Explore every episode of the podcast Becoming Church
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Cremer: How to be a Christian Post-Election | 10 Nov 2024 | 00:54:54 | |
Collective anxiety anyone? Even though the election is over, tensions are still running high. Conversations seem to either be filled with misunderstanding or they’re being bypassed and not happening at all. This interview between two pastors will help you hold onto hope, remind you that you are not alone, give you permission to feel your feelings and help you navigate communication with family and friends. There will be no spiritual bypassing here, and we’ll even help you know how to respond when you hear that happening. Take a deep breath, invite the Holy Spirit to reveal your personal blindspots and let’s move forward in the good work of loving like Jesus together. ———— For more of Ben’s perspective and wisdom, sign up for his newsletter: Into the Gray. And if you’re ready to diversify your feed, join us on Instagram where we’ll be sharing and tagging some of our recommended voices. ————— HANG OUT WITH US:
Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung #becomingchurchpodcast #becomingchurch | |||
| Jenai Auman: Healing from Church Hurt | 03 Nov 2024 | 01:01:20 | |
If you’ve ever been left out (or pushed out) of a church, this is your invitation to separate God from the hurt. As a leader who survived a toxic ministry environment, Jenai Auman offers a holistic, trauma-informed approach to helping you find spiritual rest and belonging again. Even if you’ve been lucky enough to not have experienced church hurt, Jenai provides some subtle red flags and things to look out for within ourselves that could be doing harm to other people. It’s not just scandals or moral failures that cause betrayal and oppression. It takes all of us, being willing to reflect and grow in spiritual maturity, to create churches where no one is ostracized or othered. ———— Grab Jenai’s book Othered: Finding Belonging with the God who Pursues the Hurt, Harmed and Marginalized on our Becoming Church resource list on Amazon! (Your purchase will also send a few pennies to our tithe box.) ———— HANG OUT WITH US:
Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung
#becomingchurchpodcast #becomingchurch | |||
| Sarah Steward Holland & Beth Silvers: Now What | 01 Sep 2024 | 00:50:52 | |
Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers host “Pantsuit Politics,” a podcast where they prioritize curiosity over the conflict that often drives political conversations. It is possible to have nuanced conversations about politics and faith, as Kristin, Beth and Sarah demonstrate in this interview. This episode covers many topics found in their first book, “Now What: How to Move Forward when we’re Divided (About Basically Everything).” Sarah and Beth will help you navigate trust, friction in friendships, how to exist in a family when you no longer align in beliefs, what to do with bad church experiences and how to know if it’s right to go back to church. We’ll finish this conversation in Episode 77 of Becoming Church, “Pantsuit Politics: I Think You’re Wrong, But I’m Listening.” ———— Grab Sarah & Beth’s books from our Becoming Church resource list on Amazon! (Your purchase will also send a few pennies to our tithe box.) Now What: How to Move Forward When We’re Divided (About Basically Everything) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers Listen to Beth’s deep dive of Project 2025 on Patreon. ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung #becomingchurchpodcast #becomingchurch | |||
| Lovelyn Palm: When the Mission Goes Wrong | 18 Aug 2024 | 01:06:16 | |
Lovely Palm had never left the country. Then she went to Uganda and found her sons and daughters. While her story is full of surprises and beautiful moments, there have also been some really devastating ones, which she shares with us in this episode. Lovelyn’s story is inspiring even if it doesn’t look like yours. Our hope is that it will help you see where God is present in yours, especially when it feels like He isn’t. Lovelyn also educates us on the adoption system, how to talk to blended families, and things to consider when going to a developing country for adoption, travel or a mission trip. If you need to talk to someone about a traumatic experience, here’s a list of national helplines that are available 24/7. ———— Donate to Shine Village to help good parents keep their kids. Find additional resources by topic here as well as our Amazon Resource List where you can snag your next read. Enjoying Becoming Church? Find past episodes here and leave a review on Apple podcasts! We strive for 5 stars and genuinely appreciate your feedback. ———— Tag us when you share the show! Lovelyn on IG: @letlovegrow Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung #becomingchurchpodcast #becomingchurch | |||
| Liz Young: Let There Be Havens | 04 Aug 2024 | 00:48:00 | |
Hospitality is not a gift that only certain people were given. Gentle hospitality is more about the way you live, which can be as simple as showing kindness to a stranger or taking care of the people around your table. Liz Bell Young has a gorgeous book, “Let There Be Havens: An Invitation to Gentle Hospitality” that will show you how to find the things that wake up your soul…and then gift those same experiences to others. Liz has the gift of seeing life through the lens of optimism while still looking the real world square into the face. This interview will help you exhale and find some peace even in the midst of a cluttered kitchen. ———— READ: Grab a copy of Liz’s book Let There Be Havens from our Becoming Church Resource List. It would also make a great gift hostess or housewarming gift! Read Liz’s other beautiful words in the Magnolia Journal or Haven Magazine. ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Liz on IG: @lizbellyoung #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Kimberly Stuart: Star for Jesus | 21 Jul 2024 | 00:59:44 | |
Did you memorize Bible verses as a child for stickers, gold stars or chintzy prizes? Did you star as the lead role in a play or musical about Jesus? Did growing up in the church maybe accidentally teach you that God doesn’t need you to prove your worthiness or value…but He maybe wants you to? Kim Stuart’s book Star for Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit): Rediscovering the Grace that Sets Us Free will break the chains of religion and help you live in the free, undeserving grace of God that even the best of us can’t earn - because we really don’t have to. This episode will teach you about doinks, use both hairspray and junior high dances as faith analogies, and will hopefully make you laugh until you cry (or cry until you laugh) just like the words in Kim’s book. You get a gold star just for showing up, so all you have to do now is sit back and listen. ———— READ: If you like this episode, you’ll love Kim’s book Star for Jesus and Other Jobs I Quit. You can find it on our Book List along with other books from previous guests. LISTEN: To get the insider understanding on Nick Conolly and Mary Van Geffen (both mentioned in this episode), click their names to listen to their interviews on this podcast. WATCH: If you’re intrigued by the idea that it’s not our job to save everyone, watch Kristin’s message: Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner. (Don’t worry, it’s not what you fear it is.) HANG OUT WITH US: Kimberly on IG: @kimberly.stuart.writes #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| KJ Scriven: Analyzing Christian Worship Music | 07 Jul 2024 | 01:00:02 | |
Whether you’re a worship leader or you make a joyful noise with your praise, award winning songwriter and producer KJ Scriven says there’s a place for your voice. In this episode, KJ and Kristin scrutinize the ego of worship leaders, discuss how much lyrics matter and whether or not you should keep singing songs from churches that have gone through scandal. BONUS: This interview took place on Juneteenth, and there’s a separate conversation available only on YouTube with KJ Scriven. You can find “Should Christians Celebrate Juneteenth,” and this entire conversation, on the MosaicChurchCLT page. ———— Dig deeper into these scriptures: Matthew 4 Ephesians 5 Revelation 4 Colossians 3 Nehemiah 10 Mark 1 Romans 10 Acts 2 ———— Hang out with us! KJ on IG: @kjscriven Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung | |||
| Jami Nato: This Must Be the Place | 23 Jun 2024 | 00:59:30 | |
With her appeal and humor spanning the range of middle school to middle age, everyone will feel seen in this episode with Jami Nato. She pulls no punches and covers it all from perimenopause to spooning with Jesus to her relationship with the fundamental church. You will laugh, you will cry and you might leave with emotional whiplash, but you will certainly not be bored. As you listen, think about a woman in your life who’s just trying to “fake it til you make it” as she tries to discover her purpose. Then send her this episode so can hear from God through Jami’s words on self-compassion, taking up space and living freely without hiding. ———— Grab Jami’s book This Must Be the Place: Following the Breadcrumbs of your Past to Discover your Purpose Today and other books mentioned on the Becoming Church resource list! ———— Find more resources at BecomingChurch.tv and leave a review of the show! For more Behind the Scenes, connect with Kristin on Instagram at @kristinmockleryoung and tag us when you share the show #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Ashlee Eiland: Say Good | 09 Jun 2024 | 01:00:10 | |
Pick a recent news headline and the chances are, you have feelings about it. There’s someone in your life that you’re struggling to love through disagreement. You’re about ready to quit on social media altogether because every post feels like a landmine. Ashlee Eiland recognizes all of the tension and complexity that’s wrapped around politics, theology and current events of today’s world. But when it’s easier to turn a blind eye or disassociate, Ashlee wants to call out your God given voice and teach you how to use it. This conversation pulls some practical tips from her book, Say Good, as Ashlee and Kristin talk about the power of words, and when and how to use them. ———— READ: Say Good by Ashley Eiland The Becoming Church list of resources WATCH: ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Ephesians 3 Isaiah 58 John 17 2 Timothy 1 Ezekiel 37 Ephesians 4 ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Ashley on IG: @ashlee_eiland #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Shannan Martin: People Can Change | 26 May 2024 | 00:54:24 | |
People can change, even the difficult ones. This is a fundamental belief of Shannan Martin, mostly because of the changes she’s seen in her own life. She went from a teen with the burden to “save the poor” to a candidate for City Council, actively creating change for her own neighbors to enrich the community she lives in. Author of Start with Hello and The Ministry of Ordinary Spaces, Shannan Martin has lived experience that changed the black and white, fundamental way she viewed people. In this conversation, she’ll teach us how to do the same so we can lean in to proximity instead of pushing away or being afraid of people who might influence us for the worse. READ: Start with Hello by Shannon Martin
LISTEN: Church and State: A Healthy Partnership with Rich Villodas HANG OUT WITH US: Shannan on IG: @shannanwrites
#becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Molly Stillman: If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry | 12 May 2024 | 01:02:21 | |
Humor and loss can coexist and Molly Stillman’s life shows us how in her memoir If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry. After losing her mother, then squandering the quarter of a million dollar inheritance, life continued to bring experiences that made her both laugh and cry. This episode explores how to have joy in the midst of grief, what God’s sense of humor is like, how to navigate complicated family relationships and how to focus on the people who choose to be in your life when others choose to walk away. Content warning: As Molly shares her experiences, there is brief mention of death, depression, miscarriage - and vomit - but it’s also a really great conversation filled with hope, laughter and how to find joy in the midst of all of it. ———— READ:
If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry by Molly Stillman Tired of Being Tired by Jess Connolly
WATCH:
Kristin’s message on being an axolotl
LISTEN:
Breathing through Grief with Dorina Lazo Gilmore Young The Bible is Funny with Anthony Ramos
———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Judges 3 (King Ehud’s violent bathroom break) Proverbs 17:22
———— HANG OUT WITH US:
Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung
#becomingchurchpodcast #becomingchurch | |||
| Bri Strensrud: Start with Welcome | 28 Apr 2024 | 00:59:07 | |
There are easy conversations. Then there are conversations you never thought you could have due to a lack of knowledge, information or understanding. Bri Strensrud is a human dignity advocate who helps Christians detangle immigration and refugee issues from politically partisan, dehumanizing narratives. If you have a heart to help marginalized people but don’t know where to start in actively making a difference, this episode will meet you right at the intersection of fear and conviction with grace and compassion. Bri will help you better understand immigration as a human dignity issue and how you can seek out a holistic biblical perspective to know how God wants you to think about migrants. Her book, Start with Welcome, is full of information and stories to bend your heart toward the marginalized people in your community as well as educational, practical things you can do to use your voice to make a difference. ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes Sign up for a Borderland Immersion Trip ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Luke 10:29-37 Romans 15:7 1 Corinthians 13 John 5 John 15 ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Bri on IG: @bri.stenz Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Rasool Berry: The Whole Man | 27 Oct 2024 | 00:57:00 | |
Men, this one’s for you. If you’re not a man, this will be a “listening to learn” episode for you, much like it was for me. Rasool Berry is back with encouragement and challenge for men who desire to grow closer to God with their entire being. Rasool and Naeem Fazal share openly about what it’s like to grow holistically through scripture and prayer, even when growth requires vulnerability or weakness that was not seen as strength in their foundational culture. This conversation will cover mental health and theological truth, emotional health and relationships, vocation and physical health, and spiritual health and community. ———— Listen to Rasool’s past conversations on Becoming Church in Episode 46: Honoring Juneteenth and Episode 47: Black People in America. Grab Rasool’s book on our Becoming Church resource list on Amazon! (Your purchase will also send a few pennies to our tithe box.) The Whole Man: 40 Spiritual Reflections from Black Men on the Head, Heart, Hands and Soul ————
HANG OUT WITH US:
Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung Mosaic on IG: @MosaicCLT #becomingchurchpodcast #becomingchurch | |||
| Rich Villodas: Leading in Tension | 14 Apr 2024 | 00:57:47 | |
Diversity leads to disagreement, which leads to division. This is why it’s so much easier to go through life with people who look like, think like, vote like and believe like you do. But Pastor and author Rich Villodas challenges us to lean in to discomfort instead of letting fear keep us isolated. Whether your conversations of tension happen in your family or your church, whether your conflict revolves around race, politics, social justice or sexuality, this conversation between 3 pastors leading diverse, multiethnic churches, will provide you with practical ways to stay engaged. Through curiosity, you can move away from emotional reactivity into conversations that protect your relationships with people you don’t agree with. Share this episode with someone who believes a little bit differently than you as an invitation to a healthier, stronger relationship. ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: When Naeem showed up to chat with Marty Solomon Pre-Order Rich’s new book: The Narrow Path Rich’s past books in our library ———— RELATED RESOURCES: ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Colossians 1:17 Psalm 139 1 Corinthians 12:27 ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Rich on IG: @richvillodas #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Dorina Gilmore: Breathing Through Grief | 31 Mar 2024 | 00:44:16 | |
Grief often brings up heavy feelings of sadness and pain but this conversation is filled with hope and restoration. If you are living with grief or you aren’t sure how to best support other people in your life who have experienced loss, you will find both practicals and permission to feel in this episode. In a surprise story of unexpected loss and grief, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young had her faith put to the test when her husband was suddenly faced with a cancer diagnosis that he did not survive. She shares her experience on how God met her in her pain and how she grieved as a parent with grieving children who had also lost their father. This episode focuses on celebration and life, exploring the different ways people grieve based on their culture and proposing new ways of talking about death with children to remove fear and replace it with remembrance. ———— Chasing God’s Glory (grief for kids) ———— What Good is God when Life Hurts? Healing Trauma with a Christ-Centered Therapist ———— Psalms 34:18 MSG Genesis 16:13 ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Dorina on IG: @dorinagilmore #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Kristen LaValley: Even if He Doesn’t | 18 Mar 2024 | 00:36:33 | |
“Let Your Husband Love You” may have been the first words that drew attention to Kristen LaValley’s work, but she wants it to be known that her frontal lobe has fully closed since then. And she has new things to say. In “Even if He Doesn’t,” Kristen wrote the lightest book on suffering there is. If you’re not sure if you’re angry at God or His people, if you believe God is real but you’re not sure if He’s good, if you’re afraid God is going to forsake you because of all the things you’re holding…she has some words for you. Kristen bravely faces the much-warned-against slippery slope to face Christianese platitudes that leave you feeling worse instead of better to show where God is in present in your pain, even if He isn’t showing up the way you expected Him to. ———— ———— Is there Hope after Church Hurt? with Jess Connolly ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Kristen on IG: @kristen.lavalley #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Alexandra Hoover: The Gift of Doubt Leads to Faith | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:50:38 | |
Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith. If we lean in to it instead of running away in fear of where it could lead, it can actually be a gift that leads us to a more meaningful faith than we ever imagined. Alexandra Hoover, author of Eyes Up and Without Wavering, has experienced a lot of resistance in her spiritual life. Through unexpected loss of close family members and church hurt on the side of vocational ministry, she has been left with unanswered prayers multiple times. Yet, she continues to see God’s hand in her life and believes in His bigger story. This episode is for anyone who has experienced church hurt, doubt, questions or who wonders if their story is important enough to have an impact in the world. ———— AlexandraVHoover.com ———— 1 Corinthians 3 ———— HANG OUT WITH US:
#becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Sarah Bessey: Field Notes for the Wilderness | 18 Feb 2024 | 00:54:26 | |
“Once upon a time you had it all beautifully sorted out. Then you didn’t.” If these words of Sarah Bessey’s resonate at all, this episode is my gift to you. As a leading voice in the conversation around deconstruction, Sarah has years of experience navigating doubt, wrestling with questions and challenging The Church to become the best and truest version of itself. Through her books like Jesus Feminist, Out of Sorts and her Evolving Faith Community, Sarah communicates care, inclusion and grace for anyone who is trying to figure out who God is, what the Bible actually means and what it really can look like to be Jesus followers. Sarah’s newest book, “Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith” is out now and it is a guidebook for anyone who is wandering, even if your path is taking you away from The Church. *The giftcard giveaway has ended. ———— Evolving Faith ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Nick Connolly: Don’t Give Up Just Yet | 05 Feb 2024 | 01:04:42 | |
Don’t you wish you had access to a little voice that always knew the right thing to say? Maybe an encouragement to motivate you, to help you stay persistent in the painful times and remind you why it’s important to keep going even when it’s hard? Nick Connolly can be that voice for you in this episode of Becoming Church. Nick and Kristin both share some vulnerable stories of times they wanted to quit, in order to remind you that there is always hope on the other side. If you don’t feel strong enough, you don’t have to be. Because we can live in the tension of both “God will solve this” and “we might not see resolution this side of heaven.” This is an episode on obedience, persistence and knowing God’s will with a little Ted Lasso thrown in for good measure. We’ll also give you a preview to Nick’s book “Don’t Give Up Just Yet: Choosing Persistence in a World of Resistance” and the bonus free gifts you get by preordering before February 6th! ———— Don’t Give Up Just Yet ———— Galatians 6:9 ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Nick on IG: @nconnolly
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| Joel Muddamalle: Finding Hidden Peace | 21 Jan 2024 | 00:50:55 | |
Theologian, author and basketball enthusiast Joel Muddamalle knows a lot about the Bible but he shares his knowledge in a humble, approachable way like he often does in his Humble Theology newsletter and social media posts. In this conversation, you’ll hear Joel talk about his own struggle with pride and peace as well what he’s learned by being surrounded by women as one of the only men on staff at Proverbs 31. You can also pre-order his upcoming book "The Hidden Peace: Finding security, strength and confidence through humility” and see if you agree with Kristin that it hurts your feelings. ———— Did Paul ban women from speaking? ———— The Cost of Control with Sharon Miller When there’s Not Peace on Earth ———— Galatians 5 ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Joel on IG: @muddamalle #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Tara Bremer: Bringing Peace to your House | 07 Jan 2024 | 00:53:30 | |
Continuous Improver, Tara Bremer, knows a thing or two about how to declutter and organize your home. If you’re looking for a way to clean out your physical space or reduce your mental load, this episode has tips to bring you peace in the new year. As the founder of House Peace, Tara is the perfect person to lead us in our efforts. Tara and Kristin also take the theme of decluttering from our lived in homes to our lived in beliefs with a discussion on how to unlearn, relearn and declutter our faith. If you’re not sure what you believe, what to hold on to or what it’s okay to get rid of when it comes to your views on God, the Bible or the church, this episode will help you let go of the things that don’t define you anymore. Keep scrolling down for mentioned links and additional related resources on deconstruction and what to do after you “donate” the things that don’t fit you anymore. ———— Find your Enneagram Style ———— Reimagine God: a series on unlearning and relearning God ———— Matthew 6:19-21 ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Tara on IG: @tarabbremer #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Marty Solomon: Was the Bible God’s Idea? | 17 Dec 2023 | 00:55:42 | |
Seriously what’s up with the Bible? Why are there so many translations? Is it literal? Is it metaphor? Did God write it or is he more of a co-author? In this episode with Marty Solomon - and our special co-host Naeem Fazal - we take a look at the Bible from the Hebrew perspective, maybe as God intended it. Marty explains how scripture is supposed to be read, the mistakes we often face in our quiet times and what we can do to ask better questions of the text as we read. If you’re not sure what to do with the Bible or you’re ready to try reading it again, you’ll find grace and insight in this episode. When you’re ready to dig deeper and think at a higher level, we can’t recommend Marty’s podcast, BEMA discipleship, enough. Until then, this conversation will meet you where you are with patience, guidance and practical application. ———— Asking Better Questions of the Bible ———— Reimagine God: a series on unlearning and relearning God ———— SO MANY. Basically, just pick up your Bible. (But seriously, if you're looking for specific scriptures, Marty has many verses and additional resources linked up in each chapter of his book.) ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Marty on IG: @marty_solomon #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Toni Collier: Broken Crayons Still Color | 19 Nov 2023 | 00:42:08 | |
Get ready to laugh as you listen because Toni Collier brings humor and hope to a conversation on darkness and pain. But, as Toni says “We’re going in every time” and that’s what happens in this honest conversation on owning our own brokenness. This is an episode for victims of church hurt, people who are stuck going back to unhealthy familiar patters, people who are feeling forgotten by God and those who are tempted to think their sin isn’t that bad. Listen for practicals then be sure to use the links below for more. ———— Broken Crayons Still Color (for kids!) How to be The Church Monday - Saturday ———— 2 Corinthians 12:9 ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Toni on IG: @tonijcollier #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Elizabeth Tabish: Playing Mary Mags on The Chosen | 20 Oct 2024 | 00:46:47 | |
What would you say to one of the disciples if you saw them face to face? I had to answer that question when I sat down with Elizabeth Tabish who plays Mary Magdalene on The Chosen. (And yes, before we go any further, Mary Mags was most certainly a disciple of Jesus.) Whether or not you’ve watched any episodes of The Chosen - and I highly recommend that you do - this conversation is a tender and exclusive peek behind the curtain of what it’s like to be a real human person who’s playing a major role in the depiction of the life of Jesus. There are no spoilers (but DM @kristinmockleryoung if you want to talk about anything in the first 4 seasons!) Liz Tabish is honest about the reaction of fans, how she faces criticism, her favorite people to be on set with and what she really thinks about the church. If you already love this worldwide sensation (and many of you do since it’s the largest crowd-funded show of all time), you’ll love it even more after this conversation. And if you haven’t watched Season 1, Episode 1 yet…we just may convince you to give it a chance. ———— Watch The Chosen on their free app and follow The Chosen on social media. You won’t regret it! You can also catch the Chosen Docuseries: Jonathan And Jesus for more with Jonathan Roumie on what it’s like to be thrust into the limelight with newfound popularity while trying to see out who Jesus really was and discover his impact on the world today. ————— HANG OUT WITH US:
Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung #becomingchurchpodcast #becomingchurch | |||
| Amanda Held Opelt: What Good is God When Life Hurts? | 05 Nov 2023 | 01:00:26 | |
Are we allowed to admit when life is hard? When there are so many other heavy things happening, when other people are experiencing widespread devastation, when our lives on paper are pretty privileged…are we allowed to say we aren’t exactly finding the joy of the Lord as our strength? In this interview, Amanda Held Evans talks about the emotional prosperity gospel: the belief that if we have enough faith, God will make us happy and give us emotional abundance in our careers, marriages and lives. She challenges some religious platitudes to show how we may be missing something as we chase after God’s perfect will or calling in our lives. Grab a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or Sour Skittles out of the Trick-or-Treat bowl and get ready to lean in to a real conversation with real women who have real hurts. We hope you feel seen in your not-so-perfect life and we really hope you find permission to embrace your feelings without rushing through them to reach eternal positivity on the other side of your season. Faith, after all, is choosing to say yes to the right question. ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Holy Unhappiness A Hole in the World ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Genesis 3 ———— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Kristin’s message on Gratitude TEDx talk: Fear and Beauty What’s an Enneagram? ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Amanda on IG: Mosaic Church on IG: #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| David Docusen: Make the Introduction | 22 Oct 2023 | 00:45:24 | |
After leaving Pastoral ministry, David Docusen found himself once again leading an accidental home church that brought him back to pastoring. (The lucky people of Winston Salem, NC can attest to this being the right choice.) Through his years of expertise as a pastor, author, professor and community advocate, David realized that ministry and evangelism really is simpler and more accessible than we sometimes make it in the church. This conversation is for anyone who isn’t sure how to talk to other people about Jesus, feels ill equipped to share their faith or gets nervous thinking about the Holy Spirit and whatever gifts you’re supposed to have because of it. This episode of Becoming Church with David will feel like talking with a friend - and will hopefully leave you encouraged that you can go and do the same just as easily. ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
———— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
———— HANG OUT WITH US: David on IG: Mosaic Church on IG: #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Cheryl Nembhard: Power in The Church | 08 Oct 2023 | 01:02:50 | |
The word “power” brings a lot to mind. It’s often associated with other words like male, patriarchy, privilege or structure. It often overlooks the marginalized, minorities and people who don’t belong to majority culture. In this episode, Kristin talks with Cheryl Nembhard about how to recognize healthy and unhealthy systems of power in order to disrupt systems in the name of hope and restoration. As an advocate for social justice, women in ministry, at risk youth, sex-trafficked people and the marginalized, Cheryl is a voice of hope for many who are overlooked in today’s culture. She is regularly an active part of See, Hear, Love on television, the Soulfood to Go podcast, Brave Canada and Women Speakers Collective. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: John 13:2-5 ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Cheryl’s website: https://www.cherylnembhard.com/ ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Cheryl on IG: @cherylnembhard #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Ike Miller: Folding our Emotional Laundry | 24 Sep 2023 | 00:45:45 | |
Go ahead and save this episode now because it’s one you’re going to come back to. What started as a conversation on baggage and how to heal past wounds turned into free therapy for all of us. If you find yourself getting cynical or bitter from being disappointed by people - or you tend to sit in shame of your own disappointment - this episode will help you remember what’s true, and what’s in your control. Ike Miller, co-pastor of Bright City RDU with his wife Sharon Hodde Miller, also shares a bit about his book, Good Baggage: How your Difficult Childhood Prepared you for Healthy Relationships. As the adult child of an alcoholic, he gives practical tips and steps for anyone who has experienced trauma through family addiction, abuse, illness or other inflicted wounds. For additional conversations around healing past (or present) trauma, check out the resources and past episodes below. ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Good Baggage book ———— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Sharon Hodde Miller on Control ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Ike on IG: @ikefmiller #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Eli Bonilla: Embracing our Mixed Identities | 10 Sep 2023 | 00:41:02 | |
In anticipation of Hispanic Heritage month, Eli Bonilla, author of Mixed: Embracing Complexity by Uncovering Your God-led Identity, talks about how our identities are always comprised of a combination of things. He shares candidly about being both Mexican and Black, living as an African in descent but Latino in ethnicity, and how he struggled to know who he was or what people group to belong to…until he realized that a mixed background is common to everyone! This episode for everyone who has ever felt like they’re wearing more than one label. Even if your ethnicity is easy to find listed on a form, your identity is still complex. Our social and cultural experiences also form who we are and mold us into the person we’re becoming. Grab Eli’s book and check out more resources on identity using the links below. ———— Mixed: Embracing Complexity by Uncovering Your God-led Identity ———— 1 John 3:2 ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Eli on IG: @elibonillajr #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Kayla Craig: The Season of Back to School | 27 Aug 2023 | 00:36:19 | |
Kayla Craig has a way with words that brings freedom and peace into even the most traumatic situations. Maybe it’s her journalism background, maybe it’s that she’s a real life mom to four kids of her own, maybe it’s the inspiration that comes from living in an old convent. Regardless, Kayla’s gift of language will give you words to borrow when you can’t find any that fit. This episode is for parents, educators, caregivers and anyone who bears the weight of this back to school season. If you’re overwhelmed with all the fall brings or you feel like your life is being run by systems out of your control, take a deep breath and remember that you are more than the little people in your care. You matter and so does your peace. We hope you find some in these next 30 minutes as Kayla walks us through every season being sacred. ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Kayla on IG: @liturgiesforparents Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Kristel Acevedo: 3 Big Questions | 13 Aug 2023 | 00:34:41 | |
If you're an introvert who loves people, an immigrant trying to blend cultures or you're parenting tweens and teens, this converstaion with Kristel Acevedo is for you. Kristel explains the 3 Big Questions our kids are asking around their identity, belonging and purpose with resources to help as you guide them through these formative years. We have additional resources linked up below because these are definitely not struggles we outgrow as adults! Share this episode with your favorite parent, teacher or caregiver to encourage them in the ministry of growing the youth they love in faith. ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: KristelAcevedo.com ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Kristel on IG: @kristelace #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Markus Lloyd: Theology of Reconciliation | 30 Jul 2023 | 00:59:28 | |
Is the world really divided? Is the church? Or are we becoming more and more integrated without even realizing it? Markus Lloyd has stepped off the TV set - at least momentarily - to focus on promoting unity and showing us how connected we really are. In this conversation, Markus and Kristin talk about what churches can do to stop fighting against other churches, how church is making God boring and how to broaden our perspectives for better understanding of God and each other. This episode also explores White theology, Black theology and Womanist theology to find the truth of who God is and what scripture really says to all of us. Share this episode with anyone who (mistakenly) thinks they’re living in a homogenous space where diversity and racial reconciliation don’t apply to their faith. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: John 17:20 ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Markus’ IMDB page ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Markus on IG: @themarkuslloyd #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Cut to the Quick with Derwin Gray | 16 Jul 2023 | 00:39:42 | |
You may know Derwin Gray as a pastor, author or NFL player but do you know him as a TikTok dancer? Do you know what almost kept him from becoming the teacher and speaker that he is today? In this episode of Becoming Church, Pastor Derwin of Transformation Church talks about his favorite title, explains why he doesn’t use tips or formulas in his preaching and reveals the magic behind his famous catchphrases…even making one up on the spot for Kristin! This is a light, fun conversation that will point you to Jesus through stories, examples and analogies. If you need more resources on how to see Jesus in your everyday life, check out Mosaic’s resources or reach out to Kristin using the links below. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE Romans 8:31 LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Derwin’s Books ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Derwin on IG: @derwinlgray Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Kate Boyd: Disentangling Faith to find Jesus | 02 Jul 2023 | 00:41:02 | |
Social injustices, politics and public revelations are causing many Christians to take another look at their faith. For some, it’s resulted in an exit from the church. For many other believers, it’s a hard, painful process of trying to figure out what they believe and why. In this episode, Kate Boyd, author of “An Untidy Faith: Journeying Back to the Joy of Following Jesus” shares her experiences of deconstructing and disentangling her beliefs as a guide for those who are just starting the process. This is a conversation for anyone who wants to better understand Christianese language, where shaping ideas come from and how church culture has been created historically. ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: An Untidy Faith book ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Kate on IG:@kateboyd.co #becomingchurch #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Sheila Gregoire: Redefining Good Sex | 13 Oct 2024 | 00:58:24 | |
Sex is complicated, even for Christians. Often in the church, single people are promised “blessed” marriages for the future if they hold fast to purity, don’t put themselves in situations of temptation and pray faithfully enough to find the spouse God has out there for them. But when prioritizing date nights, speaking each other’s love languages and meeting physical needs still leaves them with a lack of intimacy or an unfulfilling sex life, it’s more than complicated. It feels like something’s broken. Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of multiple research-based books on sex in Christian marriages, wants you to know that you are not alone. There are a variety of reasons Christians struggle with sex, even within a committed marriage, and it’s all more common than shame wants you to believe. This episode speaks to purity culture, the Billy Graham rule, why evangelical women struggle with sex more than other people groups and expectations for husbands and wives so you can learn a healthier way forward in your current or future marriage. *In case it needs to be said, this episode talks about sexual intercourse. If you don’t want the people around you hearing about orgasms and named body parts, you may want to grab headphones for this episode. ———— Grab Sheila’s books on our Becoming Church resource list on Amazon! (Your purchase will also send a few pennies to our tithe box.) The Good Girls Guide to Great Sex If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, we advise you to reach out to a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, call 1.800.799.7233 or text “START” to 88788 to reach the National Domestic Violence hotline. ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Sheila on IG: @sheilagregoire Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung #becomingchurchpodcast #becomingchurch | |||
| Part 2: Black people in America with Rasool Berry | 18 Jun 2023 | 00:37:49 | |
After discussing the history of Juneteenth, we have to turn our attention to now and the racial injustice so many Black people are still facing in America. As they navigate through Christian Nationalism, American Exceptionalism and fear based motivation, Kristin and Rasool Berry share personal stories and experiences that have humbled them to becoming more like Christ. This episode will answer questions like:
The best way to use your influence is to listen, learn and live out what God shows you. If this episode helps you do any of those things, we'd love for you to leave a review and share it with someone else. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE John 14:2 LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: In Pursuit of Jesus by ODB ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Rasool on IG: @RasoolB
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| Honoring Juneteenth with Rasool Berry | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:42:22 | |
What is Juneteenth for? Can only Black people celebrate it? In this interview with Rasool Berry, he explains the history of Juneteenth and addresses some common misconceptions people in majority culture often hold about Black Culture. We invite you to listen with the spirit of invitation and understanding, especially if you find yourself wanting to react with defenses or justifications. If you are a white person committed to becoming an ally, this conversation will help you better understand how to support and celebrate collectively without accidentally becoming performative in your actions. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE Leviticus 25:8-55 LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: RasoolBerry.com ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Rasool on IG: @RasoolB
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| Ben Cremer: Repentant Pastors for Change in The Church | 04 Jun 2023 | 00:49:44 | |
There’s no question that many pastors in “White, Evangelical America” need to repent. But what about the ones not caught up in scandal or abuse? This vulnerable conversation between Pastors Ben Cremer and Kristin Mockler Young, will give you hope that there is still good happening in local churches across America. In this behind the scenes conversation, you’ll hear 2 pastors talk about seeing their own participation in church hurt, what tiny shifts changed their theology, and how they’ve been able to apologize, repent and heal from things their past selves did, said and believed. If this episode brings you healing or hope, please send it to someone else who could benefit from the apology of a pastor so they can begin the process of finding safety in The Church. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Philippians 2 ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for Ben’s Newsletter: Misfit Theology ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Ben on IG: @brcremer #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Connecting Generations with Antwuan Malone | 21 May 2023 | 00:49:54 | |
Generation gaps are real, not just in age but in thought, motivation, belief and lived experience. If we want to have multi-generational churches that don’t get old and die off, we have to be Christians who live in community and do life with people we don’t quite understand. As you listen to Pastor Antwuan Malone explain where Boomers, Gen Z and Millennials are coming from - especially as it pertains to their experience and perception of the church - be thinking of someone from a different generation you could share this episode with! Think of it as an easy way to say “Hey, I want to love your generation better by listening to you to understand where you’re coming from.” Antwuan and Kristin also talk about why people leave the church, how we can draw them back in and how it has to start by answering the key question each generation is asking - which is revealed in this conversation! ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: John 3:1-21 ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Antwuan on @AntwuanMalone #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Mary Van Geffen: Parenting the Spicy Ones | 07 May 2023 | 00:41:19 | |
In Mary’s words, this episode is “A spicy one interviewing the coach of spicy ones.” Parenting coach Mary Van Geffen shares her expertise on how to love, lead and discipline our most challenging children. If you’re looking for resources and practical ways to be a better parent or you’re a grandparent, family member or friend who wants to better support the parents in your life, this episode is a must-listen. Learn from Mary how to:
Mary also answers a few answers from Instagram! Be sure you’re following us so you can be part of future episodes. ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Moms of Spicy Ones 8 week course ———— REGISTER FOR MARY’S PARENTING CLASSES: Calm: Self regulation 101 for parents and other leaders. Kind: Effective gentle parenting techniques to replace yelling, shaming, and punishing with respect and warmth. Firm: Set strong and sensible limits with your little boundary pusher. ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Mary on IG: @maryvangeffen #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Sara Billups: Orphaned Believers | 23 Apr 2023 | 00:44:25 | |
If you grew up with a combination of TGIF, See You At The Pole, the Left Behind Series, Casey Kasem’s Top 40, Veggie Tales and Focus on the Family, download this episode immediately. In this conversation, Kristin and Sara Billups, the author of Orphaned Believers, talk about growing up and growing out of the tension of being both in the world yet not of it. They cover purity culture, the rapture, politics and social justice to try and find Jesus in the midst of it all. There’s even talk about salvation and how many altar calls it takes to get there. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Psalm 18:19 ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Orphaned Believers ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Sara on IG: @sara.billups Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung Mosaic Church on IG: @MosaicCLT | |||
| Why Am I Like This? with Kobe Campbell | 02 Apr 2023 | 00:29:07 | |
Why Am I Like This?: How to Break Cycles, Heal your Trauma & Restore your Faith If you’ve ever wished someone could respond to you with “me too,” this conversation with trauma therapist, Kobe Campbell, will provide you with the reassurance of a shared experience from someone who gets it. This episode is a great one to send with people in your life who are fighting isolation, depression or feel trapped in patterns they can’t break away from. From the book “Why Am I Like This: How to Break Cycles, Heal your Trauma and Restore your Faith,” which launches this week, you get will get practical tips on how to acknowledge emotions without giving in to urges and how to start healing by grieving. If listening to this conversation helps you realize that you need to talk with someone, reach out to Kobe for your next brave step in the process of moving from darkness into the light. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Matthew 23:4 ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Why am I Like This? ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Kobe on IG: @kobecampbell_ Mosaic Church on IG: @MosaicCLT #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Tabitha Panariso: Healing our Trauma | 19 Mar 2023 | 00:37:13 | |
Did you feel dragged into 2023? Does your faith feel like it’s wavering? Do you feel like your world is constantly being shaken up? In this episode, Tabitha will help you see that your identity in Christ is not based on what you have experienced. As a Christ-centered trauma therapist, Tabitha Panariso will help you move from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What happened to me?” She will help you understand what you can control and how to cope with what you can’t. Kristin and Tabitha also talk about the tension of being a “broken sinner” and someone who lives in “the wholeness of Christ” and how it’s tricky - yet possible - to do both. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Psalm 23:6 ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Goodness of God ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Tabitha on IG: @tabithapanariso Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung Mosaic Church on IG: @MosaicCLT #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Flip the Script with Brittany Estes | 12 Mar 2023 | 00:34:03 | |
Just like Jesus flipped tables, Brittany Estes is flipping scripts. If you feel stuck in shame, overwhelm, stress or defeat, the possibility to find freedom is there. And it is for you. In her book, Flip the Script: Make Your Move from Broken to Brilliant, Brittany helps you identify the lies you’ve been believing and equips you with practical steps to rewrite the narrative. One listener will win a copy of Brittany’s book the week it launches so be sure to follow along with Kristin and Brittany on social media. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Matthew 5:14-16 MSG ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Brittany on IG: @jbrittanyestes Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung Mosaic Church on IG: @MosaicCLT #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Stepping into dark places with Jeremy Jenkins and ATAP | 05 Mar 2023 | 00:46:35 | |
We’re taking a field trip outside of the church to enter scientology, a wiccan coven or maybe even a cult. Jeremy Jenkins with All Things All People will be our guide in this episode because these are common occurrences for him. Take a deep breath and tell your fear that you’re safe as Jeremy explains how going into dark places and world religions will help us become better Christians. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: Acts 17:22-29 ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Jeremy on IG: allthings.allpeople Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung | |||
| Jemar Tisby: The Spirit of Justice | 06 Oct 2024 | 00:45:49 | |
“White Christians behaving badly about race” is how Jemar Tisby jokingly refers to the motivation behind his books on segregation and social justice within the church. His research has shown that it’s a journey to move from being removed bystanders who are complicit in prejudiced systems to actively advancing anti-racism change. Wherever you are in the process, Jemar offers grace for people who have only been offered one version of history or faith while also encouraging you to pursue Jesus in a new way. This episode answers questions about appropriation, the unintended downsides of desegregation, why Sunday morning is the most segregated hour of the week and what the Bible says about race. While the struggle for racial justice can be discouraging, learning history can give us hope and the stories from Jamar’s latest book “The Spirit of Justice” will inspire you to keep up the fight. ———— Grab Jemar’s books on our Becoming Church resource list on Amazon! (Your purchase will also send a few pennies to our tithe box.) The Color of Compromise For more Jemar, sign up for his weekly newsletter “Footnotes” on Substack. ————— HANG OUT WITH US: Jemar on IG: @jemartisby Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung #becomingchurchpodcast #becomingchurch | |||
| Phylicia Masonheimer: Everyone is a Theologian | 27 Feb 2023 | 00:35:19 | |
If you're asking questions like “Why is there evil in the world? Why do I need a savior from sin? What happened on the cross? Why does the resurrection even matter? How do I walk by the spirit? What’s the church supposed to look like?” then this episode is for you. Phylicia Masonheimer wrote a book on all these topics for real people. It’s more than a devotional but it’s not an academic tradebook, either. If you feel intimidated by theology but want to know more about who God is, Phylicia presents multiple perspectives to help you deeply understand what you believe - and why. ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: 1 John 4:16 ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Purchase Every Woman a Theologian ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Phylicia on IG: @PhyliciaMasonheimer Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung Mosaic Church on IG: @MosaicCLT #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Essentials: The Bible, Part 2 | 12 Feb 2023 | 00:28:00 | |
The resource list for this episode may be nearly as long as the Bible itself! Kristin and Ashley nerd out on Bible translations, perspectives, tools and their best suggestions for how you can better understand the Bible as you read. If you somehow need more resources - or have questions about what we talked about - we probably have even more, just ask! ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: First Nation’s Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament Sign up for Essentials at Mosaic ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Kristin on IG #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Essentials: The Bible, Part 1 | 06 Feb 2023 | 00:28:33 | |
What’s the difference between Scripture and The Bible? What does Mosaic believe about what it says? Kristin and Ashley unpack the basics and clear up commonly used language like inerrancy, translations, hermeneutics, solo scriptura and proof texting to help you better understand what that book on your bookshelf. ———— LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sign up for Essentials at Mosaic ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Kristin on IG #becomingchurchpodcast | |||
| Essentials: Holy Spirit | 29 Jan 2023 | 00:28:33 | |
If finding the Holy Spirit feels like a wild goose chase, this is the perfect episode for you. Naeem and Kristin explain who - what?! - the Holy Spirit is and how it’s for you, with you, in you and works through you. They also explain speaking in tongues and the various ways it could be connected to the Spirit. If you’ve attended NEXT at Mosaic, plan to sign up or just want to know more about the Holy Spirit, listen this 3rd episode of our Essentials series. And make sure you’re subscribed to Becoming Church to hear them all! ———— SCRIPTURE TO EXPLORE: John 14 ———— HANG OUT WITH US: Kristin on IG: @kristinmockleryoung Naeem on IG: @naeemfazal #becomingchurchpodcast | |||