 Where to Find Tiffany Online

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In this episode, Kate explores the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a valuable framework for reading and interpreting scripture. This approach offers a more balanced and holistic way to engage with the Bible, especially for those who are deconstructing or reconstructing their faith. Kate shares how this framework has transformed her own relationship with scripture, providing a more nuanced understanding that honors both the text and our lived experiences.

Topics Covered:

• The four components of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience

• How Scripture can be a primary authority without being the sole authority

• Why acknowledging our traditions (whether formal or informal) enhances our biblical understanding

• The importance of bringing reason, critical thinking, and modern knowledge to our reading

• How personal and communal experiences enrich our interpretation of texts

Timestamps:

00:29 Exploring the Wesleyan Quadrilateral

03:07 Scripture: The Primary Source

05:58 Tradition: Learning from the Past

12:01 Reason: Embracing Critical Thinking

17:05 Experience: Personal and Communal Insights

21:27 Applying the Wesleyan Quadrilateral

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, host Kate Boyd is joined by Trey Ferguson and Robert Monson from the Three Black Men crew for a thoughtful conversation about white supremacy in deconstruction spaces. They explore how patterns of white supremacy continue to manifest even after people leave conservative religious environments, and discuss practical ways to build more liberative communities. Let’s examine how these patterns affect our interactions and envision a world beyond the current systems.

Topics Covered:

• How white supremacy manifests in deconstruction spaces, often appearing as simply "an exchange of certainties"

• The tendency to platform and center white voices even in progressive spaces

• Practical steps toward dismantling white supremacy, including diversifying whose voices we listen to

• The importance of being in community with people who experience the world differently

• Moving beyond resistance to envisioning and creating a world beyond white supremacy

About Our Guests:

Trey Ferguson is a Miami-Dade County based minister, writer, and podcaster, and the creator of the New Living Translation, the author of Theologizin’ Bigger, and pastor of Intention Church.

Robert Monson is a PhD student, co-director of enfleshed, and host of Black Coffee and Theology. He writes and studies theology- usually at the intersection of disability, soft masculinity, as well as black and womanist theology, and composes and plays music.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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Content Warning: Sexual assault, violence

Power, betrayal, and justice collide as David’s reign looks like it’s unraveling, and as he grasps for allies, we see just how far some will go to keep what they believe to be theirs.

Join us to explore how systems of power perpetuate cycles of harm — as in the case of Mephibosheth and the women left behind — and how empires shape the people within them (intentionally and unintentionally).

And how do the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount offer us an alternative pattern to follow?

Timestamps:

01:46 Recap of Mephibosheth and Ziba

03:42 David's Encounter with Shimei

04:29 Absalom's Strategy and Betrayal

05:33 Reflections on Justice and Injustice

14:25 The Cycle of Harm and Power

30:29 The Role of Disabled People in Scripture

36:18 Takeaways

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, host Kate Boyd welcomes Erin Moon, a writer, podcaster, and storyteller, to discuss the nuances of faith, doubt, and the many questions that arise along the journey. They explore why many feel uncomfortable expressing doubts about their faith and discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for curiosity and questions. Erin shares her personal experiences and insights, highlighting the role of relationships, trust, and hope in balancing certainty and mystery in faith. The episode also touches on the practical resources and strategies that have helped both Erin and Kate navigate their spiritual journeys and maintain hope in the midst of doubts and complexities.

About Erin Moon:

Erin Hicks Moon is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller. She is the Resident Bible Scholar and host of the Faith Adjacent podcast, and senior creative at Podcast Media Group. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband and three children.

Website and Social Media Links

https://www.erinhmoon.com/

Instagram - @erinhmoon

The Swipe Up newsletter: https://erinhmoon.substack.com/

Upcoming book, "I've Got Questions" from Baker Books: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/598796

Timestamps:
02:09 The Fear of Expressing Doubts
05:19 The Urgency and Privilege in Faith Discussions
06:53 Doubt as a Sign of Weak Faith?
12:32 Constructive vs. Destructive Doubt
16:20 The Impact of Doubt on Faith Institutions
20:32 Navigating the Messy Middle of Faith
21:12 Helpful Practices and Resources
23:53 Expanding Perspectives on Faith
28:44 Balancing Certainty and Mystery
31:57 Maintaining Hope in Faith

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, host Kate Boyd delves into the nuanced and often controversial topic of pronouns for God. Addressing the limitations and constraints of language, Kate explores how our choice of words and metaphors shape our understanding of God. She makes a compelling case for using more inclusive language to reflect the Christian concept of the Trinity and to avoid unintentional exclusions. Kate also discusses the importance of theological imagination and how exposure to diverse theological perspectives can enrich one's faith journey. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that challenges traditional views and encourages thoughtful contemplation on how we describe and relate to the divine.

00:29 The Controversial Topic of Pronouns for God

01:24 Limitations and Impact of Language on God

05:18 Personal Journey and Language Choices

10:58 Theological Imagination and Diverse Perspectives

12:53 A Call to Thoughtful Language

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, host Kate Boyd dives into an in-depth conversation with Jonny Morrison, co-lead pastor at Missio Dei in Salt Lake City and author of 'Prodigal Gospel.' They discuss the complexity of understanding the gospel, reflecting on how traditional narratives often emphasize shame and opposition rather than celebration and unconditional love. Jonny shares his journey of evolving his understanding of the gospel, the concept of repentance and forgiveness through the lens of the parable of the prodigal son, and the importance of healing our images of God. This thoughtful dialogue encourages listeners to reconsider and reframe their perception of the gospel in a more inclusive and restorative manner.

Jonny Morrison is co-lead pastor at Missio Dei in Salt Lake City and the author of two books Light as Air and Prodigal Gospel. Jonny’s work, writing, and passion is to create spaces where everyone can belong whether that’s through writing about Jesus, creating community gardens, or pouring wine at backyard dinner parties. Jonny has a Masters in ancient language and doctorate in theology and in his free time, Jonny loves to fly fish, cook for his friends, explore Utah with his wife Tory, and pretend like he understands wine. Find out more at jonnyis.com

Website and Social Media Links

Jonnyis.com

Instagram @Jonny.is

https://jonnymorrison.substack.com/

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Untidy Faith Podcast
00:29 Meet Johnny Morrison: Co-Lead Pastor and Author
01:34 Understanding the Gospel Through the Prodigal Son
03:18 Personal Reflections on Faith and Evangelism
06:30 Reframing the Gospel: From Transactional to Relational
10:57 The Parable of the Prodigal Son: A Deeper Dive
21:46 Practical Implications of the Gospel
34:42 Conclusion and Book Promotion

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kateboyd.substack.com/subscribe

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In this episode, we dissect the political and familial intricacies of Absalom's coup against his father, King David -- shedding light on the manipulation, subterfuge, and fractured relationships that underpin this biblical narrative.

Then we discuss the ethical implications of David's actions, the oft-overlooked experiences of the concubines left behind, and the broader impact on the people of Israel before we draw parallels to contemporary leadership challenges in religious communities ... emphasizing the importance of addressing traumas and injustices to prevent long-lasting harm and discord.

Timestamps:

01:26 Absalom's Conspiracy and David's Response
03:22 Analyzing Absalom's Strategy
06:21 David's Leadership and Its Consequences
16:28 The Role of Religion in David's Strategy
23:04 The Impact on the People and Kingdom
40:09 Takeaways and Reflections
44:53 Closing Remarks and Where to Find Us

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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In this episodes we discuss ...

• integrating trauma-informed care in church practices
• unlearning toxic patterns
• creating safe faith spaces
• the biblical literacy epidemic
• how individuals and churches can transform to better serve their communities

Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez (MSW, MSEd) is a truth-teller and space builder committed to helping the Body of Christ be healthy and holy. She is the founder and CEO of Full Collective, creator of the annual Sowers Summit, and host of the Being a Sanctuary podcast. Pricelis holds master's degrees in community-based leadership and social work, and she is currently pursuing a master of arts in biblical and theological studies from Denver Seminary. Pricelis’ first book ‘Being a Sanctuary: The Radical Way for the Body of Christ to be Sacred, Soft, and Safe’ comes out on September 10th. She is a proud Black Latina (Dominicana) born and raised in New York City, where she resides with her husband and son. You can find her on Instagram @pricelispd.

Find Pricelis Online:

@pricelispd

pricelispd.com

wearefullcollective.com

Email list link: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6215291dd328ec5152cf122e

Book: https://www.pricelispd.com/basbook

Timestamps:

02:05 Discussing the Crisis in the Church
06:18 Reactions to Church Crises
10:33 Personal Reflection and Healing
20:47 Solutions for Churches
26:03 Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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Join me to explore the true nature of biblical prophecy and challenge the common dispensationalist view of prophecy as future telling. Through examples from the Hebrew Bible and Revelation, we will see how prophecy focuses on calling people back to God's covenant and priorities, offering conditional future insight, and comfort during exile. This episode will encourage you to rethink the spiritual gift of prophecy as confronting hard truths rather than predicting the future.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Untidy Faith Podcast

00:29 Understanding Prophecy in Dispensationalist Circles

02:00 The Role of Prophets in the Hebrew Bible

03:39 Conditional Prophecies and Their Outcomes

06:52 Prophecy Beyond Destruction: Comfort and Hope

09:41 Revelation and Eschatological Future

11:48 Rethinking Prophecy: Truth Telling vs. Future Telling

13:48 Conclusion and Call to Action

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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Listen in for a discussion with Dr. Camden Morgante about the harmful myths of purity culture, its lasting impact, and how to heal from the associated shame and trauma. They also explore ways to create healthier conversations around sexuality for the next generation.

Dr. Camden Morgante is a licensed psychologist with nearly 15 years of experience as a therapist and college professor. She owns a private therapy practice and is a writer, speaker, and coach on purity culture recovery, egalitarianism, and faith reconstruction. Her first book, Recovering from Purity Culture, will be published in October 2024 by Baker Books. Dr. Camden lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with her husband and their daughter and son. Learn more about Camden on her website, www.drcamden.com

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to the Untidy Faith Podcast

01:30 Defining Purity Culture

02:26 Harmful Myths of Purity Culture

05:41 Trauma and Purity Culture

09:14 Gender Differences in Purity Culture

13:04 Media's Role in Promoting Purity Culture

15:41 Healing from Sexual Shame

21:08 Support Systems for Recovery

24:52 Parenting Beyond Purity Culture

29:13 Conclusion and Resources

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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There's nothing like saying you're deconstructing to get people to call you all kinds of things -- heretic, apostate, false teacher. But I find these are easy "insults" with few who use them actually applying them correctly.

So join me in this episode for ...

• clear definitions of orthodoxy, heterodoxy, heresy, apostasy, and blasphemy
• how these terms are often misused and misunderstood in faith communities
• gentle guidance on how to navigate accusations of heresy and apostasy
• the importance of understanding the broader Christian tradition.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to the Untidy Faith Podcast

00:29 Understanding Deconstruction and Narrow Faith Paradigms

01:40 Defining Key Terms: Orthodoxy, Heterodoxy, Heresy, Apostasy, and Blasphemy

04:45 Deep Dive into Orthodoxy

11:27 Exploring Heterodoxy

14:29 Heresy: Challenging Core Tenets

16:39 Apostasy: Rejecting Christianity

18:13 Blasphemy: Irreverence Toward Deity

19:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

20:58 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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Join us as we jump into 2 Samuel 14 to discuss ...

• the chaos within King David's monarchy
• the parables used to confront him (and David's staggering lack of self-awareness)
• how deeply unresolved wounds can affect one's actions and leadership
• the ways we have seen choosing leaders botched in churches

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Untidy Faith Podcast
00:31 Recap of 2 Samuel Chapter 14
01:41 Discussion on David's Lack of Self-Awareness
02:08 Absalom's Return and Family Dynamics
05:11 The Role of Justice and Hypocrisy
08:49 Absalom's Wound and Its Impact
23:23 The Importance of Forgiveness and Boundaries
25:59 Choosing Leaders in the Church
29:59 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
35:05 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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In this episode of the Untidy Faith Podcast, we take a little dive into the lives of the women in Jesus's genealogy and the powerful lessons they impart. We talk ...

• Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary and their extraordinary faithfulness and how they embodied God's priorities
• the importance of accountability, inclusion, friendship, reclaiming agency, and justice,
• how to learn more about these women and how to speak up for God's priorities in October

Join us for the remixed Threaded study on women in Jesus's genealogy at kateboyd.co/speakup

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Untidy Faith Podcast

00:32 Exploring Women in Jesus's Genealogy

04:05 Tamar: Seeking Justice and Accountability

05:25 Rahab: Courage and Inclusion

06:02 Ruth: Loyalty and Redemption

07:03 Bathsheba: Reclaiming Agency

08:23 Mary: Faithfulness and God's Priorities

10:11 Deep Dive into the Study

10:41 Invitation to Join the Study

13:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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Join me to dive into the concept of 'Covenant' in the Bible, explaining its importance in understanding the Hebrew Bible and its narratives.

What you'll learn ...

• How God chose to engage in relationship with Israel
• Common elements of covenants
• The 5 covenants in the Bible
• Why understanding these Old Testament covenants helps you understand the New Testament

Time stamps:
00:00 Introduction to Untidy Faith Podcast
00:34 Understanding Covenant in the Bible
02:00 Elements of Ancient Covenants
09:35 Major Covenants in the Hebrew Bible
13:08 Covenants and the New Testament
15:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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In this episode, you will ...

• uncover the realities of dealing with depression and anxiety within the church
• learn how mental illness shows up in Scripture
• recognize the misconceptions and harmful messages propagated
• explore holistic approaches to mental health that embrace both spiritual and medical support

Chris Morris is a certified mental health coach dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health issues within the church. Because of a lifelong struggle with depression and suicidality, Chris became committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek after holistic health.

As a writer and speaker, Chris has shared his personal story and insights with audiences across the country, inspiring many individuals to take control of their own health, break free from poor theological teaching placed upon them, and seek the support they need. He has published several books on mental health, the most recent being Resilient and Redeemed. His work has been featured in a number of media outlets, including CrossWalk, The Mighty, and Fathom Magazine.

Chris is deeply committed to creating a more compassionate and supportive world and church for individuals living with mental health issues. Through his writing and speaking, he is a powerful voice for change and a beacon of hope for those in need.

Website and Social Media Links

• chrismorriswrites.com
• FB: @chrismorriswriter
• IG: @chrismorriswrites
• X: @cmorriswrites
• Resilient and Redeemed Amazon link: https://a.co/d/18gYTYB

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Untidy Faith Podcast
00:29 Meet Chris Morris: Mental Health Advocate
00:57 Personal Struggles with Mental Health
01:44 Harmful Messages from the Church
03:48 The Complexity of Mental Health
04:48 Biblical Narratives and Mental Health
20:06 Positive Changes in Church Communities
26:12 Advice for Those Struggling with Mental Health
28:47 Navigating Mental Health with Faith
32:29 Conclusion and Resources

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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When we're in the midst of deconstructing our faith and reworking our beliefs, it becomes hard to know what ideas to land on. In today's episode, we will discuss how to rethink our theology well.

You'll hear ...

• how our theology shapes our life (and vice versa)
• the one thing we must AVOID in our theology
• six questions for finding a holistic theology (that's really good news)
• and the surprising clue that sheds light on harmful systems

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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In 2 Samuel 13, we see David's bad habits being handed down to his children in more ways than one ... and we see how many in the church react to scandal and moral failure in a faulty way.

Listen in as we discuss ...

• How David's sins came back to haunt him
• What David valued (and how it speaks to his parenting and power-wielding style
• The surprising person who stands up when David won't
• Why God's silence speaks loudly in Tamar's trauma
• What is revealed by who we mourn in moral failure

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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The people of God throughout the Hebrew Bible continually quoted one verse about God's character, and it happens to be how God describes Godself after the Exodus.

Listen in to hear ...

• the shift in how you read the Bible that can transform how you interact with it
• what God says about God's character
• how to understand the hard-to-define Hebrew word used to define God's love
• where this verse gets quoted throughout Scripture and how
• how to use this verse as a frame for seeing God in Scripture

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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When you don't know who you are or where you fit anymore, how do you belong? Join me for this conversation with Sarah Westfall as we discuss ...

• how grief is often the catalyst for transforming our beliefs about belonging
• why belonging isn't about fitting in
• the secret to finding belonging wherever you go
• how to create authentic connections
• what the Prodigal Son parable reveals about God's invitation to belonging

Sarah E. Westfall is a writer, speaker, and host of the Human Together podcast. Her previous work includes serving as director of community for online writing groups and as a student development professional on college campuses. She has been published in RELEVANT, Fathom Mag, and (in)courage. Sarah lives in Indiana with her husband, Ben, and four sons.

Website and Social Media Links

https://www.sarahewestfall.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sarah_westfall/

https://sarahewestfall.substack.com/

https://www.sarahewestfall.com/the-way-of-belonging

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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We're digging into some old Christian language and how it affects how we live our faith. Join me to talk about "loving on" people and ...

• the faulty mindsets this phrase actually reveals
• how loving on is often not loving at all
• How Jesus loved and what we can learn from it
• How to update our language and our living to make loving a regular rhythm

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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Content warning: Sexual assault, murder, child loss

Join us as we meet David and Bathsheba in their grief in the aftermath of David's misdeeds in 2 Samuel 12. In this episode we discuss ...

• Jon's conspiracy theory about David and Solomon
• What actually makes us sympathize with David for once
• How people make meaning of tragedy
• Projecting our issues onto others
• How patriarchy polices the emotions of women
• God's commitment to repair for the wronged

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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After deconstruction, it can be hard to get into the Bible especially when you're not sure if you resonate with certain translations anymore. In this episode, I walk you through ...

• What is the "most accurate" translation?
• Understanding the functions of the Bible in our lives
• The questions to ask to figure out your best translation
• My personal favorite translations

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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Is social justice what shapes us or is it the result of our formation? The answer is both! Learn more about how these two work together to help us embody the love of Christ internally and externally in this interview with Dr. Marlena Graves.

Marlena Graves is the Assistant Professor of Spiritual Formation at Northeastern Seminary on the campus of Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, NY. She has written five books, two of which were award-winning, and over two hundred articles found in a variety of venues like Christianity Today, Relevant, Sojourners, the Christian Century and more. In addition, she has had pastoral positions at several churches, including a church plant. And she has worked for many non-profits in solidarity with the poor, migrant farm workers, immigrants from South America, and local community members and leaders who sought to address police brutality in the Toledo, Ohio, area and lead paint poisoning of children. Marlena has been on the board of several organizations including Evangelicals 4 Justice and The Red Bud Writers Guild. She is married to her husband Shawn, a philosophy professor, and has three wonderful, beautiful, brilliant, and growing girls. She wants people to know God delights in them. She has been dubbed, and sees herself as, a missionary to the American Church. She loves to laugh, be out in nature, and be with family and friends and good folk. She hopes to leave a little bit of shalom in her wake.

Website and Social Media Links

X(Twitter): @Marlena Graves

Instagram: marlena.graves

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlena.propergraves

Website: marlenagraves.com

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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As we head into a politically charged season in 2024, engaging online can get emotional and exhausting.

In my 4 years building a public platform, I've devised four guidelines that shape how I try to interact with those who disagree with me on social media.

I hope these help you to create your own and keep yourself healthy and whole as we head into the last half of the year.

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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Content Warning: Sexual assault and abuse of power

In 2 Samuel 11, we meet David at his lowest, and his actions affect the lives of many. Join us as we discuss ...

• The signs that point to David's non-consensual encounter
• How and when Bathsheba gets her voice back in the Bible
• The effect of purity culture, gender theology, and hero worship on our churches
• Where God is when bad things happen

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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When I learned biblical Greek, I had a wide array of realizations. And one of the most impactful for me comes around the word for "righteousness" in the New Testament.

Listen in to hear the range of meaning and how it may just affect how you view what the gospel is and what God wants for all people.

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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When you realize that you not only want to change the way you interact with your faith but also how you help your kids interact with theirs, where do you turn?

I turn to Meredith Miller. (And it turns out learning how to help your kids may actually help you a lot too! I know it's helped me as a non-parent myself.)

In this conversation we talk about:

• why "list management" Christianity doesn't work, according to research
• the approach that can help your kids know and trust God for the long haul
• how to handle big questions even when you're not feeling so sure about answers
• how to model faith through loving interaction with your kids and the world

Meredith is a pastor and parent who helps grownups, and the kids they love, engage with the Bible and faith in ways that are life-giving, fun, and a fit for their real lives. She's the author of Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From and holds an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Website and Social Media Links

meredithannemiller.com

IG: @meredithannemiller

https://www.amazon.com/Woven-Nurturing-Faith-Your-Doesnt/dp/1546004351

https://meredithannemiller.substack.com/

Kate Boyd - Book | Bible Studies | Coaching | Newsletter | Instagram

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In 2 Samuel 10, we discuss ...

• what "hesed" means and how David falls short
• the ways that David gets a taste of his own medicine
• what it means that Jesus is a "new and better David"
• why the alpha male mentality isn't where it's at

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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Othering is pervasive in our climate of tribalism today, and its effects alienate us from ourselves and others. Jenai Auman joins me to discuss othering and ...

• the signs we often miss that we have been othered ourselves
• the role of anger in healing
• what do in the wilderness
• the small and simple way to find belonging even when you can't be at church
• and the #1 question to ask yourself when trying to help others heal from their othered experiences

Jenai Auman is a Filipina American writer and artist. She draws from her years in church leadership as well as her trauma-informed training to write on healing, hope, and the way forward. She is passionate about providing language so readers can find a faith that frees. She received her bachelor's degree in behavioral health science and is currently pursuing a master's in spiritual formation at Northeastern Seminary. Jenai lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Tyler, and their sons, Quinn and Graham.

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

https://www.jenaiauman.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jenaiauman

https://www.facebook.com/jenaiauman

http://twitter.com/jenaiauman

Purchase Othered here

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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In 2 Samuel 9, we discuss ...

• the harmful treatment and narratives surrounding disabled people in the story
• what difference an honor culture background brings to the text
• how David buys into his own hype (and shouldn't)
• why looking for "big things" to do for God may actually miss the point of faithfulness in the first place

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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In this episode ...

• Why white supremacy isn't exclusive to evangelicalism
• How the gospel changed to marginalize people
• What makes anger righteous
• How to heal from toxic church environments

Robert is an author & accomplished attorney at the Callahan & King law firm in Waco, Texas. He earned his law degree at Baylor University School of Law in 2006, where he now teaches a course on Integrating Faith and Legal Practice. In 2020, Robert was named Lawyer of the Year by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association. He has an undeniable talent for blending humor and insight, as he discusses law, race, and religion. His book Fire in The Whole: Embracing Our Righteous Anger with White Christianity and Reclaiming Our Wholeness is coming to a book store near you this September!

Website and Social Media Links

• Pre-Order Robert's Book
• https://www.tiktok.com/@rcallahanwaco2
• https://www.tiktok.com/@rcallahanwaco3
• https://www.instagram.com/rcallahan_waco/?hl=en
• https://twitter.com/rcallahanwaco?lang=en
• https://www.facebook.com/RCallahanWaco/
• fridayfirebyrobertcallahan.substack.com

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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Join us for a journey through the ins and outs of 2 Samuel 8 as we discuss ...

• if David can be a good guy and have such a violent streak
• what the headers in our Bibles all have to say about this period in David's life
• why David's fame may have negatively affected his identity (and his actions)
• how David went from artist to warrior
• if David is a like a mafia don

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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Have you been wondering that amidst all the upheaval, denominational splits, and church failures -- where the heck do we go next? And how do we do better?

Same.

That's why I was so glad that Eugene Kim joined me for a conversation about just that, and we discuss ...

• the cycles in church history (and where we are right now)
• how young people are approaching spirituality differently than ever before
• what we can learn from the failures of the attractional model of church
• where change really comes from (and the big question to ask when you wanna make a move)

Eugene Kim is an ordained minister with over 25 years of experience in local church ministry. After serving his last church for 17 years, he discerned the need to step outside the familiar in order to reimagine how we do “church” from the ground up. So in 2020, he left his pastoral role and founded New Wine Collective — a church innovation think-tank and R&D lab.

Since then, Eugene has been learning, ideating, and convening conversations about the changing spiritual landscape and future of the Church. He speaks, writes, and consults but is still a pastor at heart who loves walking alongside people in their journeys. He is passionate about systemic change and designing new ways of being the Church that can give everyone a place to belong and help heal the world.

Eugene grew up in Queens, NY and Seoul, Korea, and now lives in the Boston area. He enjoys hanging out with his three kids, eating, cooking, and watching Korean dramas with his wife.

Website and Social Media Links

https://newwinecollective.org/

https://twitter.com/eugenepkim2

https://www.instagram.com/eugenepkim/

https://www.threads.net/@eugenepkim

https://www.facebook.com/newwinecollective

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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David makes a request of God to shore up his legacy, but it gets denied. Instead, he gets a covenant and Nathan proves his prophetic presence. Listen in as we discuss 2 Samuel 7 and ...

• What happens when God is a minor character in the story
• The role of prophecy in the Bible
• How strategic editing shapes our interpretations
• A surprising connection to the book of Acts

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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What is like to be the only one who looks like you in a room? Ethnic loneliness is a pervasive feeling for ethnic minorities in the U.S. and in churches. In this conversation, Prasanta Verma talks me through:

• What ethnic loneliness is and what it looks like
• How the church has been complicit in perpetuating this loneliness and its entanglement with systemic racism
• What to do instead of forcing assimilation in the name of unity
• How individuals and churches can be effective friends, advocates, and allies in the fight against ethnic loneliness and systemic racism

Prasanta Verma was born under an Asian sun, raised in the Appalachian foothills, and resides in the upper Midwest. She is a writer, poet, and public health professional and her writing has been published in numerous places in print and online. Prasanta’s first book, titled Beyond Ethnic Loneliness, releases in April 2024.

Find Prasanta Online:

Website: https://prasantaverma.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/prasantaverma/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@prasantaverma

Newsletter: https://prasantaverma.substack.com/

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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Taylor Swift's new album, The Tortured Poets Department, has been causing a stir due to its use of religious imagery and vocabulary. Is she mocking Christianity? Is she saying she's God? Or is there maybe something else going on here?

Join me and three other with joint cred as Swifties and theologians as we discuss ...

• the weird takes we've seen IRL and online
• the cracks in biblical interpretation that are illuminated by how people interpret Taylor's latest lyrics
• the religious images and vocabulary in 4 songs from TTPD
• what songs we think everyone should hear off the album

If you're looking for some help understanding the Christian images, Taylor's circumstances, and poetry (and what we learn about our theology in the process), this is the deep dive you've been looking for!

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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What happens when we add context from literature, history, art, and architecture to our study of the Bible? It can actually illuminate tricky ideas and confusing cultural backdrops. Dr. Sandra Glahn joins me today to discuss why bringing these different sources together is important, how it affected her interpretation of 1 Timothy and provisions against women, and how Paul may have been nicer than misogynists want us to think.

Dr. Sandra Glahn is a seminary professor, the author of more than 20 books--the latest being NOBODY'S MOTHER: ARTEMIS OF THE EPHESIANS IN ANTIQUITY AND THE NEW TESTAMENT--and the co-founder of the Visual Museum of Women in Christianity (www.visualmuseum.gallery).

You can find her online at:

• www.sandraglahn.com
• X and Threads: @sandraglahn
• Insta: @Sandraglahnauthor

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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David continues his consolidation of power, and we talk about the ways that affects who he is becoming as a king and a family man. Join us on our walk through 2 Samuel 6 as we discuss ...

• What happens when you bring religion and politics together
• Why it matters what metrics do you use for God's pleasure in your deeds
• The actual way that David is undignified (and it's not the way he thinks)
• And who we are "ride or die" for in the story (spoiler alert: it's not David)

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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When the church hurts you, where do you go to find healing? How do you recover when the tools you would've once turned to remind you of the trauma?

Dieula Previlon joins me to talk about the deep pain of spiritual abuse and church trauma and how we can find a way forward with God even if it means stepping out of the box of the expected.

Dieula Previlon is the founder and executive director of ElevateHer International Ministries with a vision to empower women to heal from trauma. She is a Counselor/Life Coach in private practice and an ordained minister in the ECC. Her professional career in counseling, pastoring and international ministry spans over 20 years.

She is currently a counselor and life coach in private practice and the executive director of ElevateHer International. She lives in Berlin, NJ with her husband of 25 years while her three young adult sons are discerning God’s call on their lives. She is excited about her upcoming book project on God’s posture towards the traumatized in: “Does God see Me?” Find Dieula online at:

• dieulaprevilon.com
• @dieulamprevilon IG, facebook, linkedin, threads and twitter
• https://www.instagram.com/dieulamprevilon/
• https://www.facebook.com/dieulamprevilon
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dieulamprevilon/
• https://twitter.com/DieulaMPrevilon
• https://www.threads.net/@dieulamprevilon
• Book: https://www.dieulaprevilon.com/book
• Newsletter: https://dieulamprevilon.substack.com/

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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When it comes to leadership in churches, we've seen what happens when the balance between altruism and ambition tips in the wrong direction. Turns out we may have some of evangelicalism's favorite Bible characters to blame for that.

In 2 Samuel 5, we see another "success" of David, and yet we wonder, is he really the model we should look to?

And what happens in the real world when we read the Bible without deep consideration of how our interpretation affects real people?

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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With election season upon us, how do we create our own faithful political theology when we've been shaped by political idolatry? How do we navigate the tense conversations we will likely be having in an election year? How do we use the Bible well to shape our theology and practice when it comes to loving our neighbors?

Kaitlyn Schiess joins me to talk about this and more.

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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Betrayal is around every corner as we follow David into the next era in his life.

In this episode, we discuss ...

• the use of women as political pawns
• how David is building his army in the bedroom
• the limits of "technically" keeping your hands clean when something goes wrong
• dealing with ableism in the biblical text

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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Trey Ferguson is a Miami-Dade County based minister, writer, and podcaster whose passions include jokes, justice, and Jesus. He’s the creator of New Living Treyslation–a podcast that retells and relates scripture in a modern vernacular–and a co-host of Three Black Men, a podcast where he muses on theology and culture with Sam Gay, Robert Monson, and a wide array of riveting guests. The author of Theologizin’ Bigger, Trey also writes and publishes regularly in his newsletter: The Son Do Move. When he’s not creating content, he can be found annoying his wife Jessica and their three children with his childlike sense of humor.

pastortrey05.com
@pastortrey05 on Twitter/IG/threads/tiktok
Facebook.com/realpastortrey05.com
pastortrey05.substack.com
https://www.lakedrivebooks.com/books/theologizin-bigger/

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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Recapping our feelings about Scripture and 1 Samuel after a year-long journey through this book. It includes big feelings, silly stories, and lots of thanks to you for journeying with us. Take a listen!

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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What does it look like to build a faith that's strong enough but flexible enough to grow with you? Let's explore some foundational practices or mindsets to build in that will help you for the long haul.

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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Content Warning: Suicide, Israel-Palestine War, and Heavy Content

As we reach the end of the book of 1 Samuel, we grapple with the victory of David and the tragic end for Saul and the connection to the international conflict we are witnessing today.

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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Just in time for Spooky Season, we come to a ghost story right here in 1 Samuel. Join us to see how David manages to escape his deception being discovered, Saul's desperate (and spooky) measures to stay on top, and the set up for our final battle in 1 Samuel.

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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A change in your faith doesn't just affect how you believe, it also affects how you feel about yourself -- especially if your paradigms are upended.

If this has happened to you, and you've felt lost or unsure in or after deconstructing, you're not alone, and you're doing just fine.

In this episode, we discuss how to work through this tough time and find confidence in your faith again (even if you're less certain than you've ever been).

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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The one in which we spot a potential pattern of behavior and wonder if David is actually a likeable.

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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Today, we're going to talk about some of those outdated beliefs or even just wrong beliefs about the Bible that may still be in our mindset that have kept us from engaging scripture fully again.

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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In 1 Samuel 24-25, we encounter Saul in a compromising position that almost costs him everything, and a wise woman who helps David keep his cool.

Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter

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In these two chapters, we see Saul and David in the game of cat and mouse, putting them in stark contrast through their behavior. What do we learn from two men on the run -- one pursued and one in pursuit?

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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David makes some risky moves, supported by Jonathan, as he flees Saul.

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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What if your family likes someone else more than you ... especially if you're the king? Story of Saul's life, unfortunately. See how he handles David's favor with his children (spoiler alert: not well).

Also, we apologize in advance for the wide array of references to foreskins. #sorrynotsorry

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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A shepherd, a musician, and a warrior -- David takes on a whole lot of roles in his relationship to Saul and the kingdom of Israel.

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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Saul struggles to make the right decisions, and somehow even in victory, he comes out on the losing end where Samuel and the LORD are concerned. 

Tune in to hear our takeaways from 1 Samuel 15.

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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We're taking a quick break from 1 Samuel to talk about when following Jesus gets messy and the journey to (and through) An Untidy Faith.

Get An Untidy Faith Here

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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In 1 Samuel 13, we discuss the impatience of Saul, the victory of Jonathan, and the weird commitments we make when we want to win.

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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In 1 Samuel 11-12, we see a victorious Saul getting renewed as king and a frustrated Samuel saying goodbye (with maybe just a hint of shade).

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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In this episode, we talk about ...

• how it feels when we're lost
• what it's like to be found in a place you didn't expect
• when you're being anointed for something you didn't want to do

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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On today’s episode we jump into 1 Samuel 7-8 where we talk about the downfall of another spiritual dynasty, the threats from inside and outside the house, and whether or not we really want the Kingship of God. Let’s get into it!

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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I have the true honor of having THE Pastor Trey Ferguson writing the foreword to my book that comes out on April 18.

So I was doubly honored when he said yes to interviewing me about the book so I could share it with all of you.

We talk about ...

• How to rethink the way we treat Scripture that actually lets Jesus be Good News
• What it's like to disagree with everyone you grew up with
• What book I originally set out to write and how social media changed my idea
• How I want you to feel if you take the journey with me through the book

Find more from Trey on Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | New Living Treyslation Podcast | 3 Black Men Podcast and support his book Theologizin' Bigger.

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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In today's episode ...

• A god's reaction to the presence of the LORD
• The eternal question: was it tumors or hemorrhoids?
• What happens when you don't take God's presence or justice seriously

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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On today’s episode we are actually taking a pause from digging into the text to talk with speaker, scholar, and co-director of Enfleshed Robert Monson. 

We talk about ...

• using a liberation theology lens on the Hebrew Bible
• unflattening the text
• looking for red flags of violence (both implicit and explicit)
• and how to live in the tensions of Scripture

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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In today's episode ...

• What happens when the priest can no longer distinguish the voice of God
• How Christian nationalism makes God a prop
• And some undignified deaths

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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In today's episode, we talk through 1 Samuel 1-2 and ...

• Barrenness, bitter rivalries, and biblical callbacks
• Samuel as a tabernacle toddler
• What and how does God “take note” of?
• What exactly was the sin of Hophni and Phineas?
• Unpacking sin and its consequences in the Bible and in ourselves

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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We're kicking off a season in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel.

Overview of today's episode:

• Meet this season's co-hosts
• What our relationship with Scripture is right now (spoiler: it's complicated)
• What we remember about the Hebrew Bible growing up
• What we know about 1 Samuel
• An intro to the themes and background of 1 Samuel
• Predictions for the season
• Tools we'll be using as we go

Resources we are using to study:

• John Goldingay commentary on 1&2 Samuel
• Africa Bible Commentary
• New Interpreter's Study Bible
• Cultural Background Study Bible
• Jewish Study Bible
• The NET Bible
• New International Commentary on the Old Testament

Find us online:

• Kate Boyd - Book | Newsletter | Instagram | Twitter
• Robert Callahan - Substack | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
• Amanda Waldron - Website | Instagram | Twitter

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We finish our journey through the book of Acts today, and what a journey it has been!

About Today's Contributors:

Lanie is a born and raised Texan who made her way to the Midwest 8 years ago and is still learning how to survive Chicago winters. She is a seminary student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, working on her Masters of Divinity, a Greek teaching fellow, and an aspiring New Testament scholar and teacher. She has spent time church planting in Southeast Asia, researching global disciple making movements, and is passionate about equipping ordinary disciples to study, obey, and share the word of God with their neighbors. She also has a podcast called VBS: Venturing Beyond Seminary, with other seminary students, exploring questions at the intersection of the academy and the church. In her free time you can find her reading non-fiction (usually NT studies), baking, or finding the best food and coffee around Chicago with her husband. You can connect with her on Twitter @laniewalkup.

Elisa is an author and podcaster of Praise Through It, where she talks about seeing old burdens in a new way. She’s an Army wife of almost 16 years, a dog mom of 8 years, and a girl mom of 6 years. She’s a certified Enneagram coach who loves helping people understand people. She loves baking (& eating) chocolate chip cookies and playing games with her family. She’d spend all her time in the sunshine if she could. You can connect with Elisa on her blog, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram.

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

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Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

About Today's Contributors:

Seana is an award-winning writer and graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. She writes and speaks to equip and encourage others to know God’s Word, walk with God, and live with purpose. Her writing has been featured at Christianity Today, She Reads Truth, Risen Motherhood, Fathom Magazine, and elsewhere.

Seana dreams of a generation of women who live with well-souls, rooted in a deep knowledge of God’s word and a life led by the Spirit. When she’s not in the midst of laundry piles and sticky dishes, you can find her in the corner reading and writing, sipping coffee with a friend, or convincing her kids to join her on a hike.

Seana lives in a suburb of Indianapolis with her husband, three kids, and their pet guinea pigs the kids promised to take care of—but became her husband’s new hobby. Connect with Seana at SeanaScott.com and be added to her occasional email updates for faith encouragement.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seana_s_scott/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seana.scott.94

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Seana_S_Scott

Amanda is a human learning how to be, and a life-long writer exploring Christian spiritual formation through the lenses of identity and creativity. She delights in inviting pew-weary Jesus people to embrace and experience their own belovedness through questions, mindsets, and practices that help to foster connection with God.

Amanda's roles include writing coach, poet, partner + parent, and a space-maker for curious faith. She spends her days near Athens, Georgia guessing her way through parenting, writing during nap time, and creating as an act of worship.

Website: https://amandadzimianski.com
IG: @amanda.idareyoutospellit

Voxer: @amandafreeindeed

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My guests today are Ronne Rock and Josh McDonald.

Ronne Rock weaves themes of transformative hope and grace-filled leadership into everything she shares on page and stage. She believes that you are God-designed to influence and impact the world right where you are, and she wants to you understand what it means to live out your purpose. Ronne is a long-road walker, a hope-warrior, a voice of honest encouragement for women who long to lead well. She travels around the world to tell stories of encouragement and hope for Orphan Outreach, and you’ll find her words about work and life balance in Joyful Life Magazine. Her latest book, One Woman Can Change the World, is available wherever books are sold. Ronne lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband and rescue pup, Pearl.

You’ll find Ronne at:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ronnerock

Facebook: https://facebook.com/ronnerockwrites

Website: http://ronnerock.com

Amazon Author Page: https://bit.ly/RonneRockAuthor

Josh McDonald is a jack-of-all-creative-arts: singer, storyteller, writer, cartoonist, actor, director, and filmmaker; he's dabbled in a bit of almost everything. Currently he works for a couple Catholic parishes in Vermont while finishing up his studies for the Diaconate.

Twitter: @JoshDevinMcD

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

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My guests today are Drew Dixon and Kristin Garrett.

Drew Dixon is a minister and spiritual director in Auburn, WA who longs to serve and shape the church through teaching, spiritual formation, and pastoral care. Drew currently serves at Federal Way Church of Christ where he regularly preaches, creates spiritual resources, and provides care to the congregation. He also facilitates listening spaces for individuals and community through spiritual direction and as a coordinator with Renovaré’s Fellowship of the Burning Heart. During his downtime, Drew enjoys slow mornings, scenic walks, deep conversations, watching films, reading fantasy, history, and spiritual writings, and spending time with his wife, Katelyn (who is an incredible writer and photographer). You can find more from Drew or connect with him on his website: https://drewldixon.com/

Kristin Garrett is passionate about The Church and helping others disentangle cultural narratives and ideology from their understanding of what the Bible says about the Body of Christ. She is also passionate about discovering the roots of how disinformation infects groups and has spent part of the past year and half in a small disinformation work group. Kristin has volunteered in special education advocacy and feels privileged to be in a church that is intentionally laying down a pathway to becoming more inclusive. Kristin lives with her husband, Chris (a worship and youth pastor), their son, Samuel (a twice exceptional teenager) and their dog, Theo. They love playing board games, riding bikes, going to speed cubing competitions and having (sometimes ridiculously complex) conversations about the intersection of philosophy, science, multidimensional theory and theology.

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

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My guests today are Jessica Anderson and Sarah Kinzer.

Hi! I’m Jessica, most people call me Jess. I was born in New Iberia, Louisiana but currently live in South Florida with my husband, 2 kids, and goofy black lab. I attended LSU and love Jesus, football, learning/teaching, writing, and anything outside. I graduated with an elementary education degree, and am currently using the skills I learned working for a non profit called Everyday Mission. We’re committed to empowering people to create space in their neighborhoods and cities for authentic community and true discipleship. I overthink, ask wayyyy too many questions, and have been working through disentangling my faith for 2 years now. I don’t claim a denomination, I just tell people I love Jesus. I’m a little scatterbrained (toddler life) but learning to enjoy life through the mess.

• Links: www.everydaymission.com ; insta: @hopefullyanchoredlife (personal) @everydaymissionflorida (non profit) ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.bourque.90 (personal) ; https://www.facebook.com/everydaymissionflorida/ (non profit)

Sarah Kinzer is a licensed minister in the Church of the Nazarene, the cohost of the Pocket Pulpit podcast and the author of Abide: The Day to Day Demystification of Holiness. She is passionate about communicating the message of holiness and helping people find freedom through faith and she believes that ministry can happen anywhere, even online.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kinzer_sarah

Website: https://sarahkinzer.wordpress.com/

Book: Abide: The Day-To-Day Demystification of Holiness

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

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Aaron is the Lead Pastor at Crosspoint Community Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he resides with his wife Chera, and daughter Harper.

Aaron graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, where he majored in Philosophy. He went on to earn an MA in Entrepreneurial Ministry Leadership from Tabor College, and is presently earning his D.Min. from Portland Seminary.

Aaron enjoys biking with his family, reading, running, and watching college sports. He is passionate about candy corn and chocolate chip cookies. He hates meatloaf, plastic fruit, and meetings. Aaron thinks nothing is more exciting than living as a disciple of Jesus.

Twitter @revduv

Elaina holds a MDiv and DMin in Christian Leadership. For over 25 years she’s been equipping Christian leaders through the church and para-church organizations.

She is passionate about teaching people to know and apply their Bibles, bringing a deeper relationship with Christ and helping women envision new ways to use their gifts and talents to serve Christ and lead in their church and communities. She also has a crazy obsession with plants and books that is taking over her house!

She and her incredible husband Pastor Jon live In Richmond, Kentucky where they are adventuring through life as empty nesters and church planters.

elainabarron.com

Instagram: barronelaina

Podcast: What You Love

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

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Hector Martinez kives in Seattle, WA. Currently filling the “all things media” role at his church in the north end of the city. He loves all things media and believes that music is a love language and spotify playlists are an art. He also cohosts the Pocket Pulpit podcast in an effort to explore social media ministry.

Twitter and IG: @seatexhex

Megan Nesson lives in East Tennessee with her husband and 3 boys. She helps her husband manage the family ranch operations across 3 states, plus farming the family farm in Illinois. She has 2 MAs from Wheaton College--Theology & Biblical Exegesis--and her goal is to make the “meat & potatoes” of Scripture accessible to all(Hebrews 5:12-6:3).

On IG & Twitter @megannesson

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

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Lyndall Cave likes to confuse people by telling them she’s 100% Australian and 100% Canadian. Her favourite things usually involve creativity, community, and making connections. She was trained as a seamstress in college, then got involved in YWAM’s film and acting schools in Dunham, Quebec. She currently lives in Central Alberta, where she does her best to survive the ridiculously long winters, and is learning how to work with her (relatively-newly diagnosed) ADHD brain. You can find her nerding out about costumes, new urbanism, the harm of fundamentalist purity culture, Bible context and culture, filmmaking, and trauma-informed therapy at @lyndentree63 on Instagram or Twitter and lyndallcave.com.

Tim Amor has served as the pastor of Beatrice Mennonite Church since 2015. As a Canadian, he's not entirely certain how he ended up in Nebraska. Tim is a one-time Evangelical-Fundamentalist who became an accidental Anabaptist. He is fond of science fiction, good coffee, and he remains a loyal fan of the Toronto Raptors and Blue Jays.

Twitter: @timaamor
Church website: www.summitstreetchurch.com

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

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My guests today are Becky Gonzalez and Lindsay Benedetto.

Rebecca "Becky" Gonzalez is a hopeful encourager and freedom fighter. She loves to share glimpses of how she fights to love God and others...clumsily. Becky is a wife and mom to three, along with their rescue dog, Riley. Becky is a 1 on the Enneagram, which also makes her a recovering perfectionist and people-pleaser. She is a writer, speaker, and teacher who embraces the grit and grace to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, and encouraging others to do the same...because Love leaves glimpses where you least expect it.

You can connect with her at www.grit-andgrace.com , on Instagram @grit.andgrace , or on Twitter @grit_andgrace . You can also find her at the intersection of culture and faith as co-host of the We Have Questions podcast.

Lindsay Benedetto is a full-time working mom of four littles and has been married to her best friend, Tony Benedetto, for over a decade. Currently working in marketing & communications at a large community foundation in Dallas, TX, Lindsay spends most of her work day amplifying the work of individuals and nonprofits in the community through storytelling, social media campaigns, print publications, digital marketing/ads, and more. Lindsay graduated with a degree in English writing and a minor in Theology from a small private school in Sioux Falls, SD.

Lindsay believes wholeheartedly that words matter, and she takes Jesus’ words seriously. But most importantly, she’s a coffee connoisseur and believes most conversations are best had with coffee in hand!

You can connect with Lindsay/follow along with her journey of being a full-time working mom of four who’s married to a head football coach at a high school in Dallas, TX, on Instagram @Lindsay_Benedetto, or on Facebook @Lindsay Benedetto.

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

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Today, I’m joined by Nathan Worthington and Kristin Mockler Young, and we talk about the deep theology of Stephen’s speech, meet Saul for the first time in a not-so-flattering light, and dig into the movement of the gospel to Ethiopia. Let’s do it!

Nate is a former pastor of 11 years who now works as a student advisor at a university in Phoenix, AZ where he gets to work with college students; a demographic near and dear to his heart given his own faith journey of faith and doubt. He has been lucky to call himself Ashley’s husband for 13 years and they have two daughters, Emma and Grace. He can usually be spotted with an americano in one hand, a book in the other and a soccer ball at his feet. You can see what coffee he’s currently enjoying on Instagram or kindly ratio his tweets at @NateWorthington.

Kristin is a loud laugher and happy clapper whose love languages include coffee, GIFs and all that sparkles. She is the Community Pastor at Mosaic Church where she gets to preach, teach and love on people. She writes at TurningTheGem.com where she helps people find Jesus outside of religion or the limited perspectives they may have grown up with. She also laughs at herself on Instagram at @kristinmockleryoung. She is married to Peter, who started as one of her volunteers at church, and they have 2 daughters, Marlee & Margot.

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

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You’re listening to Happy & Holy, the podcast where Scripture comes to life through a small group discussion. This season we’re walking through the birth of the Church in the book of Acts, and you get to be a fly on the wall to see what new things we learn with and from one another as we engage Scripture in community.

I’m your host, Kate Boyd. I’m a disciple maker, writer, and speaker who is making space in the church for Christians caught in the messy middle between conservative and progressive. We love Jesus, love people, and work with God and each other for a better world. Welcome to the show.

If you’re a Messy Middle Christian like me and you’re looking for a safe space to explore your faith, then the Messy Middle Christian patreon is the way to go. If you’ve listened to the show before, you know we like bunny trails and rabbit holes related to the Bible, Christian history, and how faith and life collide in unique ways. In this patreon community, you can get access to weekly bunny trails - curated content to explore something new - and monthly rabbit holes where I or some friends teach you about the many sides you can take on a Christian doctrine, themes and fun facts about books of the Bible, and deep dives into topics or concepts from the Bible or church life today. Plus you get the safety of a community doing the same thing right beside you. You can join for as little as $5/month and get curated adventures to discover more about what it means to follow Jesus in the messy middle. Learn more at patreon.com/messymiddlechristians

Today, I’m joined by Nathan Wheat and Rebecca Carrell, and we talk about the deep theology of Stephen’s speech, meet Saul for the first time in a not-so-flattering light, and dig into the movement of the gospel to Ethiopia.

Nathan Wheat lives in Colorado, sometimes alone, and sometimes with his adventurous wife and his son. He grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado with a brief intermission in Belgium. Nathan attended Oklahoma Christian University to pursue a career in politics and left with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering to pursue a life of not working as an engineer. His favorite color is grey and he refuses to throw out socks with holes in them.

Website: https://www.followingthefire.com/

Twitter: @realNathanWheat

Rebecca Carrell is, in order of importance, a joyful Jesus follower, wife to Mike, and mother to Caitlyn and Nick. She co-hosts the morning show on 90.9 KCBI, and the Honest Conversations podcast, where she and Liz Rodriguez look at tough topics through a biblical lens. She is currently working toward her ThM at Dallas Theological Seminary and praying about what she wants to do when she grows up.
https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaAshbrookCarrell

Twitter: @RebeccaACarrell

Instagram: @RebeccaCarrell

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Today I’m joined by Kristyn DeNooyer and Trey Ferguson to talk through Acts 5 and 6. In this episode, we cover the curious case of Ananias and Sapphira, what happens when the status quo gets threatened by the Holy Spirit’s work, and how the early church handled a conflict about those who felt uncared for.

Kristyn DeNooyer writes at the intersections of singleness, spiritual formation, and chronic pain. She holds degrees in English & Nonprofit Communications and Bible & Theology and owns a copywriting firm working with writers, small businesses, and nonprofits. Kristyn loves small-city living, ecumenicism, and contemplative rhythms. When not putting pen to paper she can be found hosting dinner parties, frequenting local businesses, and pursuing her Masters of Divinity at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.

Facebook: Kristyn DeNooyer Instagram: @kristyn.denooyer Twitter: @KristynDenooyer Website: kristyndenooyer.com Substack: Neighboring.

Trey Ferguson is an avid indoorsman in Miami-Dade County, Florida. He serves on the pastoral staff at the Refuge Church in Homestead, Florida where he helps provide direction in the areas of communication and discipleship. Additionally, he is the co-host of the podcast Three Black Men: Theology, Culture, and the World Around Us and the host of The New Living Treyslation: Bona Fide Bible Talk with Pastor Trey. A graduate of the University of Miami and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, he is most proud of his wife Jessica and their children: Jasmyne, RJ, and Kylie.

Instagram: @PastorTrey05 Twitter: @PastorTrey05 Website: rfxmovement.com

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

If you’re a Messy Middle Christian like me and you’re looking for a safe space to explore your faith, then the Messy Middle Christian patreon is the way to go. If you’ve listened to the show before, you know we like bunny trails and rabbit holes related to the Bible, Christian history, and how faith and life collide in unique ways. In this patreon community, you can get access to weekly bunny trails - curated content to explore something new - and monthly rabbit holes where I or some friends teach you about the many sides you can take on a Christian doctrine, themes and fun facts about books of the Bible, and deep dives into topics or concepts from the Bible or church life today. Plus you get the safety of a community doing the same thing right beside you. You can join for as little as $5/month and get curated adventures to discover more about what it means to follow Jesus in the messy middle. Learn more at patreon.com/messymiddlechristians

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Today I’m joined by Scott Walters and Heather Lobe Johnson. And the three of us talk about what it means to actually see people, how the Holy Spirit impacts the character development of Peter, and what radical prayer and generosity looked like in the early church.

Scott Walters is Professor Emeritus of Drama at the University of North Carolina Asheville, where he taught theatre history, play analysis, and directing for more than 20 years. He is the author of several articles in American Theatre Magazine, co-authored Introduction to Play Analysis and most recently edited and published Mark Twain & Me: Unlearning Racism by his mentor and friend Calvin Pritner. In addition to teaching at UNC Asheville, he also spent many years teaching in prisons near Asheville. Since retiring in 2020, he has been contemplating continuing his prison teaching and prison ministry.

Heather Lobe Johnson is a writer, speaker, and worship leader who believes God can redeem the most broken parts of our stories. She hosts the Take These Ashes podcast, loves a good chai latte, and lives in the mountains of Southwest Virginia with her husband and two boys.

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-these-ashes/id1529645880

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherlobejohnson/

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

If you’re a Messy Middle Christian like me and you’re looking for a safe space to explore your faith, then the Messy Middle Christian patreon is the way to go. If you’ve listened to the show before, you know we like bunny trails and rabbit holes related to the Bible, Christian history, and how faith and life collide in unique ways. In this patreon community, you can get access to weekly bunny trails - curated content to explore something new - and monthly rabbit holes where I or some friends teach you about the many sides you can take on a Christian doctrine, themes and fun facts about books of the Bible, and deep dives into topics or concepts from the Bible or church life today. Plus you get the safety of a community doing the same thing right beside you. You can join for as little as $5/month and get curated adventures to discover more about what it means to follow Jesus in the messy middle. Learn more at patreon.com/messymiddlechristians

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Today I’m joined by Courtney Ellis and Elisa Johnston. And the three of us talk about what you do when you’re expecting Jesus to come back quickly, the weird and wild wonder of Pentecost, and what the church looked like when it was first growing.

Courtney Ellis serves as a pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Master. Her books include Uncluttered, Almost Holy Mama: Life-giving spiritual practices for weary parents, and Happy Now: Let playfulness lift your load and renew your spirit (Tyndale, 2021). Ordained in the PC(USA), Courtney speaks coast to coast, loves Survivor, hates candy corn, and resides in southern California with her husband (and co-pastor) Daryl and three children. Happy Now: Let Playfulness Lift Your Load and Renew Your Spirit with Aspire Press/Tyndale House is available now. Order here!

Instagram: @courtney_ellis_author

Facebook: @authorcourtneyellis

Website: www.courtneybellis.com

Elisa Johnston empowers ordinary people to be fully alive while making the difference they were born to make at Average Advocate, procrastinates on Instagram, and brings freedom to the exploited through Blackout Trafficking. Whenever and wherever she can, she explores with her three littles and adopted housemate. Thankfully, God, her husband, and other favorite introverts are all particularly grounding, because otherwise her passion to raise-up leaders, live missionally, and start world changing things would compel her into a creative oblivion.

Are you disentangling your faith from the culture around you? The greatest tool in that journey for me was the Bible itself. You’ve probably noticed that here on the show we love the Bible, and we take it seriously - but not always literally, and that means that meaning can get a little complicated. But you don’t have to let that overwhelm you. I’ve put together the Big Picture Toolkit to help you understand how all of Scripture fits together in one incredible story, learn some new questions to ask to get at meaning without getting overwhelmed, and see new connections between Old and New Testaments with a special Bible Reading Plan. If you’re ready to get back to basics of your faith, the Bible is a great place to start, and the Big Picture Bible Toolkit can help. Grab yours today free at kateboyd.co/bible.

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

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My guest today is Meghan Tschanz, a writer, speaker, and former missionary who is passionate about empowering women and reclaiming feminism for the Christian faith. She's a co-author of the cookbook "Recipes To Take Down the Patriarchy", host of the Faith and Feminism podcast, and an avid traveler. She and her husband, Dustin, live in northeast Georgia. We talk about faith, feminism, and finding purpose from life overseas.

Quick content warning: there is discussion of sex trafficking and similar rough topics within this episode.

If you want to keep up with Meghan, you can find her online at ...

Follow her on Twitter: @meghantschanz.

Instagram: @meghantschantz

Her book Women Rising is also for sale now and available at the link in our show notes. https://www.ivpress.com/women-rising

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

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On Today’s show, I’m joined by DeVon Wade and Joy Vetterlein for a walk through Mark 1-2. We talk about how the complex politics of the Israel/Jordan/Palestine region informed our ideas of Jesus’ baptism, what terrifies demons, what wine and bodies have in common, and a lot more.

Joy Vetterlein | Instagram | Twitter
DeVon Wade | Instagram | Twitter

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Every month, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up now at kateboyd.co/newsletter.

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My guest today is Sheila Wray Gregoire is passionate about changing the evangelical conversation about sex! A popular speaker, marriage blogger, and award-winning author of nine books, including The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex, and her latest book, The Great Sex Rescue, she wants to challenge Christians to go beyond pat answers on marriage to reach real intimacy. Sheila believes in authenticity, and gives real solutions to the very real and messy problems women, and couples, can face. She and her husband Keith spend a lot of their time touring North America in an RV, speaking at marriage conferences, hiking, and birdwatching. The parents to two adult daughters, you can usually find her in Belleville, Ontario, where she’s either knitting, blogging, or taking her grandson out for a walk.

We talk all about what evangelicals got wrong about sex and how create healthier sex and marriage conversations in our churches. Quick content warning: there is discussion of sex and use of frank terms for sex contained in this episode.

If you want to keep up with Sheila, you can find her online at ...

https://tolovehonorandvacuum.com

https://instagram.com/sheilagregoire

https://facebook.com/sheila.gregoire.books

https://twitter.com/sheilagregoire

Her book The Great Sex Rescue is also for sale now and available at the link in our show notes. https://greatsexrescue.com/

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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What if we didn't just rediscover Jesus in the Bible? What if we took a look all around us, and found Jesus in unexpected places.

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be. 

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and this is our last episode of season three around rediscovering Jesus. So I thought it would be fun to take a look at the way Jesus shows up in our culture so we can point more people toward him. So we're looking at Jesus and other influences in the Harry Potter book series -- oh, and there will be spoilers so proceed at your own risk. 

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What happens to the Church when it can't go in the building? How do you figure out how to worship when gathering like you're used to isn't really doable?

The good news is that Church history and even believers around the world today have already shown us how. Join me as I talk with my friend, Dr. Sandra Glahn, about what church is and how we can continue to do and be it even in these "unprecedented" (but totally precedented) times.

Let me know what you thought of our conversation on Instagram @kateboyd.co and be entered to win a copy of the Earl Grey with Ephesians study by Dr. Glahn.

Dr. Glahn is professor of Media Arts & Worship at Dallas Theo. Seminary and the author of more than 20 books, including the Coffee Cub Bible Study Series. Her latest in that series is Earl Grey with Ephesians.

Website: aspire2.com
Twitter and Instagram: @sandraglahn
Facebook: Aspire2

Purchase Earl Grey with Ephesians here.

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Your outer circumstances don’t have to determine your inner steadiness. That’s a message I wrote to myself on a sticky note recently because I needed it. Maybe you do too. Because here’s the truth: we can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. Today, my guest, Nathan Albert, will be talking about some of the practices that can help us stay grounded and connected to God so we can have peace even in the chaos.

Nathan is a professional actor turned ordained preacher, pastor, podcaster, and author, who has a passion to help people find calm, rekindle their faith, and discover the Divine. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance, a Master of Divinity, Certificate in Spiritual Transformation, and dreams about getting his DMin. He's worked as a pastor, campus minister, pediatric chaplain, and as a director at a non-profit. Currently, Nathan is the Associate Chaplain in the Spiritual Life Center at the University of Lynchburg.

He's the author of the book Embracing Love: My Journey to Hugging a Man in his Underwear, blog about contemplative spiriutality and finding God all around us, and host the podcast, The Why Behind the What. He is also a lover of cities, maintains a plant based diet, is a 3w4 and ESFJ, and a champion for the Oxford comma. His wife, Kate, have two sons, Foster and Theo.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Nathan, you can keep up with him at:

Website: nathanalbert.com

Twitter: @nathanalbert

Instagram: @nalbert

Nathan's Book: Embracing Love: My Journey to Hugging a Man in his Underwear

Nathan's Podcast: The Why Behind the What

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On Today’s show, I’m joined by Amanda Waldron and Jill Richardson.

Amanda is a Clinical Social Worker and works as a therapist in Grand Rapids, MI. She’s just launched a new venture called Hey Amanda! where she will be mentoring thoughtful Christian in the midst of doubt and deconstruction, who want to toss toxic teachings, retain the authentic parts of their faith, and discover a deeper way to believe in Jesus.

Instagram: heyamandawaldron

Twitter: heyamandawal

Jill pastors Real Hope Community Church in suburban Chicago. Her doctorate is in Church Leadership in a Changing Context, with a focus on the next generation and preaching. Her tagline is “Reframed: Picturing Faith what the Next Generation,” and her passion is to work with the next generation to create a healthy church for the 21st century. She’s written or contributed to 6 books, and her latest work is on how interactive preaching can better disciple people. She likes to travel, garden, work with refugees, and break into random musical numbers. She nerds out on Tolkien, tea, and animals of all kinds except spiders.

Twitter: @JillMarieRichar

Insta: @bluehairedpreacherlady

The three of us get together to talk about the sins of church and state (and their redemption), the mob mentality and manipulation, and where does Mark really end and why?

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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Today, I have the pleasure of sharing my interview with Kevin Nye. Kevin is a writer living in Los Angeles who works in homeless services and advocacy. He has an MDiv from Fuller Seminary and an expired minister's license in the Church of the Nazarene. He is currently working on his first book, which is about homelessness and grace. We talked about how you can drop some of our assumptions and help those experiencing homelessness.

If you want to keep up with Kevin, you can find him online at ...

kevinmnye.com

@kevinmnye1 on Twitter and Instagram

Or get his newsletter for the latest updates on his work (and how you can participate) here: http://eepurl.com/hinX4L

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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On Today’s show, I’m joined by Brianna Wilkerson and Bailey Welch-Pomerantz.

In her business Made Well, 345 LLC, Brianna Wilkerson is a Holistic Health and Life Coach, wife and momma, chai tea lover and at-home crossfitter. She helps women find peace with food, feel confident in their bodies again, and develop a healthy lifestyle that’s more than just about their weight. She is also an Essential Oils Advocate for doTERRA Essential Oils and loves helping women to use essential oils in simple, fun and effective ways for their health, home and family. Outside of that, she's an Elder, Microchurch Leader, Worship Leader, and on the Board with the Underground Network Inc, a collective community focused on empowering small expressions of the church in cities and around the world.

Bailey Welch-Pomerantz is a writer and professional question-asker committed to empowering you to create radically inclusive communities. She is a queer Christian, podcast host, advocate, and creator of Making Room on the Pew: a podcast and book meant to begin a movement focused on fostering reconciliation between minority communities and the Christian Church through respectful, grace-filled conversations about faith, the Bible, and community.

The three of us get together to talk about what theological debates really matter, our soft spot for Judas, and how remembering that the disciples were also Jesus’ friends might change our point of view on the stories.

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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My guest today is Kat Armas. Kat Armas is a Cuban-American writer and podcaster from Miami, FL who holds a dual MDiv and MAT from Fuller Theological Seminary. Her first book Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us About Wisdom, Persistence and

Strength (August 2021, Brazos Press) tells the stories of unnamed and overlooked women in Scripture and society. She also explores this on her podcast, "The Protagonistas", which centers the voices of Black, Indigenous, and other women of color in church leadership and theology. We talk all about decolonizing our faith and learning from women on the margins in our lives and in Scripture. Let’s dive in.

If you want to keep up with Kat, you can find her online at ...

katarmas.com

Twitter @kat_armas
Instagram: @kat_armas

Her book Abuelita Faith is also for sale August 10 at the link in our show notes. https://www.amazon.com/Abuelita-Faith-Margins-Persistence-Strength/dp/158743508X

And you can listen to her podcast at: https://theprotagonistas.podbean.com/

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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On Today’s show, I’m joined by Mary Martin and Rick Hill to discuss Mark 11-12.

Mary is the managing editor of Dallas Doing Good and the founder of Lift Communications, a communications consulting firm serving small nonprofits. Mary loves reading, listening to podcasts, and baking bread. She graduated from Southeastern University with a degree in Journalism & Public Relations, giving her a permanent excuse to ask people to share their life stories. Originally from Orlando, Florida, Mary lives in Plano, Texas, with her husband, Damien, and their two young boys.

Rick Hill is a speaker, leader and writer based in Northern Ireland. Married to Sarah with two young sons, Rick serves in leadership at Carnmoney Church and works for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in the areas of discipleship and leadership. He is passionate about seeing every follower of Jesus equipped and mobilised to serve in God’s mission. His first book, “Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples” will be published this summer. Rick tweets at @rickhillni

The three of us get together to talk about the fickle love of crowds, a surprising meaning for fig trees, and oppressive systems.

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

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Today, I have the pleasure of sharing my interview with Elizabeth Hagan. Elizabeth is a graduate of Duke Divinity School and has been a pastor for 15 years. She saw - and personally experienced - the isolation, loneliness, and shame that remains unspoken when Christians shy away from difficult conversations. She knew that the church could do better to foster a sense of acceptance and belonging. So she wrote Brave Church to open the door to the presence of God in difficult conversations.We talk all about what it means to have a brave church and why we need keep talking even when we disagree. Let’s dive in.

If you want to keep up with Elizabeth, you can find her online at ...

elizabethhagan.com

Twitter: @elizabethagan

Instagram: @elizabethhagan

Facebook: @revelizabethhagan

Her book Brave Church is also for sale now and available at the link in our show notes. elizabethhagan.com/bravechurch

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. . Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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On Today’s show, I’m joined by Sarah Callen and Michael Lomuscio to talk through Mark 9-10.

Sarah J. Callen is a published author currently living in Dallas, Texas. She believes every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story is worthy of being shared. Some of her favorites include: coffee shops, rainy days, and a beautiful work of art.

Some dislikes include: having her photo taken and driving in traffic. You can connect with her on her website, sarahjcallen.com or on social media @sarahjcallen.

Dr. Michael Lomuscio is a former research mathematician turned K-12 educator. For the last 11 years, he has served schools as a teacher, leader, and researcher. His research has focused on educational and organizational leadership and utilizing data science and machine learning within education. Michael is passionate about developing aspiring educational leaders and cohosts the Fullstack Educator podcast which provides helpful resources to aspiring school leaders. Michael loves spending time with his wife and two daughters, hiking, reading, and having excessively nerdy conversations about life, science, mathematics, and philosophy. You can connect with Michael on Instagram @Michael_Lomuscio, on Twitter @MichaelLomuscio, and at www.fullstackeducator.com

The three of us get together to talk about more Old Testament callbacks and images in the Transfiguration, what kept people from Jesus (or brought them closer), and how sometimes our questions tell us all we need to know.

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

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My guest today is Meghan Tschanz, a writer, speaker, and former missionary who is passionate about empowering women and reclaiming feminism for the Christian faith. She's a co-author of the cookbook "Recipes To Take Down the Patriarchy", host of the Faith and Feminism podcast, and an avid traveler. She and her husband, Dustin, live in northeast Georgia. We talk about faith, feminism, and finding purpose from life overseas.

Quick content warning: there is discussion of sex trafficking and similar rough topics within this episode.

If you want to keep up with Meghan, you can find her online at ...

Follow her on Twitter: @meghantschanz.

Instagram: @meghantschantz

Her book Women Rising is also for sale now and available at the link in our show notes. https://www.ivpress.com/women-rising

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

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On Today’s show, I’m joined by Bekka Luiten and Roland Millington.

Bekka is a former family pastor and current mental health counselor. Like Kate, her faith was turned upside down and inside out while living and traveling internationally. She lives in Illinois with her husband, and soon they will be moving up to the Chicago area so she can pursue a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. She loves reading, creating paleo and vegetarian dinner recipes, and making music with her band “The Luiten Dilemma."

Roland Millington is a Reverend with the United Methodist Church and author of Ground Zero Revival. You can follow him on Twitter at @Rev_RolandUMC or find him on his website at rolandmillington.com.

The three of us get together to talk about what they thought Messiah meant (and what it really did), why the disciples are fixated on bread, and remembering the humanness of Jesus.

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

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My guest today is Sheila Wray Gregoire is passionate about changing the evangelical conversation about sex! A popular speaker, marriage blogger, and award-winning author of nine books, including The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex, and her latest book, The Great Sex Rescue, she wants to challenge Christians to go beyond pat answers on marriage to reach real intimacy. Sheila believes in authenticity, and gives real solutions to the very real and messy problems women, and couples, can face. She and her husband Keith spend a lot of their time touring North America in an RV, speaking at marriage conferences, hiking, and birdwatching. The parents to two adult daughters, you can usually find her in Belleville, Ontario, where she’s either knitting, blogging, or taking her grandson out for a walk.

We talk all about what evangelicals got wrong about sex and how create healthier sex and marriage conversations in our churches. Quick content warning: there is discussion of sex and use of frank terms for sex contained in this episode.

If you want to keep up with Sheila, you can find her online at ...

https://tolovehonorandvacuum.com

https://instagram.com/sheilagregoire

https://facebook.com/sheila.gregoire.books

https://twitter.com/sheilagregoire

Her book The Great Sex Rescue is also for sale now and available at the link in our show notes. https://greatsexrescue.com/

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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You’re listening to Happy & Holy, the podcast where Scripture comes to life through a small group discussion. This season as we talk through the rough and tumble gospel of Mark, you get to be a fly on the wall and see what new things we learn with and from one another as we engage Scripture in community.

I’m your host, Kate Boyd. I’m a disciple maker, writer, and speaker who is making space in the church for Christians caught in the messy middle between conservative and progressive. We love Jesus, love people, and work with God and each other for a better world. Welcome to the show.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

On Today’s show, I’m joined by Chris Morris and Jenna DeWitt.

Jenna DeWitt is an aromantic asexual Methodist. She spent a decade writing and editing in Christian media, and now edits websites, books, articles, curriculum, blogs, technical writing, and more. She holds a bachelor of arts in journalism from Baylor University and lives in sunny Southern California. You can read her blog, Invisible Cake Society, at invisiblecakesociety.com and find her on Twitter at @Jenna_DeWitt for more on queer advocacy within the church, singleness, mental health, and pop culture.

Chris Morris is a Christian mental health advocate who writes and speaks about mental health and chronic illnesses at chrismorriswrites.com. He’s been married for over 20 years to the love of his life Barbara, and together they’re raising mostly-adult kids, because parenting never ends. Not that he doesn’t love his kids - it’s just different talking with grown ups who still want help adulting.

The three of us get together to talk about the Jesus who rests, what it means to worship, and what story parallels from the Old Testament come through as John the Baptists meets his fate.

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd. And don’t forget to check the show notes to find and follow today’s contributors as well. Thank YOU for joining us, and I’ll see you next time.

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Today, I have the pleasure of sharing my interview with Traci Rhoades. Traci is a writer and Bible teacher. She lives in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area with her family. She is the author of Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost. We talk all about discovering the beauty in other church traditions and how we can pursue unity in the Church even with our differences.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

If you want to keep up with Traci, you can find her online at ...

• https://www.tracesoffaith.com
• https://www.facebook.com/tracesoffaithblog
• https://www.instagram.com/tracesoffaithblog
• https://www.twitter.com/tracesoffaith
• https://www.pinterest.com/tracesoffaith

Her book Not All Who Wander are Spiritually Lost is also for sale now and available here.

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd.

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On Today’s show, I’m joined by Morgan Strehlow and Amanda Webb for a walk through Mark 3-4. We talk about Jesus’ redefining of family, people calling Jesus bad names, mustard seeds, and more parables.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Together, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

Morgan Strehlow is a writer, project manager and host of the Sanctuary Woman, a contemplative podcast for women. She wears a lot of different hats, but in everything she does she seeks to participate in the restoration of peace on Earth in our communities, in our businesses, in our churches, and in our families. You can connect with her on Instagram @morganstrehlow or on Twitter @morganstrehlow.

Amanda Webb lives in Carrollton, TX with her husband and dog Callie. She runs her own small business, and she enjoys spending time with her niece and dreaming about her next vacation.

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd.

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Today, I have the pleasure of sharing my interview with Tiffany Bluhm.

Tiffany Bluhm is the author of She Dreams and Never Alone and their companion Bible studies, and her latest, Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up. She is cohost of the podcast Why Tho and speaks at conferences and events around the world. Her work has been featured in World Vision magazine and on the YouVersion Bible app, the Hallmark Channel, and the Jenny McCarthy Show. She is committed to encouraging people of faith to live with conviction, substance, and grace. As a minority, immigrant woman with an interracial family, Bluhm is passionate about inviting all to the table of faith, equality, justice, and dignity. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.

She joined me to talk about #metoo, what red flags to look for in churches around sexual abuse, and easy ways you can intervene to help the women around you.

If you want to keep up with Tiffany, you can find her online at …

tiffanybluhm.com

https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm/

https://twitter.com/TiffanyBluhm

And her book Prey Tell is now available for purchase. Grab yourself a copy here.

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Every month, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up now at kateboyd.co/newsletter.

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On Today’s show, I’m joined by DeVon Wade and Joy Vetterlein for a walk through Mark 1-2. We talk about how the complex politics of the Israel/Jordan/Palestine region informed our ideas of Jesus’ baptism, what terrifies demons, what wine and bodies have in common, and a lot more.

Joy Vetterlein | Instagram | Twitter
DeVon Wade | Instagram | Twitter

If you enjoyed our discussion, I’d love if you would rate + review on your favorite podcast player. This helps more people to find the show and learn with us.

Then come on over to social media and let’s talk about it! You can find me on Instagram @kateboyd.co and on Twitter @thekateboyd.

If you find yourself in the messy middle as a Christian, you’re not alone, and I’d love to help. I’ve created the Untidy Faith newsletter just for you. Every month, we'll navigate the many tensions of the Christian life and in the process find ourselves wandering closer to the Way of Jesus. When you sign up, you'll get a printable version of the Messy Middle Christian manifesto to your inbox today and first access to more Untidy Faith resources as they come out. You can sign up now at kateboyd.co/newsletter.

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What if we didn't just rediscover Jesus in the Bible? What if we took a look all around us, and found Jesus in unexpected places.

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be. 

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and this is our last episode of season three around rediscovering Jesus. So I thought it would be fun to take a look at the way Jesus shows up in our culture so we can point more people toward him. So we're looking at Jesus and other influences in the Harry Potter book series -- oh, and there will be spoilers so proceed at your own risk. 

Looking to create biblical community with intimacy and integrity? The Couches & Cathedrals newsletter is for you. Not only will you hear the latest updates about the podcast, but you’ll also get weekly nuggets about building community wherever you find yourself in location or in life. Sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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What if there was one magic skill that could change how you relate to any kind of person? Guess what, there is! It’s called communication.

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be.

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and today, I am joined by Dr. Heather Day. Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an interdenominational speaker and contributor for Religion News Service, Newsweek and the Barna Group. She is also an Associate Professor of Communication at Colorado Christian University, and she is passionate about supporting women, and runs an online community called I’m That Wife. She resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband, Pastor Seth Day, and their three children, London, Hudson, and Sawyer Day.

She’s breaking down what it takes to be a good communicator in every situation and giving us a few cues we can take from Jesus to be memorable and make an impact with our words.

If you want to keep up with Heather you can find her online at:

Twitter: @HeatherTDay

Instagram: @HeatherThompsonDay

heatherthompsonday.com

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“Thoughts and prayers” has become one of the king cliches of our time. So how do we begin to put meaningful action behind them to make a difference in the lives of the suffering?

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be.

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and today, I am joined by Lindsey Krinks and we’re talking all about how to marry the physical and the spiritual in our worship and care. Lindsey is an activist, street chaplain, and co-founder of Open Table Nashville, an interfaith homeless outreach nonprofit. For over a decade, she has worked on the underside of Nashville—the streets, encampments, jails, slums, and underpasses—while also working with faith leaders, community organizers, and public officials to make the city more hospitable and just. In 2013, she graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity School with a Master of Theological Studies degree and was ordained to serve as an interfaith street chaplain. Her first book, Praying with Our Feet, is now available for purchase!

I was really encouraged and refreshed by the portrait of ministry Lindsey paints and how we can each step into that same role in our own lives.

Belief and practice can’t be separated. They were always meant to be tied together, and Jesus showed us how. I’m grateful for people like Lindsey who continually point us back to embodying him in word and deed. If you want to keep up with her, you can find her online at:

Website: www.lindseykrinks.com -- And where you can purchase her books!

Instagram: @lindseykrinks, @opentablenash

Link to her nonprofit: www.opentablenashville.org

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Can niceness be an enemy of holiness?

There’s a lot of talk about the cost of “cancel culture,” but there is less talk about the price we pay by putting niceness ahead of holiness in approaching our communities and its dynamics. Why is that and how do we change that?

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be.

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and today, I am joined by Sharon Hodde Miller and we’re talking all about the price of nice in Christian circles. Sharon Hodde Miller leads Bright City Church in Durham, NC with her husband, Ike. She is the author of 2 books: Free of Me and Nice. She has a PhD on women and calling, and she is the mother of 3 young kids.

As a girl raised in the south who went to charm school, I needed to hear that nice is not always the best option. If you need that reminder sometimes too, then you’re gonna enjoy this conversation.

We’re called to more than “nice,” we’re called to be holy. And sometimes that means we have to embrace friction in our relationships to create a smoother path for us all as we move toward heaven. I’m so glad Sharon has helped to point us that direction.

If you want to keep up with her, you can find her online at:

SheWorships.com

Instagram: @sharonhmiller

Twitter: @SHoddeMiller

Enjoy today’s episode? I’d love if you would rate and review on your favorite podcast player to help more people see Jesus anew.

Looking to create biblical community with intimacy and integrity? The Couches & Cathedrals newsletter is for you. Not only will you hear the latest updates about the podcast, but you’ll also get weekly nuggets about building community wherever you find yourself in location or in life. Sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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I have a feeling that some people prefer a God that’s more like a robot. A detached, programmable, predictable deity in the sky. And while God is consistent in character and characteristics, I think we lose something when we divorce him from his human experience -- and all that comes with it.

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be.

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and today, we’re talking all about the Jesus who had emotions and what that may mean for all of us humans with emotions too.

Jesus is safe. Jesus is caring. Jesus gave us a glimpse of what being fully human can be, and that included having emotions and relating to others with them. They didn’t make him less God, and they don’t make us less godly either. I don’t know about you, but I take a lot of comfort in knowing that he will be as tender with me as with his friends because he counts me among them.

Enjoy today’s episode? I’d love if you would rate and review on your favorite podcast player to help more people see Jesus anew.

Looking to create biblical community with intimacy and integrity? The Couches & Cathedrals newsletter is for you. Not only will you hear the latest updates about the podcast, but you’ll also get weekly nuggets about building community wherever you find yourself in location or in life. Sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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What if reading the Bible isn’t just an invitation to know God and your beliefs better but also to imagine a better world? What if it’s an invitation to empathy and understanding?

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be.

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and today, I am joined by Sharifa Stevens as we talk about engaging your prophetic imagination when engaging with Scripture and with life. Sharifa is the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, born and raised in New York, and currently residing with her family in Dallas, TX. She graduated from Columbia University in New York with a Bachelor in African American Studies before earning a master in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. She contributed to the book Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, & Marginalized Women of the Bible and Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Jesus and Justice. Sharifa is married to a Renaissance man, and mother to two lively boys.

And let me tell you, you’re gonna love her and learn from her. I loved this conversation so much that I jumped it ahead in the queue.

Consider this your invitation to engage your imagination more often in life and especially in your spiritual practices. And your invitation to keep up with Sharifa online, which you won’t regret.

You can find her at:

sharifastevens.com
Twitter: @sharifawrites
Instagram: @sharifawrites

Enjoy today’s episode? I’d love if you would rate and review on your favorite podcast player to help more people see Jesus anew.

Looking to create biblical community with intimacy and integrity? The Couches & Cathedrals newsletter is for you. Not only will you hear the latest updates about the podcast, but you’ll also get weekly nuggets about building community wherever you find yourself in location or in life. Sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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There’s a lot of talk about how Christians should interact with power today, and with good reason. In the US over the last few weeks, we’ve seen the name of Jesus invoked in some strange ways in the pursuit of power. Is that how Jesus would want us to lead?

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be.

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and today, we’re talking through Mark’s account of how Jesus interacted with government AND religious leaders during his lifetime. When we do, we can see how Jesus was actually bringing in a whole different kind of power and leadership to the table. And one that we can emulate today.

The Kingdom of God is unlike any other. It’s one we can participate in bringing to earth every single day. But only if we choose to keep our eyes on that kingdom instead of building our own, like Jesus did.

Enjoy today’s episode? I’d love if you would rate and review on your favorite podcast player to help more people see Jesus anew.

Looking to create biblical community with intimacy and integrity? The Couches & Cathedrals newsletter is for you. Not only will you hear the latest updates about the podcast, but you’ll also get weekly nuggets about building community wherever you find yourself in location or in life. Sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

Come find me and tell me what you thought over on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website

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Scandal has become a part of the evangelical reputation, pushing many to leave churches. So how do we create a community that feels safe?

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be.

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and we’re talking about safe spaces. With many leaving larger congregations and searching for community in smaller spaces, it’s important to talk about accountability because smaller communities are also not immune to issues of spiritual and physical abuse.

Today, my guest is Mary DeMuth. Mary DeMuth is an international speaker and podcaster, and she’s the novelist and nonfiction author of over forty books, including Pray Every Day (Harvest House Publishers 2020) and We Too. She loves to help people re-story their lives. She lives in Texas with her husband of 30 years and is the mom to three adult children. And she’s joining me to lend her prophetic voice to how we create safety in our communities no matter what size.

Mary is wise and helpful, and I’m so glad she shared from her experiences and wisdom to help us create a healthier environment to grow as disciples together.

To Learn More from Mary

Find out more at marydemuth.com. Be prayed for on her daily prayer podcast with over one million downloads: prayeveryday.show. For sexual abuse resources, visit wetoo.org. For writer mastermind information, go to writermastermind.com. For cards, prints, and artsy fun go to marydemuth.com/art.

Social Media:
Instagram.com/marydemuth
twitter.com/marydemuth
facebook.com/authormarydemuth

Looking to create biblical community with intimacy and integrity? The Couches & Cathedrals newsletter is for you. Not only will you hear the latest updates about the podcast, but you’ll also get weekly nuggets about building community wherever you find yourself in location or in life. Sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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Have you ever taken the time to re-examine what you believe about Jesus? I have, and this season on happy and holy, we're talking all about the surprising things that I found when I re-examined the life of Jesus as an adult.

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be.

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and we are diving into season three, all about discovering Jesus. And we're gonna start with some of the bigger picture moments. Or, you know, the arc of the bigger picture of who Jesus was and how he fits into history, spiritual and physical.

You may or may not learn things you already know, but today we’ve set the stage for the season and the surprises to come about Jesus.

Looking to create biblical community with intimacy and integrity? The Couches & Cathedrals newsletter is for you. Not only will you hear the latest updates about the podcast, but you’ll also get weekly nuggets about building community wherever you find yourself in location or in life. Sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

Come say hi and tell me your favorite thing about Jesus at ...

• kateboyd.co/podcast
• instagram.com/kateboyd.co
• twitter.com/thekateboyd
• facebook.com/kateboyd.co

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Ever found yourself in the middle of a hard season or circumstance? Ever wondered where Jesus was or if he would ever see you there?

He will, and he does. And more than that, he enters into your story to change it.

You’re listening to Happy & Holy, a podcast about discipleship and community and how we meet each other right where we are to be the people of God on planet earth. And when we do, we have the potential to become the happy and holy disciples we are meant to be.

I’m your host Kate Boyd, and today, we kick off season 3 all about rediscovering Jesus. I thought there was no better place to begin than with my friend, Kat Armstrong. Kat was born in Houston, TX where the humidity ruins her curls. She is a powerful voice in our generation as an innovative ministry leader, sought-after communicator and author of two books: No More Holding Back and The In-Between Place. As the co-founder of The Polished Network, an outreach for professional women navigating career and exploring faith, she is invested in the lives of women eager to learn about how the scriptures are relevant to their everyday lives. She has a masters from Dallas Seminary and her husband Aaron have been married for eighteen years, and live in Dallas, TX with their son Caleb and attend Dallas Bible Church where Aaron serves as the lead pastor.

She joined me to talk about Jesus’ encounter with the Woman at the Well, and how that story changed her life (both Kat’s and the woman’s). I think you’ll love our conversation.

If you want to keep up with Kat, you can find her at:

• www.katarmstrong.com
• www.instagram.com/katarmstrong1
• www.twitter.com/katarmstrong1
• www.facebook.com/katarmstrongauthor
• Purchase the In-Between Place today at https://www.katarmstrong.com/the-in-between-place

Looking to create biblical community with intimacy and integrity? The Couches & Cathedrals newsletter is for you. Not only will you hear the latest updates about the podcast, but you’ll also get weekly nuggets about building community wherever you find yourself in location or in life. Sign up today at kateboyd.co/newsletter

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The Jesus I follow today is not the same Jesus I thought I knew when I was growing up. Digging into the Gospels as an adult with experience in different contexts and circumstances changed what I thought about Jesus, and it made him more beautiful to me than ever.

Following Jesus is the one thing I'll not stop doing, because he's worth following. But he's also surprising. This season I'm digging into a few things that surprised me when I took a look back on Jesus of Scripture as an adult. He didn't change, but the things I see in him certainly did. 

You, me, and a few guests along the way will all unpack what we thought we knew and what really is. Thanks for joining me.

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Your outer circumstances don’t have to determine your inner steadiness. That’s a message I wrote to myself on a sticky note recently because I needed it. Maybe you do too. Because here’s the truth: we can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. Today, my guest, Nathan Albert, will be talking about some of the practices that can help us stay grounded and connected to God so we can have peace even in the chaos.

Welcome to Happy & Holy, the podcast about creating biblical community with intimacy and integrity wherever you find yourself in location or in life. I’m your host, Kate Boyd, and I’m so glad you’re here to join myself and Nathan in a conversation about contemplative Christianity.

Nathan is a professional actor turned ordained preacher, pastor, podcaster, and author, who has a passion to help people find calm, rekindle their faith, and discover the Divine. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance, a Master of Divinity, Certificate in Spiritual Transformation, and dreams about getting his DMin. He's worked as a pastor, campus minister, pediatric chaplain, and as a director at a non-profit. Currently, Nathan is the Associate Chaplain in the Spiritual Life Center at the University of Lynchburg.

He's the author of the book Embracing Love: My Journey to Hugging a Man in his Underwear, blog about contemplative spiriutality and finding God all around us, and host the podcast, The Why Behind the What. He is also a lover of cities, maintains a plant based diet, is a 3w4 and ESFJ, and a champion for the Oxford comma. His wife, Kate, have two sons, Foster and Theo.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Nathan, you can keep up with him at:

Website: nathanalbert.com

Twitter: @nathanalbert

Instagram: @nalbert

Nathan's Book: Embracing Love: My Journey to Hugging a Man in his Underwear

Nathan's Podcast: The Why Behind the What

If you’re looking for more advice on how to create and lean on community like your small group or a house church to stay grounded, I provide reflections and resources and community discipleship practices for that very thing with the Couches & Cathedrals Newsletter. Learn more and sign up to get these delivered to you weekly at kateboyd.co/newsletter.

As always, come share your ideas, questions, and takeaways with me over on Instagram @kateboyd.co! See you next time.

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Life right now can feel like a blur. Days turn into weeks and now months later, we’re staring at our same 4 walls at home feeling overwhelmed. It’s hard to worship in a space that also functions for work, school, relaxing, cooking, cleaning, and a million other things. But today, we’re talking with Amber Brandt who is going to give you not just tips to create a space for worship physically but also mentally.

Amber Brandt is a StoryBrand certified copywriter, speaker, and an IAPO certified interior decorator known as The Coziness Consultant. Amber works with people from all walks of life to create spaces that are beautiful, cozy, and most importantly, aligned with their values. She believes our homes should help us live our best lives. Amber lives in Grand Rapids, MI with her husband Kyle and daughter Winslow.

If you enjoyed that conversation, you can keep up with Amber online here:

thecozinessconsultant.com

instagram.com/thecozinessconsultant

facebook.com/thecozinessconsultant

twitter.com/ambercozybrandt

If you’re looking for more advice on how to create worship at home with your small group or as a house church, I provide reflections and resources for that very thing with the Couches & Cathedrals Newsletter. Learn more and sign up to get these delivered to you weekly at kateboyd.co/newsletter.

As always, come share your ideas, questions, and takeaways with me over on Instagram @kateboyd.co! See you next time.

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Do you have single people in your life? Are you the single in the church and you need a different layer of care in the pandemic? You are not alone. We are all stretched in different ways, and those who live alone are feeling extra lonely and often extra on the outside of church. Stick with us today, and we’ll cover how we can be mindful of that and care for the needs of our single brothers and sisters.

Welcome to Happy & Holy, the podcast about creating biblical community with intimacy and integrity wherever you find yourself in location or in life. I’m your host, Kate Boyd, and I’m so glad you’re here. Joining me today to talk about creating a church where single people flourish (even in a pandemic) is Holly Stallcup.

Holly is the Executive Director and founder of Rise, a community working toward the Church being the best place to be a woman. Rise is building a long table where diverse women can connect, be equipped & lead. People are her passion. Rest for her is hot tea, good books, painted nails & delicious food shared with good people. She lives with her beloved dog Jack in Fort Worth, Texas. And boy, do we go deep in today’s conversation. I know I loved talking with Holly, and hopefully you’ll leave as inspired as I did.

Keep up with Holly and Rise at:
nowsherises.org

Rise Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NowSheRises

https://twitter.com/HollyStallcup

https://www.instagram.com/hollystallcup/

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It’s no secret that we’re all feeling the strain of being far from our churches over the last six months, and the same has gone for our pastors. So how can our pastors care for us and how can we care for them? That’s today’s hot topic. Welcome to Happy & Holy, the podcast about creating biblical community with intimacy and integrity wherever you find yourself in location or in life. I’m your host, Kate Boyd, and I’m so glad you’ve joined us.

My guest today to talk all about pastoral care -- for us and for our pastors -- is Amy Ickes. After working for 5 different churches in 5 different denominations, Amy decided it was time to work for the whole Church. She provides coaching for women in ministry and consulting services for churches. She specializes in helping men and women on staff thrive together, launching new ministries, and writing discipleship and leadership curriculum. When she's not working, she loves to be outside in the summer, and curled up on the couch with a quilt, a cat, and a cup of coffee in the winter.

Find Amy at:
Website: https://www.aymiejoi.org/
Social Media: @AymieJoi

Grab Amy's ebook Caring Well in COVID: A Pastor's Guide here. Use the code HHKATE2020 for a discount!

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Neighborhoods are often designed to keep you isolated from your neighbors, but with a little intentionality, you can change that.

Author D.L. Mayfield joins me to share how she became passionate about loving her literal neighbors and how it challenged her to make bigger changes for the sake of their flourishing.

Come let me know what you thought of our conversation on Instagram @kateboyd.co to be entered to win a copy of Myth of the American Dream.

D.L. Mayfield is an author and activist who is trying very hard to be a good neighbor. Her most recent book is The Myth of the American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety and Power.

Follow D.L.

dlmayfield.com/
Twitter and Instagram: @d_l_mayfield

Purchase D.L.'s book Myth of the American Dream here.

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Are you feeling lonely right now? You're not alone, and also you're totally normal. It turns out we're wired for friendships, and statistics show that online connections don't always cut it.

But there are ways to stay connected to our friends even while COVID continues to be top of mind. Bailey T. Hurley shares her best tips and ideas for keeping our friends close and drawing near to our neighbors even when we can't be together in the same way we were before.

Bailey T. Hurley is everyone's favorite community cheerleader. She tackles the complicated topic of friendship and community by helping women find simple, and approachable rhythms to make their friendships thrive. 

Follow Bailey
baileythurley.com
Instagram: @bailey.t.hurley

Purchase the Rooted in Love study guide and/or mug here. 

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What does it mean to be faithful with your vote in 2020? It's actually a much bigger question than you think, and it all starts with helping us define politics and the Christian's role on earth.

Kaitlyn Schiess guides us with this thoughtful interview into viewing politics on a broader scale and helping us with some "gut check" questions to work through our lives every day but that also apply at the ballot box. 

Come let me know what you thought of our conversation on Instagram @kateboyd.co to be entered to win a copy of Kaitlyn's new book A Liturgy of Politics.

Kaitlyn Schiess is a writer and seminary student living in Dallas, TX. Her first book, The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor, will be published with InterVarsity Press on Sept 8, 2020. You can find her writing at Christianity Today, Christ and Pop Culture, Fathom Magazine, and at kaitlynschiess.com.

Follow Kaitlyn
kaitlynschiess.com
Instagram and Twitter: @kaitlynschiess

Purchase A Liturgy of Politics here.

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What happens to the Church when it can't go in the building? How do you figure out how to worship when gathering like you're used to isn't really doable?

The good news is that Church history and even believers around the world today have already shown us how. Join me as I talk with my friend, Dr. Sandra Glahn, about what church is and how we can continue to do and be it even in these "unprecedented" (but totally precedented) times.

Let me know what you thought of our conversation on Instagram @kateboyd.co and be entered to win a copy of the Earl Grey with Ephesians study by Dr. Glahn.

Dr. Glahn is professor of Media Arts & Worship at Dallas Theo. Seminary and the author of more than 20 books, including the Coffee Cub Bible Study Series. Her latest in that series is Earl Grey with Ephesians.

Website: aspire2.com
Twitter and Instagram: @sandraglahn
Facebook: Aspire2

Purchase Earl Grey with Ephesians here.

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We can't be together like we normally would be, but that doesn't stop us from being the Church or doing what the Church does for each other and in the world. At least, it doesn't have to. It does mean we've gotta think outside the box.

In season 2, we're making the shift to all things biblical community centered on intimacy and integrity. And we're kicking off with a series all about what it looks like to do all of that even when we can't be together in the same ways.

Tune into the preview to learn a little more about what we'll cover this season and moving forward as we become happy and holy disciples together.

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The Christian life requires radical transformation -- not just once but for the rest of our lives. Today, Megan joins me to talk through wrestling with doubt and deconstruction to reconstructing your faith and repeating the process.

Megan Westra is a dynamic and passionate public speaker, and holds an MDiv from Northern Seminary. With over a decade of pastoral experience, she is deeply committed to the work of the Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, and particularly in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee, where she's lived and worked for ten years with her husband Ben, and daughter, Cadence. She loves to read; runs slowly but with persistence, and is an unapologetic coffee snob.

meganwestra.com
@mwestramke on Twitter and Instagram
Megan K. Westra on Facebook

Order Megan's book at https://meganwestra.com/book/

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Seth has been in ministry for over 20 years, recently serving as Communications Director at a thriving church in North Dallas. He is also the host of The Seminary of Hard Knocks podcast, blogs at sethmuse.com, and has his Masters of Arts in Media and Communications from Dallas Theological Seminary. Seth specializes in helping church communicators use social media and content marketing to find common ground with their audience to empower them for spiritual growth.

Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethmuse/
Find him online at sethmuse.com 

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Has your church been closed since the lockdown started? Have you struggled with staying connected while everything is online?

We were all told this would be a few weeks, and it morphed into a few months … and counting. Our churches didn’t think we’d still be away from one another, and neither did we. So we were all caught off guard. But I’d like to posit a theory:

The pandemic didn’t really keep us from church. Our view of church did.

In today’s episode, I want to give you a few ways to create a connected church experience from your couch if your church building is still closed. So stick with me.

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Is it really the Gospel vs. Justice?

Is this the question you’ve found rattling around in your head the last couple of months -- maybe years? If so, I hope this eases your mind and helps you see how they work hand-in-hand beautifully for the glory of God and the growth of His Kingdom.

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God's primary way of communicating with his people is through the Bible. It's our primary source of authority ... but what if you look at the pages and don't know where to start or even what you're looking at when you finally do start?

I've got you!

Join me today as I walk through 7 ways to get more from your time in God's Word including ...

1. Believe that you can
2. Know your goal and adjust accordingly
3. Use easy (and free) tools
4. Pray + listen
5. Make it a habit
6. Read in community
7. Join Gospels in a Month

Which are you going to start with? Let me know on Instagram @kateboyd.co

Want to journey through the life of Jesus together? Join us in Gospels in a Month to take 30 days to read the first 4 books of the New Testament (with helpful references, tools, and community). Learn more and sign up for just $17 at kateboyd.co/gospels.

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Being a disciple is a lifelong journey with many phases. Through them all, these three elements recur the most and can help you determine where you are in your maturity at the moment. 

The discipleship pyramid includes:

Seeker
Student
Disciple

Where are you? Come let me know on Instagram @kateboyd.co

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When COVID-19 first entered the U.S., a wave of racist rhetoric and action came against Asian Americans. No corner of society was free from its touch, nor have they been from the beginning -- including the church. Guest Teresa Kwon talks about her experiences in corporate America, ministry, nonprofits, and local churches as an Asian American and how we as believers can begin to combat the racism within ourselves beneath the surface.

Teresa is a high-impact leadership speaker, strategist, coach, and Founder of Daringly Great Leadership. Her mission is to raise up the next generation of wholehearted daring leaders and disrupters who will radically transform culture and reset broken systems. She teaches and advises how to lead using integrated leadership practices that are ethical, values-centered, and powerful.

She combines deep intuitive sense with her 26 years of experience working with and alongside powerhouse leaders of tech startups, small and large businesses, faith-based organizations, as well as reputable CEOs and nonprofit executives at places such as The Smithsonian, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UN.

Teresa holds a Master in Public Administration with a specialization in Strategic Nonprofit Leadership & Management from the Henry W. Bloch School of Business Management and is Certified Scrum Professional, Certified in Fundraising, and a PMP.

Teresa, is a native Texan, proud Longhorn and Austinite, and true to her enneagram 7, is an avid dreamer, globetrotter, foodie, philanthropist, bookworm, and nature lover. She is married to her rock and Sushi Chef hubby and is fur-mom to an adorable toy poodle named Blackjack. They were last spotted paragliding through the Alps just before enjoying a lavish Afternoon Tea in London.

Website and Social Media Links

daringlygreat.com

instagram.com/daringlygreatleadership

facebook.com/daringlygreat

pinterest.com/daringlygreat

youtube.com/daringlygreat

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Racism in America doesn't only affect Black people. The centering of the white experience means that it has also affected Indigenous, Latinx, and Hispanic populations among others. In this episode, I talk with Marlena Graves as she walks us through some of America's history of racism and the easiest step locally to begin fighting against white supremacy and supporting people of color.

Marlena Graves (M.Div), Marlena is a bi-racial Puerto-Rican. She is the author of The Way Up Is Down: Finding Yourself by Forgetting Yourself (IVP, July 2020), Enneagram 9 Daily Readings (IVP, Winter 2021), A Beautiful Disaster: Finding Hope in the Midst of Brokenness (Brazos Press, 2014), Who's My Neighbor: Loving Our Neighbors as God Loves Us (Discovery House Publishers), and over 200 articles in a variety of venues. She is pursuing her PhD in American Culture Studies at Bowling Green State University with a focus on Evangelicals and race, immigration, poverty and possibly gender. She lives in the Toledo, OH area with her husband and three daughters.

Website and Social Media Links

Website: marlenagraves.com

Twitter: twitter.com/marlenagraves 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlena.graves/

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In 2020, we're seeing a new civil rights revolution happen before our eyes. And it's an issue that we, as believers especially, need to face head on. Because of that, I wanted to bring a series of conversations on racism to the beginning of this podcast. We can't be a people that shy away from challenging topics. Instead, I want to help you face them and lead through them with empathy and action.

Today's guest, Embo Tshimanga, brings us her experience of being Black in America -- one that is not unlike millions of others. She shared honestly and vulnerably about the trauma and how it's shaped her, the things she's processing in this moment, and what she hopes for the church and the nation as we walk through this revolution together.

Embo is a people person and a storyteller who is fiercely loyal and passionate about making others feel seen, heard, and understood. She loves her people from a deep well. Embo values connection with others, most often using words and stories to make and grow those connections. Embo grew up in and out of foster care, making home in group homes, homeless shelters, women’s shelters, and cars. Upon graduating from high school, Embo interned at NorthWood Church in Keller, where she served as a student associate pastor for two years. Embo is currently pursuing a degree in Integrative Studies with focuses on public relations, business management, and communications at University of North Texas, with plans to pursue a Master’s of Social Work.

Website and Social Media Links:

Instagram: instagram.com/embopriscilla

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Welcome to Happy & Holy! In our inaugural episode, learn more about your host -- writer, speaker, and Bible teacher, Kate Boyd -- as well as the Happy & Holy life and discipleship framework.

The 5 dimensions or rhythms of a disciple or in discipleship:

• Personal: Being rooted in spiritual disciplines and healthy habits as a foundation for life.
• Relational: Connecting to a community to serve, be served, and experience God together
• Intellectual: Learning about your faith, the world, and culture to see God everywhere you look and point others to him.
• Mental: Finding your confidence in your identity in Christ and the courage to act because of it.
• Missional: Serving others outside your community and having spiritual conversations with joy and compassion.

Which one do you need help in? Share on Instagram @kateboyd.co

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review on your favorite podcast player to help more people find us and learn with you.

Full Transcript available here.