LOAM
Discussing a more beautiful gospel. LOAM with Pastors Tonetta Landis-Aina and Anthony Parrott unravels the radical implications of Jesus' good news for today's world. Moving beyond surface-level spirituality and worn-out religious clichés, each episode explores how the expansive love of God transforms our understanding of justice, community, and what it means to be human. Through theological deep dives, cultural analysis, and honest conversation, Tonetta and Anthony invite listeners to reimagine Christianity not as a system of control, but as an invitation into divine abundance. Whether you're deconstructing your faith, seeking a more inclusive spirituality, or simply curious about a gospel that's truly good news for everyone, this podcast creates space for the questions, doubts, and discoveries that emerge when we take Jesus at his word. New episodes biweekly.
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010 - Rest as Resistance: Sabbath, Sabbaticals, and Becoming an Outlier
06/12/2025
010 - Rest as Resistance: Sabbath, Sabbaticals, and Becoming an Outlier
Rest as Resistance: Sabbath, Sabbaticals, and Becoming an Outlier Subtitle: A Conversation on Biblical Rest, Work Culture, and the Courage to Live Counter-Culturally Podcast: The LOAM Podcast - A Conversation on a More Beautiful Gospel Episode Type: Final episode with co-host before sabbatical Episode Summary In this deeply personal and theologically rich episode, hosts Anthony Parrott and the Reverend Sister Tonetta Landis-Aina explore the radical nature of rest in our productivity-obsessed culture. As Tonetta prepares for her first sabbatical, they dive into biblical perspectives on Sabbath, the resistance inherent in choosing rest, and how our earliest experiences with work and rest shape our adult practices. Key Takeaway: To practice true rest in our culture is to become "a fugitive from grind culture" and an outlier who chooses to live into the world as it should be, rather than accepting the relentless pace of late-stage capitalism. Episode Highlights & Timestamps [Opening] Being an Outlier Tonetta's upcoming sabbatical and the rarity of such policies in church work The cultural confusion and sideways looks that come with extended rest Introduction to Tricia Hersey's concept of being "a fugitive from grind culture" "To be a fugitive is to break free... embracing becoming an outlier. To live into practices of rest, you have to accept that you will be an outlier." [Mid-Episode] What Did You Learn from Your Caregivers About Rest? Anthony's Story: Growing up with a father working brutal newspaper printing schedules, the family's disrupted rhythms, and the "I'll sleep when I'm dead" mentality Tonetta's Story: Middle-class upbringing with a hardworking teacher father who gamed the system for stability, and the tension between being and doing How childhood experiences with work and rest shape adult approaches to Sabbath [Biblical Foundation] Bible and Rest Rhythms vs. Balance: Why Anthony believes balance is a lie and rhythms are biblical Genesis Patterns: Daily, weekly, yearly, and jubilee cycles of work and rest Technology as Resistance: How modern technology tries to override natural creation rhythms John 15 - Fruitfulness and Abiding: The counterintuitive wisdom that even fruitful branches need pruning "If you want something to grow up into a strong, healthy plant... the first year you plant a grapevine, it's gonna bear some fruit... No. Cut it back. Wait a year... You wait at least three years before you start getting the fruit out of it." [Practical Theology] What Defines Sabbath for Each of Us? Anthony's Characteristics: Work Stoppage: Forcing clarity about what constitutes work vs. rest Reposing in Creation: Following God's example of stepping back and saying "this is good" Alternative Identity: Leaning into identities beyond work - mother, Prince fan, tennis player Tonetta's Characteristics: Play as Rest: Reclaiming play as non-productive but deeply engaging activity Structured Rest: Understanding that rest doesn't have to be passive or unstructured Communal Impact: How personal rest creates ripples enabling others to rest Key Biblical Passages Discussed Genesis 1-2: Creation rhythms and the first Sabbath John 15: The vine and branches - fruitfulness and abiding Exodus & Deuteronomy: Sabbath commands including rest for community and livestock Proverbs 8: Wisdom personified as playing and frolicking before God Levitical patterns: Sabbatical years and Jubilee cycles Recommended Resources Books & Authors Mentioned: Tricia Hersey - "Rest is Resistance" and Rest Deck Cal Newport - Thoughts on focus as 21st-century currency Wendell Berry - Technology and creation rhythms Jürgen Moltmann - Liberation theology: Exodus and Sabbath as two sides of freedom Cindy Wang Brandt - "Parenting Forward" on collective rest Concepts Explored: Fugitivity and rest as resistance Late-stage capitalism vs. biblical rhythms Multitasking as myth vs. monotasking as focus Play as non-productive engagement Trauma-informed learning through play Sabbath as community practice, not just individual discipline Discussion Questions How do your earliest experiences with work and rest continue to shape your current practices? In what ways might you need to become an "outlier" to practice meaningful rest? What's the difference between "balance" and "rhythms" in your own life? How can your personal rest create space for others in your community to rest? What would it look like to reclaim "play" as an adult spiritual practice? Where do you see technology overriding natural rhythms in your life? Quotable Moments "Rest is a human right. It is the first day of humanity's existence according to Genesis 2." "Focus is going to be the most important currency in the 21st century because... everybody is vying for our attention all the time." "There are two sides to liberation... exodus (leaving the system) and Sabbath (rest). Liberation does not exist unless both of those are in place." Connect with The LOAM Podcast Instagram: @loam.fm Anthony Parrott: @pastorparrott (most platforms) Tonetta Landis-Aina: @tonneta.landis (Instagram) Feedback & Questions: [email protected] The LOAM Podcast is a conversation on a more beautiful gospel, exploring faith, justice, and spiritual formation in the modern world. Special Note: This episode marks Tonetta's final appearance before her sabbatical. The hosts discuss the rarity and importance of sabbatical policies in church work, noting that The Table Church provides three months of sabbatical every three years - an incredibly generous and rare practice in religious organizations.
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009: Death Cannot Digest Divinity (Atonement Part 2)
05/28/2025
009: Death Cannot Digest Divinity (Atonement Part 2)
Episode Overview In this second part of their atonement series, hosts Anthony Parrott and Tonetta Landis-Aina dive deeper into healthier frameworks for understanding the cross, moving beyond problematic theologies toward more life-giving perspectives. They explore concepts like the harrowing of hell, Christus Victor, and René Girard's scapegoat theory while emphasizing how the cross reveals God's radical solidarity with the marginalized. Key Topics Discussed 1. The Cross as Radical Power Reversal Challenges to Christian nationalism Power displayed through weakness The cross as counter-imperial statement 2. The Cross as Lynching Connection between crucifixion and American lynching history James Cone's The Cross and the Lynching Tree Understanding the cross through the lens of racial violence and solidarity with victims 3. Language Matters: Reconciliation vs. Cleansing Translation issues with "atonement" (at-one-ment) Being saved from misconceptions about God's wrath, not from God's wrath itself 4. Participation in Atonement Co-suffering love (not coercive suffering) Local, contextual discipleship Christ suffered ahead of us, not instead of us 5. The Harrowing of Hell Jesus' descent to free the dead Death as prison that cannot hold God Early church imagery of chains breaking under the cross 6. Christus Victor Christ's victory over sin, death, and evil Both spiritual and physical dimensions The church as continuation of Christ's victory through acts of love and justice 7. René Girard and Scapegoat Theory Mimetic desire and rivalry The cross as revelation (not blessing) of the scapegoat mechanism Breaking cycles of accusation and violence Books and Resources Referenced Books Mentioned The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone Sacred Self-Care by Dr. Shaniqua Walker-Barnes The Wood Between the Worlds by Brian Zahnd The Day the Revolution Began by N.T. Wright Crucifixion by Martin Hengel The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Scholars Referenced René Girard (French philosopher, mimetic theory) Dr. Shaniqua Walker-Barnes Brian Zahnd N.T. Wright Martin Hengel James Cone Brian Blount (Black New Testament scholar) Douglas Campbell Scot McKnight Jennifer Bashaw (on scapegoating) Chris Green (theologian) David Bentley Hart Key Scripture References John 12:20-25 - Jesus on his coming death Ephesians 4:8-10 - descent to lower regions 1 Peter 3:18-20 - proclamation to imprisoned spirits Hebrews 2 - freedom from fear of death 1 John 3:8 - destroying the works of the devil Colossians 2 - leading powers in parade Historical References Alexamenos graffiti (Roman graffiti mocking Christians) Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference Birmingham church bombing Lynching Memorial (Equal Justice Initiative) Memorable Quotes "The cross is foolishness and we are faithful to foolishness" "Death cannot digest divinity" "Christ suffered ahead of us, not instead of us" "We are slowly bending the arc of history towards justice" "The crucifixion of Christ was not a defeat that was overturned by resurrection. Rather, it was a victory revealed in resurrection" Contact Information Instagram: and Podcast Instagram: Email for questions: Note to Listeners The hosts welcome questions for a potential Q&A episode. Send your questions to [email protected] to participate in future discussions about gospel, faith, and social justice.
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008: Understanding Atonement: Beyond Punishment and Toward Love
05/22/2025
008: Understanding Atonement: Beyond Punishment and Toward Love
Understanding Atonement: Beyond Punishment and Toward Love Subtitle: "Where Crosses, Penguins, and Penal Substitution Collide" Your Hosts Anthony Parrott and Tonetta Landis-Aina welcome you to LOAM Podcast - "a conversation on a more beautiful gospel." Episode Topics & Timestamps [00:01:00] Introduction to Atonement - Why this conversation matters and setting the stage [00:02:00] Caveat \#1: Embodied Reality - Atonement isn't just theory\; it's lived experience for many [00:06:00] Caveat \#2: Dangerous Ideas - How teachings can be weaponized when misunderstood [00:08:00] Personal Formation Stories - What were you taught about the cross? [00:17:00] Penal Substitutionary Atonement Explained - Breaking down PSA and its problems [00:24:00] Atonement and Justice - Wrestling with the need for justice without retribution [00:30:00] The Power of Metaphor - How biblical writers used multiple images to describe mystery [00:32:00] Art and Contemplation - Finding meaning through music and visual art Key Insights from This Episode The Translation Problem Anthony explains how William Tyndale's translation choices created theological confusion by using "atonement" for both Greek katalasso (reconciliation) and Hebrew kippur (decontamination/purification), leading to centuries of conflated meaning. Two Important Caveats Caveat \#1: Atonement theology isn't just abstract theory - it affects real people experiencing real crucifixion in their daily lives (unemployment, discrimination, systemic oppression). Caveat \#2: These ideas can be dangerous when mishandled, like "trying to pick up a snake in the wild" - they can mean the exact opposite of their intended message. The Problem with Penal Substitutionary Atonement Makes punishment and retribution ultimate rather than love Puts violence at the heart of God's character Reduces the rich biblical metaphors to one narrow theory Can perpetuate cycles of violence and revenge "If God will not forgive us until his son has been tortured to death for us, then God is a lot less forgiving than we are sometimes." - Herbert McCabe Toward a Better Understanding The hosts emphasize that biblical writers used multiple metaphors (sacrificial, legal, interpersonal, commercial, military) because they were trying to describe a mystery that transcends any single explanation. Resources & References Mentioned Books & Authors Strange New World Podcast by Matthew Myers Bolton Herbert McCabe - Catholic theologian quoted on forgiveness Sally McFague - Theologian on metaphor and religious language Robert Mulholland - Spiritual formation framework using Jungian archetypes Jon Sobrino - Liberation theologian who wrote about "crucified peoples" Music & Art "Lamb of God" - Choral cantata by Rob Gardner (Mormon composer) "No Greater Love" - Gospel song ("They hung him high, stretched him wide") "Worth" - Contemporary Christian song "How Great the Father's Love for Us" - Hymn mentioned Stations of the Cross - Catholic contemplative practice Franciscan Monastery, Washington DC - Mentioned as a place for stations of the cross Biblical & Theological Terms Katalasso (Greek) - Reconciliation Kippur (Hebrew) - Purification/decontamination (as in Yom Kippur) Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA) - The dominant Protestant theory of atonement William Tyndale - English Bible translator who coined "atonement" Recommended Further Reading Explore liberation theology and Jon Sobrino's work on "crucified peoples" Study the various biblical metaphors for atonement (not just substitution) Research Herbert McCabe's writings on forgiveness and God's character Look into contemplative practices like Stations of the Cross Connect with LOAM Podcast Instagram: Tonetta's Instagram: Anthony Online: Find him at on most platforms Feedback & Questions: Submit your questions and feedback - they'll respond in future episodes! What's Next? This is Part 1 of a multi-part series on atonement. The hosts promise to move beyond critique toward constructive alternatives - exploring how we can understand the cross as good news without the problematic baggage of punishment-focused theology. "We are not just gonna tear it down and leave people in that... I think we can do better." - Tonetta Discussion Questions What were you taught about the cross growing up? How has that shaped your understanding of God? How might the difference between "reconciliation" and "purification" change how we read atonement passages? Where do you see "crucified peoples" in today's world? How can we hold onto the love revealed in the cross while rejecting harmful theology? What art, music, or practices help you contemplate the mystery of the cross? LOAM Podcast: A conversation on a more beautiful gospel.
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007: Exploring Confession and the Spiritual Practice of Lent
04/16/2025
007: Exploring Confession and the Spiritual Practice of Lent
"I'm a Bear, I'm Meant to Be Hibernating" Subtitle: Episode Overview In this episode, Anthony Parrott and Tonetta Landis-Aina discuss the spiritual practices of Lent, with a particular focus on the often overlooked practice of confession. They explore their personal histories with liturgical traditions, why Lent remains meaningful to them today, and how confession serves as an important spiritual practice for both personal growth and collective liberation. Key Points Personal histories with Lent: Anthony and Tonetta share their journeys from non-liturgical upbringings to embracing Lenten practices The importance of alternative liturgies: How the liturgical calendar offers a counter-cultural way of measuring time apart from the dominant calendar of empire Lent as wilderness: Understanding the desert experiences of faith as normal and necessary spiritual cycles The value of darkness: How Lent reclaims darkness as a space where God moves and works Confession as practice: The tension between unhealthy guilt and the necessary practice of taking responsibility Collective confession: The importance of public confession paired with assurance for communal healing The dangers of avoiding confession: How avoiding self-reflection can lead to calcified hearts and unjust systems Notable Quotes "We are formed by calendars in time, whether we like it or not." - Anthony "The question is not if we are being spiritually formed, it's what is forming us." - Anthony "Wilderness is a really healthy part of the life of faith." - Tonetta "If you do not create... alternative routines and practices, you will be formed by the values of the empire." - Tonetta "Confession as willingness to take responsibility to name what is wrong... is really important for the health of the soul." - Tonetta "If you cannot be vulnerable in confession... it endangers your heart." - Tonetta "Confession should drive us towards renewal and recreation and collective liberation." - Anthony What They're Watching Tonetta: "Loot" with Maya Rudolph on Apple TV+ Anthony: "Severance" on Apple TV+ Resources Mentioned Barbara Brown Taylor's book The The Willie James Jennings' Connect With Us Instagram: @loam.fm Tonetta Landis on Instagram: @TonettaLandis Anthony Parrott online: @PastorParrott Submit feedback and questions: [email protected]
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006: Power With, Not Power Over: The Co-Pastoring Journey
03/27/2025
006: Power With, Not Power Over: The Co-Pastoring Journey
Subtitle: I Set Up a Mic This Morning, the Lord Be Praised Episode Overview In this episode, Anthony Parrott and Tonetta Landis discuss the concept of co-pastoring - sharing pastoral leadership equally rather than following traditional hierarchical church leadership models. They explore what drew them to this model, what makes their partnership work, practical aspects of implementing co-pastoring, and whether this approach is suitable for all church contexts. Key Points Origins of their co-pastoring relationship: How Anthony and Tonetta came to work together and why they chose equal partnership rather than a lead/associate model Biblical foundations: Examining how leadership in scripture often involves partnerships rather than solo leaders (Moses/Aaron/Miriam, David/Nathan, Elijah/Elisha) Making co-pastoring work: The importance of trust, complementary skills, shared values, and mutual respect Practical implementation: Division of responsibilities, keeping "short accounts," and ensuring the congregation understands the co-pastor relationship Challenging traditional power structures: Discussion of how co-pastoring can be a theological response to hierarchical leadership models Benefits and challenges: How sharing leadership addresses burnout while acknowledging the costs and complexities Notable Quotes "I don't want to be a king. I don't feel like that's the Christian way." - Tonetta "I'm not trying to flip the system so that now my boot is on your neck." - Tonetta "There's no such thing as a self-sent, self-anointed, self-appointed leader." - Anthony "Accountability should come out of a relationship of grace and trust. And so often accountability starts with suspicion." - Anthony "The kings of the Gentiles lorded over them, and those in authority are called benefactors, but Jesus says, 'but not so with you.'" "Keeping short accounts" - Tonetta on addressing issues promptly "Both people have to have a particular sensitivity to the intersections that the other person brings and have done some work around that." - Tonetta Resources Mentioned assessment tool (Jesus' teaching on servant leadership) Connect With Us Instagram: Tonetta Landis on Instagram: Anthony Parrott online: Submit feedback and questions:
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005: John 2 and The God Who Riots
03/12/2025
005: John 2 and The God Who Riots
Subtitle: I Memorized Chapters and Became a Jackass Tonetta and Anthony discuss John 2, where Jesus goes full home-renovation-show on the temple tables. Anthony confesses he memorized scripture as a child only to become "a jackass" while Tonetta laments that revival might require actual disruption, not just a worship concert that went on too long. The pastors conclude with life updates: Tonetta forced her family to read books while Anthony discovered the revolutionary concept of "base layers" for winter running, which Tonetta firmly believes is "of the devil." Show Notes: Anthony and Tonetta discuss the story of Jesus flipping tables in the temple from John 2 The timing differences of this story in John versus the other gospels Six characters in the story: the merchants, disciples, doubters, believers, animals, and Jesus Discussion of corrupt systems we participate in without questioning Exploration of God's activity in the world through movements for justice Reflections on legitimate anger versus hatred The importance of disruption in revival and revelation Animals' role in the sacrificial system and implications for today Considerations about what gives us authority to act Tonetta shares about attending Q Christian Fellowship conference Anthony talks about discovering base layers for winter running Links to Gather: by Susan Cain Send your questions, feedback, and topic ideas to Follow the LOAM Podcast on Instagram. Anthony is @PastorParrott on all the socials. Follow
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004: Not A Farming Podcast (What Is LOAM)
01/29/2025
004: Not A Farming Podcast (What Is LOAM)
Subtitle: I Might Go Back to My Lesbian Romance Soon Anthony and Tonetta introduce themselves. They explain why they named their podcast "Loam" after a type of nutrient-rich soil. The pastors discuss how soil serves as a metaphor for creating healthy spiritual environments. Send your questions, feedback, and topic ideas to Follow the LOAM Podcast on Instagram. Anthony is @PastorParrott on all the socials. Follow Topics covered: Personal introductions and backgrounds Definition and properties of loam soil Critique of mechanized/industrialized approaches to ministry Non-coercion as a core value Vulnerability in spiritual practice Re-enchantment and mysticism Importance of deep community Current reading lists Experiences with theological education Integration of farming metaphors in ministry Effects of Christian nationalism and systemic issues Role of heart-centered vs. intellectual faith Approaches to spiritual formation Personal experiences with church trauma
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003: Origin Stories
12/11/2024
003: Origin Stories
Subtitle: I'm Betraying My Savior a Little Bit Send your questions, feedback, and topic ideas to [email protected] Tonetta talks about being a speaker at 16 in front of 800 people. Anthony talks about hearing God's voice in middle school. The pastors talk about feeling invisible in their profession. Key Topics Discussed: Early Ministry & Calling Early experiences preaching/teaching as teenagers - Sensing divine calling at a young age - Gender barriers in ministry - Navigating seminary and education Identity & Ministry - Being LGBTQ+ in church leadership - Representation in pastoral roles - Barriers faced in evangelical spaces Wrestling with authenticity and calling Pastoral Work - The invisible nature of pastoral ministry - Balancing business operations with spiritual care - Managing church communications and marketing - Setting boundaries and avoiding burnout - Dealing with secondary trauma - Building genuine relationships with congregants Spiritual Leadership - Teaching scripture and theology - Cultivating prayer lives - Creating space for spiritual formation - Walking alongside people long-term - Paying attention to the Spirit's movement - Building biblical imagination Administrative Challenges - Running a nonprofit organization - Managing volunteers and programs - Tracking attendance and engagement - Handling church finances and budgets - Balancing different aspects of church leadership - Wrestling with church marketing and growth Legacy & Future Hopes - Teaching people to pray - Building beloved community - Creating spaces for authentic faith - Helping people connect scripture to local context - Supporting marginalized Christians - Maintaining spiritual health long-term
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002: Alternative Economic Systems
11/27/2024
002: Alternative Economic Systems
Subtitle: Life Is Too Short for Bad Toilet Paper Anthony shares memories of living in poverty and foster care. Tonetta grew up in a middle-class family with a dad who knew how to work the system. The pastors explore how churches can ask for money without being manipulative. They agree that life is too short for single-ply toilet paper. Links and Show Notes Submit Feedback at Follow us on Instagram Topics Discussed Personal money stories and family backgrounds The evolution of credit card usage Church fundraising practices - both ethical and problematic The spirituality of fundraising Stewardship and the common good Alternative economic systems within church communities Key Concepts Perichoresis - The mutual indwelling and relationship within the Trinity Stewardship vs. ownership The concept of "giving until it hurts" Trust and mutuality in financial relationships The relationship between capitalism and Christian giving Resources Mentioned "The Spirituality of Fundraising" by Henri Nouwen Works by Mia Birdsong "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The parable of the Widow's Mite (Mark 12) "The Great Divorce" by C.S. Lewis Notable Quotes "Life is too short for crappy toilet paper." "Grace meaning that not the expectation of return a gift, meaning there are no strings attached and capitalism just, it strings everywhere." "The forces of oppression are well funded."
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001: What Makes Church...Church
11/20/2024
001: What Makes Church...Church
Subtitle: Bring Your Chickens What is church? In this debut episode of LOAM, co-pastors Tonetta Landis-Aina and Anthony Parrott explore the essence, tensions, and beauty of Christian community. From underground churches in Yemen to food pantries in Iowa, they unpack personal experiences that have shaped their understanding of what makes church... church. Key Conversations - The "isness" of church: Beyond programs and buildings - Church as a fellowship of difference - The power of marginality in Christian community - Tension between institutional structures and authentic relationships - Multi-generational community as "burning bushes" Featured Quotes & References - - - - Jamar Tisby on the Civil Rights Movement as America's third Great Awakening - Dallas Willard: "Your system is perfectly tuned to get the results you're getting" Scripture Referenced: - Ephesians 2 (God's household) - Acts 1-2 (Birth of the church) Questions for Reflection: 1. What experiences have shaped your understanding of church? 2. How do you navigate the tension between church as institution and church as community? 3. Where do you see "burning bushes" in your faith community? Follow LOAM: Got thoughts or questions about this episode? We'd love to hear from you: [email protected]
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