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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007: I'm a Bear, I'm Meant to Be Hibernating
04/16/2025
007: I'm a Bear, I'm Meant to Be Hibernating
"I'm a Bear, I'm Meant to Be Hibernating" Subtitle: Exploring Confession and the Spiritual Practice of Lent 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: I Set Up a Mic This Morning, the Lord Be Praised
03/27/2025
006: I Set Up a Mic This Morning, the Lord Be Praised
Subtitle: Power With, Not Power Over: The Co-Pastoring Journey 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: I Memorized Chapters and Became a Jackass
03/12/2025
005: 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: I Might Go Back to My Lesbian Romance Soon
01/29/2025
004: I Might Go Back to My Lesbian Romance Soon
Subtitle: Not a Farming Podcast 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: I'm Betraying My Savior a Little Bit
12/11/2024
003: I'm Betraying My Savior a Little Bit
#003: 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: Life Is Too Short for Bad Toilet Paper
11/27/2024
002: 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: Bring Your Chickens
11/20/2024
001: Bring Your Chickens
LOAM Episode 1: "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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