Finding Free Podcast
Finding Free Podcast is a place for exploration and wandering, where you can sift through your own life and faith, and uncover the truths about yourself that have been there all along. Amy and Craig Andrews are regular people who want to create safe space for all to explore questions of faith and culture. Our hope is that these conversations can be a place for you to interact with real stories of real people learning what it means to truly live out their full, meaningful and authentic lives. May this be a space for you to find rest, community and encouragement for your own journey to finding your free, even when it doesn’t always look like what’s expected.
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Christian Universalism with Chaplain Aaron Saufley
04/23/2024
Christian Universalism with Chaplain Aaron Saufley
What if God saves everyone? Christian Universalism (the idea that God will save everyone and the earth somehow in the end) is one theory of atonement that theologians have discussed for centuries. Though the idea of universal reconciliation was the most prominent atonement theory among early Christ followers, after around the 4th century multiple atonement theories began to surface. Penal substitutionary atonement theory (the idea that humans are objects of God’s wrath and destined to eternal torment in hell unless making a personal decision to believe that Jesus’ death on the cross paid the sin debt humans owe to God) holds the space as the most prevalent theory among Christian evangelicals today. In this episode, we dive into this topic with Aaron Saufley, local hospice chaplain and Cedarbridge partner who shares his wisdom and love of learning of all things, especially Christian Universalism. So whether you like to geek out like we do about topics like this or you are just hearing conversations like this one for the first time, we invite you to learn and laugh with us! Resources: Graces Saves All by David Artman Christ Triumphant by Thomas Allin Her Gates Will Never Be Shut by Bradley Jersak Destined for Joy by Alvin Kimel That All Shall Be Saved by David Bentley Hart Explicit Content: Language Hosts: Amy & Craig Andrews, Jeff Bell Guest: Aaron Saufley Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews
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Who Is Jesus to Us
03/15/2024
Who Is Jesus to Us
The way we think about Jesus impacts the way we talk about faith and how we treat those around us. Who is Jesus to you? Where did that frame of reference come from and has it ever changed? We don’t do a lot of sermon discussion focused podcasts on Finding Free Podcast but there was so much dialogue around Amy’s sermon at Cedarbridge on March 3rd that we wanted to dive a little deeper into this conversation. Our discussion is lively and in our typical style, we laugh a lot as we each discuss, ‘Who is Jesus to Us’! We give each other a safe space to talk without the need for any one of us to be right or wrong, knowing we can always learn something from each other. Even if you don’t partake in sermons regularly, we think you will find this conversation insightful and thought provoking. You might find it helpful to listen to the sermon we reference before or after you listen to this podcast. You can find her sermon at the link below. Thanks for listening! Link to Amy's March 3rd Sermon Explicit Content: Language Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews
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Holiday Story Time
12/07/2023
Holiday Story Time
Grab your comfiest blankets and a mug of something great and listen to some stories of holidays past. Laugh as Craig talks about the time his grandpa accidentally got sloshed at a family gathering. Giggle as Amy shares her most memorable Christmas present (double AA batteries required). And Jeff has a family "oops" moment that will have you in stitches. And much more! In this episode we share memorable holiday moments from our growing up years. Some are "remember when" stories that have been talked about at family gatherings time and time again. Others are more serious and somber, as we talk about loved ones who are with us no longer. It’s funny, sentimental and also a reminder to slow down and let the light of love in where possible. Explicit Content: Language Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews
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Finding Your Free and Feeding Your Soul
11/10/2023
Finding Your Free and Feeding Your Soul
When Craig and Amy started Finding Free Podcast in 2020, they thought a lot about the podcast name. They settled on Finding Free Podcast because they wanted to focus on the freedom and liberation that can come from pushing yourself to break out of the metaphorical places where you feel stuck and bogged down. This podcast was designed to give space to talk about hard topics with authenticity and vulnerability and for the Finding Free listening community to gain strength in hearing and sharing stories of growth. In this episode, Craig, Amy, and Jeff talk about the practices and activities that enable them each to live life from a space of generosity and freedom. From looking at beautiful mountain views to time spent at the beach or doing creative things, they discuss several different ways they have found to feed their souls. Whether through travel or nature, people or adventure, making time to do things that are life-giving and spirit-freeing is crucial to one’s personal physical, mental and spiritual health — and it’s often the first thing to go when life gets busy and overloaded. When life gets busy and hectic, how do we give ourselves permission to breathe and how do we become grounded once again? What are the activities, places, rituals, or people that help you remember who you are at your core? When do you remember feeling most alive, unhindered and free? We hope this episode will inspire you to reflect on what brings you joy and freedom and will encourage you to prioritize doing just that. Explicit Content: Language Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews
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Faith Deconstruction: A Hard Journey that Challenges the Church to Show Up
10/13/2023
Faith Deconstruction: A Hard Journey that Challenges the Church to Show Up
"The next hard road for the Church will be walking with and beside those that are deconstructing their faith, taking it apart either in small bits and pieces or altogether, putting it back together in part or sometimes not at all. The question is, how will the Church show up for people in this space?" ~ Amy Andrews The topic of faith deconstruction can be a hot button issue…but does it have to be? As we grow in faith we often grapple with questions that are no longer satisfied with easy answers. We need more. Sometimes we begin the process of letting go of what no longer fits. Like old clothes that just don’t wear well, sometimes we find out our old ideas don’t comfort us like our favorite sweatshirt, and we need something to change. Sometimes just a few things need adjusting in the way we understand how God works in the world. Sometimes it is much more comprehensive and involves taking apart every last bit of what we have held dear for so long and deciding what needs to stay and what needs to go. In this episode, we discuss how lonely the deconstruction process can be, what it's like when spouses have different faith beliefs and how the church can respond. This is an important conversation about holding space for “what is” for each us. The process of asking questions and waiting for answers doesn’t have to provoke fear, though it often is riddled with anxiety and worry from those in the process themselves or those watching others walk that path. How can the Church hold space, create stopping points of peace and allow room for the process of deconstruction? Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews References
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Purity Culture, Sex and the Church - Part 2
09/27/2023
Purity Culture, Sex and the Church - Part 2
TW: purity culture, rape culture, sexual abuse Explicit Content: Language, Sexual Content - masturbation, orgasm gap, general make-you-blush adult content. In Part 2 we continue the conversation about purity culture and its impacts. We talk more about how conversations about purity and sex can be done better, focusing on dialogue about consent, body autonomy and integrity rather than shame and silence. If you grew up in an Evangelical church in the 1990’s, chances are you were exposed to the purity culture mindset. Though purity culture began with the intention of encouraging teens to postpone sexual encounters until marriage, the lasting effects have had significantly negative residual consequences. So what was purity culture exactly, what was its impact and where do we go from here? We bring back our friend Jeff Bell to talk openly and honestly about our personal experiences with purity culture, sex and the church. We discuss everything from the orgasm gap to masturbation and how the lasting impacts of the purity culture mindset still impact many people today. It's time to hand purity culture, sexual shame, purity rings and lack of positive conversations around sex back to the church and simply say "We can do better!" This is a two part series that you don't want to miss! Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews Articles/References/Books The Great Sex Rescue, Sheila Gregoire She Deserves Better, Sheila Gregoire, Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach and Joanna Sawatsky Come As You Are, Emily Nagoski The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work, John Gottman of The Gottman Institute Eight Dates, Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, Gottman Shameless, Nadia Weber
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Purity Culture, Sex and the Church - Part 1
09/15/2023
Purity Culture, Sex and the Church - Part 1
TW: purity culture, rape culture, sexual abuse Explicit Content: Language, Sexual Content - masturbation, orgasm gap, general make-you-blush adult content. If you grew up in an Evangelical church in the 1990’s, chances are you were exposed to the purity culture mindset. Though purity culture began with the intention of encouraging teens to postpone sexual encounters until marriage, the lasting effects have had significantly negative residual consequences. So what was purity culture exactly, what was its impact and where do we go from here? We bring back our friend Jeff Bell to talk openly and honestly about our personal experiences with purity culture, sex and the church. We discuss everything from the orgasm gap to masturbation and how the lasting impacts of the purity culture mindset still impact many people today. It's time to hand purity culture, sexual shame, purity rings and lack of positive conversations around sex back to the church and simply say "We can do better!" This is a two part series that you don't want to miss! Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox Produced & Edited by: Craig Andrews Articles/References/Books https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-are-the-dangers-of-purity-culture.html https://www.seaglassohio.com/purity-culture-recovery The Great Sex Rescue, Sheila Gregoire She Deserves Better, Sheila Gregoire, Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach and Joanna Sawatsky Come As You Are, Emily Nagoski The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work, John Gottman of The Gottman Institute Eight Dates, Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, Gottman Shameless, Nadia Weber
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Leaving Christian Evangelical _undamentalism - We Got the “F” Out!
08/23/2023
Leaving Christian Evangelical _undamentalism - We Got the “F” Out!
In this episode, our friend Jeff Bell joins us to talk candidly about what it was like to grow up in and be a part of Christian fundamentalist evangelical organizations and churches in the 80's and 90’s. We discuss what it was like to have this as our main faith experience during our formative years and what it was like to come out of that way of thinking. What did we have to unlearn? What evangelical teachings never set well with us? What was our journey to move past evangelical fundamentalist thinking? Christian fundamentalism had big impacts on our lives that took us years to unravel. In this episode, we share the highs and lows of what we learned and what we learned to unlearn as we grew up and out of Christian fundamentalism. And of course, Jeff Bell brings his much needed humor to what can be a hard and triggering conversation. Chances are that if you are a regular Finding Free Podcast listener, you have spent significant time thinking about the Church. Maybe you grew up going to church and you think differently now about church than you used to. You could struggle with how what many Americans think of as church looks nothing like the actual Jesus of the Bible. You may have even left the whole church thing behind and not given it another thought. Wherever you find yourself in this mix, or if you are just looking at it from afar - you are not alone. Come share a few drinks with us and listen as we laugh (and at times cuss) our way through sharing our breakup with Christian evangelical fundamentalism - because well, IYKYK (If You Know You Know). Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox
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Our Response to the SBC Statement on Women in Ministry
08/04/2023
Our Response to the SBC Statement on Women in Ministry
This June, the Southern Baptist Convention approved an amendment to the Baptist Faith and Message to be approved next summer during their Annual Convention. The amendment restricted women in ministry, who were already not supposed to hold lead pastor roles, from having any pastoral position, where the title of “pastor” was deserved. The role of women in ministry has been debated and debocled for years within some Baptist denominations. Yet the Bible provides us with story after story of women: following and learning as disciples, serving in and funding the ministry of Jesus, teaching and leading others, receiving and following Jesus’ teachings to share their stories with those around them. Why are we still talking about this? Jesus celebrated and supported women in ministry so why shouldn’t we? In this episode, Craig and Amy share their reflections, frustrations and thoughts about the recent SBC decision. No, we are not Southern Baptist, but when a large denomination makes a statement like this; it is up to those standing with women in ministry to speak loudly against oppression and discrimination.
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LGBTQ Conversations in Local Churches - Part 2: A Conversation with Stan Mitchell
07/12/2023
LGBTQ Conversations in Local Churches - Part 2: A Conversation with Stan Mitchell
Many organizations operate in shadowed ambiguity, rather than clarity when it comes to who can do what in the organization, and churches are no exception. Unwritten rules are often enforced leaving individuals confused and hurt when they realize the “All are Welcome” slogan really doesn’t apply to them. Can a woman preach? Will the pastor officiate a same-sex wedding? Will the church hire gay clergy? Can I be baptized and take communion? Churches have the opportunity to be upfront and clear about their policies, theology and practices - and having this information clear and publicly accessible is the kindest and most gracious way to love others. In this episode we bring back our friend and colleague Stan Mitchell. Stan was founding pastor of Gracepointe Church in Nashville, TN and walked with that church through the process of becoming an open and affirming church in 2015. Stan has since mentored numerous churches and families as they wrestle with their own stories of inclusion. In Part 2 of the LGBTQ Conversation in Local Churches series, Stan gives us his insight on why these conversations are difficult but necessary in local churches. Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox
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LGBTQ Conversations in Local Churches - Part 1: Questions, Thoughts and Our Experience
06/26/2023
LGBTQ Conversations in Local Churches - Part 1: Questions, Thoughts and Our Experience
Difficult conversations in churches are…well, difficult. Most of us simply aren’t taught how to disagree or discuss hard things in the context of faith within the church. One of the most difficult conversations a church can journey through is a conversation on LGBTQ inclusivity. Since there are typically a lot of theological perspectives, lived experiences and long held beliefs, this conversation in particular can get heated very quickly. Because many denominations are having conversation like this, being clear and honest in messaging regarding LGBTQ affirmation is crucial for churches. Over the last few years, we have received a lot of questions about this very process. What was it like to have a conversation on inclusivity in a local church? What did you actually do, talk about, and how? What did you learn along the way? In this episode, we dive into the process of what that was like for our local church, and we hope our story helps if your local church congregation is discussing inclusivity soon. We have so many friends on all sides of this topic, so we enter this dialogue very gently and do our best to approach this discussion with gentleness and compassion. We know from this experience that conversations like this are hard and can be hurtful to all involved because church family is just that…family. Our aim for this podcast is to really sit in the difficulty of how hard the process of having this conversation was and to give thoughts and suggestions from our experience that are helpful to others. This isn’t an episode on the theology of affirmation or a deep dive on scripture passages. If that is what you are looking for, then we suggest listening to episodes 32-35. Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox
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Limping Into the Kingdom with Layne Rogerson
06/26/2023
Limping Into the Kingdom with Layne Rogerson
Every experience we have in life impacts us. Some experiences leave a huge impact, like a canyon in the desert. Others might leave such a tiny ripple that we don't even notice the effects. Religious trauma, hurts from the institutional Church, or any pain we experience at the hands of those who represent the spiritual to us are deep wounds that leave an impact that often takes years to process. This sermon that our dear friend Layne Rogerson gave at Cedarbridge Baptist Church in Greenville, NC back in June of 2021 speaks to this very idea. Layne shares parts of her family's story and weaves in the truth that even amid pain and struggle, God is at work, moving all things toward redemption and blessing. With Layne's permission we wanted to share this sermon with the Finding Free community and talk about why it was so meaningful to us. Music by: Tucker Fry Web Design & Graphics by: Shannon Cox
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Holding Space & Sharing Stories: An Interview with Zachary Pomeroy
06/26/2023
Holding Space & Sharing Stories: An Interview with Zachary Pomeroy
Stories matter. Telling our stories matters. And hearing the stories of others matters. It is in the telling of our own stories that we claim our own beauty, claim our own experiences, claim that we matter. And it is in hearing the stories of others, in holding space for what is real for someone else, that we become more fully and beautifully human ourselves. Craig and I are honored to hold and share Zachary Pomeroy’s rich and powerful story of discovery, heartbreak and healing. Zach is a native of Greenville, NC and is creator and owner of La Fletcha Film Co., a creative and visual storytelling agency in Greenville focused on sharing experiences and stories through photography and film. Most recently, La Fletcha Film Co. has been involved in producing the documentary film You Belong Here, a beautiful highlight of the LGBTQ+ community in eastern North Carolina and an impactful report on suicide and the queer community. We invite you into this space knowing that you will hear things that are difficult, humbling and transformative. It certainly was that for us as we had this conversation with Zach in our small and sweaty podcast shack in late June. But Zach's is a story we all need to hear and we are honored to bring it to you. TW: conversion therapy, suicide.
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Faith Deconstruction: Finding Your Own Answers with Stan Mitchell
07/30/2021
Faith Deconstruction: Finding Your Own Answers with Stan Mitchell
“In the most general sense, faith deconstruction begins with people realizing that the answers they possess are answers they have memorized that were achieved or developed by other people or authority figures…they were not their own answers. The demand of deconstruction is not that you find different answers, though often that happens, but that you ask the questions and find out for yourself.” Questions about faith are often unnerving...for those asking them, and for those hearing them. When those we love ask hard questions, the temptation is to give someone an answer to hold onto rather than to sit with them as they find the answer themselves. The church simply must make space for the process of asking hard questions and discovering answers. We were able to sit down again with our friend Stan Mitchell to talk about faith questions and what it's like to walk the road of faith deconstruction. Stan is the founding Pastor of GracePointe Church in Nashville, TN and is a leader of an online community called Everybody Church. We discuss with Stan why asking spiritual questions is a healthy practice that ultimately leads to a deeper faith formation if we are willing to do the work of walking the journey.
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Just for Laughs: Dad Jokes with Craig Andrews and Jeff Bell
06/30/2021
Just for Laughs: Dad Jokes with Craig Andrews and Jeff Bell
Recently Craig and Jeff Bell did a “dad joke” video for Cedarbridge Baptist Church as a fun way to highlight Father's Day. Some of you have seen this video, but what you didn’t see was the rest of the almost full hour of what they recorded. In this episode, we are releasing the full unedited version, and for laughs, we even included soundbites of Amy trying to get the intro right at the end. Enjoy and we hope you laugh with us! And just a warning, we are talking about Craig and Jeff, so some of these jokes and language may not be suitable for younger ears!
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Faith Deconstruction: Craig Shares Experiences From his own Journey
05/28/2021
Faith Deconstruction: Craig Shares Experiences From his own Journey
Deconstruction is a bit of a buzz word these days, but for right reasons. Many people, especially those who grew up in a church atmosphere, find that at some point they need to rethink, unpack and "deconstruct" the theology, ideas and foundations that they were given early in life, sorting out elements that caused harm and eventually finding their way to a more complete and wholistic theology. This process is a necessary part of spiritual growth, but can be scary and alienating. In some church settings "doubt" and "questions" are even viewed as a lack of faith or even sin. In this episode, Craig shares part of his own story of deconstruction and talks about what it was like to walk through doubts and questions in a church setting. He shares how he has processed both positive and negative church experiences, and gives thoughts on how to be helpful if you or someone you know is experiencing faith deconstruction.
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Sexual Abuse in the Church: An Interview with Survivor Keith Morris
04/27/2021
Sexual Abuse in the Church: An Interview with Survivor Keith Morris
Trigger alert: sexual abuse, rape, sexual trauma, religious sexual abuse There are some experiences none of us want to have inside knowledge about. Yet too often the unbelievable happens, and we find ourselves living through experiences that are so horrifying, our lives are instantly and forever changed. Keith Morris grew up as a preacher's kid with a life that revolved around church in every way. As a young preteen in the 1970's, Keith was was befriended, groomed and sexually abused repeatedly by a family friend and prominent religious figure of the time. After the abuse ended Keith turned to alcohol to help him cope with the trauma, which led him further down a spiral of pain. It took Keith years to understand and work through the trauma of his experiences. He has since given his life to sharing his story, traveling and teaching about sexual abuse, advocating for abuse victims and working to change laws that hold abusers accountable: all giving hope to others facing similar experiences. We consider it an honor to have Keith Morris with us to share his story, and hope that it will bring light and awareness to the epidemic of sexual abuse, religious abuse and sexual trauma. This is not an easy listen. But it is important. If at any time you are triggered or need to talk through personal experiences on this subject we urge you to contact the National Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
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Trauma & Our Bodies: An Interview with Therapist Sarah Lewis
03/06/2021
Trauma & Our Bodies: An Interview with Therapist Sarah Lewis
Any amount of research on stress and your body will tell you that chronic unresolved stress has a negative impact on your overall health. But what happens when life hands us more than stress, and in fact, we have to deal with experiences that are traumatic? Some trauma is easy to recognize because of the severity of the experiences themselves, but other traumatic experiences may be harder to identify, making it more difficult to get the help that is needed. We are delighted to share our most recent conversation with Sarah Lewis, who is a Licensed Trauma Therapist. Join us as we talk with Sarah about how to deal with trauma, learn how it impacts our bodies, and listen as she identifies the reasons so many people suffer from unresolved traumatic experiences. Most importantly, we discuss the path to healing and wholeness that is possible for anyone struggling with the effects of trauma in their lives.
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LGBTQ+ Affirmation: An Interview with Trauma Therapist Sarah Lewis
12/11/2020
LGBTQ+ Affirmation: An Interview with Trauma Therapist Sarah Lewis
Despite our best efforts, sometimes we hurt those we love with our words and actions, causing trauma and pain that has to be unpacked and worked through for years. This happens in every family; it is a part of life as we know it. Yet often families of LGBTQ+ individuals have a deeper levels of hurt and abandonment. Statistics of self-harm and depression are much higher in LGBTQ+ teens than average. Of course, this is not the case for everyone, and every story is different. Our conversation with trauma therapist Sarah Lewis uncovers some of the layers that LGBTQ+ families must journey through as they seek to listen and understand each other. What can parents say during critical moments of conversation that will foster openness and communication? What can the Church do to be clear and helpful for LGBTQ+ families as they navigate unfamiliar space that might make them anxious and uneasy? In what ways is the LGBTQ+ community needing the Church to show up and be what we claim to be? Our hope is that this conversation will provide much needed information and encouragement while challenging churches to love others better than before.
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Finding Full LGBTQ+ Affirmation: A Conversation with Stan Mitchell
11/17/2020
Finding Full LGBTQ+ Affirmation: A Conversation with Stan Mitchell
We are excited to share our conversation with Stan Mitchell with you on Finding Free Podcast! This episode is a must-listen for our community. Stan is Co-Founder of Everybody Church, an online community created as a haven for anyone feeling spiritually homeless, but specifically as a place of inclusion and affirmation for those in the LGBTQ+ community who have been harmed and ostracized by the local church. He spends a lot of his time now working with families and churches as they navigate how the Bible supports affirmation and love of individuals regardless of their sexuality. As Craig and I studied the Bible with respect to LGBTQ+ inclusion, we found it so helpful to listen to other voices that were focused on the Biblical text and true to the message and life of Jesus. Stan has been one of those voices. His depth of knowledge and scriptural wisdom, coupled with his ability to clearly communicate that message, helped us navigate our path from a traditional/literal theology to an inclusive way of looking at scripture. We are so glad you can join in on our conversation and know that Stan will be one of those voices for you as well.
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Finding Full LGBTQ+ Affirmation: A Closer Look at Scripture
11/06/2020
Finding Full LGBTQ+ Affirmation: A Closer Look at Scripture
During any conversation on LGBTQ+ inclusivity and the Church, the topic of scripture takes center-stage. What does the Bible say about same sex orientation? What does Jesus say? Are there any identified bible verses that address same sex relationships? In this episode, we walk through specific scripture verses that have historically been used to exclude the LGBTQ+ community from full participation in the Church. These verses are often referred to as 'Clobber Passages.' We believe there are other ways to look at these particular passages than what has traditionally been taught and be faithful to the gospel message and to Christ. We invite you to join us as we walk through these verses and share how we have come to look at them differently. As it was for us, we know that changing your way of thinking on this particular topic is a long journey, especially if you were raised in a more "traditional" church setting. These scriptures are often debated by scholars and we appreciate your willingness to consider a perspective that might be different. We invite you to listen and take time to sit with the ideas we share.
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Finding Full Affirmation: Our Journey to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
10/14/2020
Finding Full Affirmation: Our Journey to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
I have heard it said many times before, “The Gospel is either good news for everyone or it is good news for no one.” Yet time and time again, one group or another gets pushed aside, deemed not acceptable, excluded...by the Church. This conversation is a personal journey that Craig and I have been on for years, and we’ve decided that we can’t be authentic to our own faith or integrity without publicly stating that we are fully affirming of our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. We have witnessed first-hand and far too many times the trauma and oppression that exclusion from the church inflicts upon the LGBTQ+ community and believe that same-sex sexual orientation and the diversity of gender identities included is not a sin. No, we haven’t always believed this, and this podcast is a conversation about that journey. In no way is this intended to be a slam on our traditional faith upbringings or the people that led us and taught us so well...this is simply a story about where we are now. We aren’t trying to “start something” or cause a riff between us and those who may view this differently. We simply want to say publicly: to the LGBTQ+ community, we see you, you are loved by us and by God, and we are sorry we have spent too much time as silent allies. In the words of Maya Angelo, “once we know better, we must do better.” This is one step in that direction.
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Originally Sinful or Originally Blessed: What if We Have Thought About it Wrong All Along?
09/29/2020
Originally Sinful or Originally Blessed: What if We Have Thought About it Wrong All Along?
Often there are ideas and theologies that we are taught that we hold onto for a while in life, but that eventually we realize need reframing and rethinking. The doctrine of “original sin,” the idea that every human being is born completely separated from God by sin inherited from Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, is one that many Christ followers have believed and lived into, though its roots can’t actually be traced back the creation stories in Genesis. Instead, what we see in the creation story is a story of God giving human beings an identity of "original blessing." How did we end up with a doctrine of original sin? What would it look like to live into our original blessing, and let that be the identity that frames our lives? What if we looked at "blessed" as our identity as people instead of a "reward" from God? Dive into this conversation starter with us as we talk about original sin vs. original blessing. Book referenced in podcast is Original Blessing by Danielle Shroyer
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Pandemic Life: We're Struggling Too!
09/22/2020
Pandemic Life: We're Struggling Too!
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has everything in life as we knew it either on hold or moving forward in a very different way than we have known before. Every decision seems to take so much effort and yield more problems. We find ourselves on a wheel of uncertainty...spinning and spinning. Anyone else feeling tired or anxious from this constant spinning? Our mental bandwidth is maxed out and Every Little Thing is a Really Big Deal. Everyone is feeling the strain these days and we wanted to let you know you are not alone in the mayhem. We had fun keeping it real and sharing some of our own COVID struggles!
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Mo's (my dad) Last Game Coaching at Apex
09/07/2020
Mo's (my dad) Last Game Coaching at Apex
From 1972 to 1980, my dad (aka Mo, short for Morris) was the varsity basketball coach at Apex High School. When Amy and I were starting our Finding Free Podcast I needed to do a sound test for our phone interview equipment. So I called dad and got him to tell me about the last game he coached at Apex. I was 3 years old, and I do not remember any of this, but I know it had to be exciting! It came down to a last second shot with the ball in the hands of Anthony Byrd who would go on to play at Georgia Tech. These years while he was coaching are great memories for my family and his players, most of whom he still keeps in contact with to this day. I've always enjoyed this story and I hope you do too!
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Power & Position: Religious Leaders Should Use it for Good and Not Harm
08/16/2020
Power & Position: Religious Leaders Should Use it for Good and Not Harm
Power dynamics in churches...not something we like to talk about often, especially in today's political and social climate. It's hard but necessary for religious leaders to think about the power they wield in relationships and how it impacts those they communicate with. Especially in a religious context, power is often abused, causing trauma and broken connections. This can lead people to be hurt by the religious leaders that they tend to trust the most. Discussing power in relationship dynamics is very tricky, and is not something we look at lightly. Religion has not always been the safe place it needs to be for the oppressed and at times has been a cause of much hurt and shame from people in powerful positions. From pastors and ministers to teachers and bosses, how can we be mindful of the power we hold as individuals? What are some of the ways people subtly abuse power through their words and actions? Can we recognize ways in which we can use our own power and influence to raise the voices of those around us? Can we learn to use power in healthy ways, working for the good of the community at large? Our hope is that this conversation will be one small lean towards a healthy awareness of our interconnectedness.
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Amy's 7-12-2020 Oakmont Sermon - Patience: The Link Between Patience and Grace
08/12/2020
Amy's 7-12-2020 Oakmont Sermon - Patience: The Link Between Patience and Grace
Living in a culture that thrives on "more" and "faster," it's no secret that most of us have a hard time waiting for anything. When we begin to associate what we can get quickly with what is successful, we set ourselves up for a spiritual life of discontent. God is incredibly patient with us, and our own patience with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us means not that we wait passively, but that we actively practice viewing others as God views us.
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Amy's 6-21-2020 Oakmont Sermon - Intentional Love: The First Fruit of the Spirit
07/09/2020
Amy's 6-21-2020 Oakmont Sermon - Intentional Love: The First Fruit of the Spirit
Ask the general public for a definition of love and you’ll get a variety of answers. We use the word love a lot, especially if you grew up in church and were told to “Love your neighbor” from a very young age. Yet, what does it look like to love others in today’s culture that is brimming with fear? Walter Bruggeman says, “The definitive act of love is justice.” We simply cannot talk about loving others without talking about justice. How do we DO the work of love in a society where injustice prevails? What does it mean for each of us to “do love” as individuals and also together as a community? What would it look like to really live into loving our neighbors as ourselves?
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Women in Ministry Part 2: Sharing Her Story - An Interview with Rev. Beth Thompson
06/16/2020
Women in Ministry Part 2: Sharing Her Story - An Interview with Rev. Beth Thompson
Second in our series on Women in Ministry, we dialogue today with a friend and former co-worker, Rev. Beth Thompson. Beth spent almost 40 years in ministry and was graduating from seminary at the height of the "women in ministry" conflict. She discusses the atmosphere during that time period and describes what helped her stay the course when things were difficult. And if you know Beth, she drops the mic on the regular and hits the truth hard, and this conversation definitely does not disappoint! Amy had the pleasure of working with Beth for almost 15 years, and she can say without a doubt that Beth's mentorship and modeling of what it is like to be a woman in church ministry was invaluable for her as she began full time ministry. Beth's example in ministry has impacted countless people and churches, and we are honored to interview her today.
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Women in Ministry Part 1: A Beautiful but Difficult Road
06/05/2020
Women in Ministry Part 1: A Beautiful but Difficult Road
When I was in college, I kept having this thought that would not let me go...a sense that, in order to be fully true to myself, I needed to accept that I was being called by God into Christian ministry. I wasn't exactly sure what that was going to look like, but I knew that it was true. Looking back, it is fulfilling to know that I am where I am supposed to be in life, but I'll also admit that being a woman in ministry (as in many other professions) carries more than its share of criticism from those who would say that to be an ordained female pastor is not in line with the teachings of the Bible. Women serving in pastoral leadership has been a much debated topic in some denominations. In this episode, we discuss the history of the "women in ministry" issue, offer some insight on the bible passages often cited and debated by those opposing women in ministry, and share our personal stories. Craig discusses his experiences of being questioned about "how he allows his wife to be a minister" and I share some thoughts for other women who may be discerning God's urging to explore vocational ministry.
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