If you’ve ever felt on the fringes of Christian faith this is a safe space for you. Your questions, doubts and hopes are all welcome here. We’re creating conver...
Sarah Bacaller on 'Apostate: Stories of Deconversion'
Sarah Bacaller is the editor of 'Apostate: Stories of Deconversion.' In this conversation Sarah and Will explore themes of apostasy, the fragility of fundamentalist faith, and the importance of listening to personal stories of deconstruction and/or loss of faith. They discuss the cultural contexts of Christianity in the US and Australia, the challenges of engaging with differing beliefs, and the need for compassionate dialogue. They delve into the complexities of interpreting religious texts, the diversity within Christianity, and the significance of compassion and kindness in fostering human dignity. The dialogue emphasises the need for openness to learning and understanding others' experiences, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and respectful approach to spirituality and community.Sarah's website: https://www.sarahbacaller.com/Buy 'Apostate: Stories of Deconversion': https://www.amazon.com/Apostate-Stories-Deconversion-Sarah-Bacaller/dp/1965646018Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
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1:16:07
Geoff Bullock: after Hillsong...and after that
In this conversation, Geoff Bullock shares his profound journey of faith, music, and the complexities of his time with Hillsong. He reflects on his early days in the church, the creation of the Hillsong music team, and the pivotal moments that shaped his spiritual life. Bullock discusses the rise and fall of Hillsong, expressing his grief over its trajectory while emphasizing the importance of separating personal faith from institutional flaws. He encourages listeners to seek genuine encounters with God within the church community, despite the challenges and disappointments they may face. Geoff and Will explore themes of hope, healing, and the complexities of power within faith communities. They discuss the dual nature of suffering and renewal, the importance of art in expressing faith, and the journey of personal transformation. Bullock shares his experiences of leadership, the challenges faced in the church, and the significance of surrendering power. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a compassionate understanding of others' suffering and the role of music and creativity in spiritual expression.Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
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59:43
Jono Ingram on everyday spirituality and sustainability
In this episode Will Small interviews Jono Ingram, exploring his journey from being a pastor to finding his place in the world through nature, spirituality, and community development. Jono shares his experiences of feeling like a misfit within the church, the influence of his parents' faith, and how he integrates his spirituality with his current work in environmental social enterprise. Jono discusses his journey of creating a nonprofit focused on environmental sustainability and community engagement. He emphasizes the importance of connecting spirituality with environmental action, advocating for a holistic approach to faith that includes caring for the earth. Jono shares insights on how everyday activities can be infused with mindfulness and spirituality, highlighting the beauty in ordinary moments. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by those trying to integrate faith with environmental activism and the need for a more expansive understanding of what it means to be a Christian in today's world.Explore some of Jono's 'Dirt Church Liturgy' work at: https://jcingram.wordpress.com/Learn more about Jono's non-profit here: https://www.weloveaintree.org/Get tickets to Future Church Conference coming up on January 28 now! Use SPIRITUALMISFITS at checkout for $10 off: https://events.humanitix.com/future-church-conference-2025/ticketsWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
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1:08:27
Liz Charlotte Grant on seeking God in Genesis after losing faith in the Bible
In this episode Will engages in a rich conversation with Liz Charlotte Grant, author of 'Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible.' They explore Liz's early relationship with the Bible, her journey through evangelicalism, and the evolution of her faith. Liz shares her insights on the importance of narrative in shaping beliefs, the complexities of trust within evangelical communities, and the need for inclusive and equitable spaces for dialogue about faith. Liz and Will explore the complexities of interpreting scripture, the significance of God's voice, and the importance of spiritual autonomy. They discuss the parallels between God's communication and whale song, the value of Jewish midrash in understanding biblical texts, and the need for personal interpretation in a world filled with diverse voices. Liz emphasizes the importance of approaching the Bible with a sense of wonder and astonishment rather than seeking facts and certainty, encouraging listeners to trust their own spiritual journeys and interpretations.'Knock at the Sky' is out now. Learn more here: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802883759/knock-at-the-sky/Get tickets to Future Church Conference coming up on January 28 now! Use SPIRITUALMISFITS at checkout for $10 off: https://events.humanitix.com/future-church-conference-2025/ticketsWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
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1:12:45
Summer replays: Carolyn Meers on pastoring through deconstruction
Yo! Brand new podcast episodes will be coming your way in early 2025, but for now I'm pulling out a couple of great episodes to revisit from the back-log, like this chat with Carolyn Meers.This is a conversation about what it’s like to go through faith crises, deconstruction, dark nights of the soul. etc etc. while pastoring a church. This is not an easy road. And I have not heard many people talk about it from the perspective of being a pastor. But I don’t think it’s uncommon. I hope that this conversation gives people a little more empathy for some of the tensions that many pastors deal with, trying to love a group of people with a diversity of opinions and perspectives, while going through their own process. If you are a pastor, I hope this makes you feel like your process is ok. And you too are not alone. Out of her own journey of change, Caro has shifted the way she leads and shapes church community. And in my opinion, what she describes sounds exactly like what I crave when I think of the church of tomorrow (which we’ve spoken a little bit about lately). It is well worth listening to this conversation just to hear how Caro approaches things like teaching the bible and nurturing community nowadays. Get tickets to Future Church Conference coming up on January 28 now! Use SPIRITUALMISFITS at checkout for $10 off: https://events.humanitix.com/future-church-conference-2025/ticketsWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com
If you’ve ever felt on the fringes of Christian faith this is a safe space for you. Your questions, doubts and hopes are all welcome here. We’re creating conversations, affirmations, meditations and other resources to support you on your spiritual journey and let you know that even if you feel like a misfit, you don’t have to feel alone.
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