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Like Micah brings you stories about the intersection of Progressive Christianity, social justice, and lived experience. For those who have been hurt by the church, struggle with the church, still hold out hope for the church, or have no experience with the church at all; we welcome you to share in our journey of questioning, loving, and seeking wholeness in a fragmented world. This is the podcast of Downtown Disciples, an unapologetically progressive Disciples of Christ community in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. We are LGBTQ affirming and we proclaim #BlackLivesMatter. www.downtowndisciples.org

Downtown Disciples


    • Aug 13, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 113 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Like Micah

    Episode 110 with Frank Cordaro

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2021 47:56


    Pastor Debbie chats with Frank Cordaro of the Catholic Worker House about his inspiring faith background and the very important work they does in our Des Moines community in this episode of Like Micah.

    Episode 109 with Rabbi Jordan Parr

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2021 27:33


    In this episode of Like Micah, Pastor Debbie and Rabbi Jordan Parr talk about the joy of Judaism, Christian misconceptions about Judaism, and the prophet Micah! Be sure to check out his podcast “Torah for Christians” and the song they discuss: "Miriam's Song". 

    Episode 108 with Bryant Siefken

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2021 43:21


    In this episode of Like Micah, listen in on the conversation with Pastor Debbie and member Bryant Siefken to learn about his faith background and journey, what brought him and his family to Downtown Disciples, and what he appreciates about this special faith community.

    Episode 107: Part 2 with Gabriel Dos Santos

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2021 23:11


    Today we bring you Part 2 of the 2 Part conversation between DD member Gabriel Dos Santos and Pastor Debbie. In this episode, Gabriel shares his liberating experience of connecting with Downtown Disciples. {Last week he shared the challenges of being a Queer Christian growing up in Brazil in Episode 106, Part 1 of the conversation.}

    Episode 106: Part 1 with Gabriel Dos Santos

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2021 33:05


    Just in time for Pride Month: Part 1 of this compelling 2 Part conversation between DD member Gabriel Dos Santos and Pastor Debbie. Gabriel shares the challenges of being a Queer Christian growing up in Brazil. Next week we share his liberating experience of connecting with Downtown Disciples.

    Episode 105 with Ashley Muff

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2021 52:59


    In this episode of our Like Micah podcast, we get to know more about Downtown Disciples leader Ashley Muff: her faith background and journey, struggles with theological ideas like free will, predestination and atonement theory, as well as a meaningful exploration with Pastor Debbie into a complicated passage in the book of Romans that is challenging for all.

    Episode 104 with Connie Ryan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2021 31:44


    Listen in to learn from Connie Ryan about her faith background, passion for social justice and work with Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in today's episode of Like Micah.

    Episode 103 with Leah Vanden Bosch

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2021 66:05


    Pastor Debbie continues her conversation with Leah Vanden Bosch in today's episode of Like Micah.  Leah shares her personal history, struggles, and the abundant life she has found with her Planned Parenthood community. 

    Episode 102 with Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2021 65:35


    In today's episode, we learn from Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz about her life and background, the Jewish approach to reproductive rights and so much more about Judaism.

    People of Faith Discuss Reproductive Rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2021 58:46


    What do people of faith believe about reproductive rights, abortion access and sexuality? In this compelling and important Like Micah episode, Pastor Debbie Griffin speaks about faith and reproductive rights with Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz, Rev. Brigit Stevens, Connie Ryan from Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, and Leah Vanden Bosch from Planned Parenthood. To access the People’s Forum mentioned in this podcast go here.  For Pastor Debbie’s remarks at the recent Press Conference go here.  For more information about the Iowa Poll For more information on the recent Iowa anti-abortion legislator’s attempts to limit and deny the rights of Iowans go here.

    Episode 100 with Jenni Losee

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2021 56:13


    Pastor Debbie Griffin chats with Downtown Disciples member Jenni Losee about her faith background and exploration, parenting and dealing with addiction during a pandemic, and more in this episode of Like Micah.

    Episode 99 with Linda Brundies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2021 41:35


    Listen in as Linda Brundies and Pastor Debbie chat about Linda's unique childhood faith experiences and her spiritual approach to music and life in this episode of Like Micah.

    Episode 98 with Debbie & Megan Kushner

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 64:30


    If you've been wondering what Downtown Disciples is all about - THIS IS THE EPISODE FOR YOU!  Pastor Debbie chats with Debbie & Megan Kushner, new(ish) DD members about their faith backgrounds, living in Des Moines and what it means to be a truly inclusive, affirming faith community. Come for the warm, inviting discussion between new friends and stay for the meaningful conversation about not separating ourselves and each other from the love of God.

    Episode 97 with Allison Garcia

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 57:24


    Get to know Allison Garica, author of Vivir el Dream and "stories of love, hope, and faith for marginalized Christians, Queer Christian fiction and Latino Christian Fiction" in today's episode of Like Micah.  Allison shares with Pastor Debbie how she struggled to find her place in Christianity after coming out and how she believes her stories can give hope to others.  Read more about Allison here. Resources for Theological, Biblical and Pastoral Care and affirmation of Queer People: Queer Virtue by Rev. Elizabeth Erdman What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality by Daniel A Helminiak, PhD Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality by Jack Rogers Un-Clobber by Colby Martin Additional resources can be found at http://disciplesallianceq.org/resources/

    Episode 96 Alicia Interviews Nancy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 37:15


    Listen in on the conversation as DD member Alicia Fisher interviews long-time DD member Nancy Thompson for today's episode of Like Micah. Nancy discusses her faith background, what brought her to Downtown Disciples five years ago, how she lives out her faith in her career and passions, and how this pandemic has affected her.

    Episode 95 with Caitlyn & Jorden Boyd

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2021 36:11


    We're excited to welcome Caitlyn & Jorden Boyd, new DD members as well as newlyweds, in today's Like Micah episode!  They share with Pastor Debbie their personal backgrounds & faith journeys as well as what it's like to live as newlyweds in this time of Covid.

    Episode 94 with Hugh Frisch

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 28:15


    Today's Like Micah episode finds us hearing from Downtown Disciples member Hugh Frisch about having faith while surviving childhood cancer, sharing our true selves, and standing firm in what you know God wants.

    Episode 93 with Alicia Fisher

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 52:33


    Pastor Debbie Griffin chats with Downtown Disciples member Alicia Fisher about her faith progression, being single (even during pandemic), adult friendship dynamics, finding community and more in this episode of Like Micah.

    Episode 92. All Lives Cannot Matter Until Black Lives Matter

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2020 56:11


    Do not miss this important episode with social justice leader, Pascha Morgan who speaks truth with with Pastor Debbie Griffin about racial justice, Black Lives Matter, privilege, and solutions.

    Episode 91 with Pascha Morgan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2020 36:52


    We are so excited to bring y’all a special two-part series with local social justice activist and leader, Pascha Morgan, as he chats with Pastor Debbie Griffin about his faith background, the evolution of personal spirituality, ancient wisdom, and the word of God.

    Episode 90 with Courtney Rife

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2020 49:06


    Make sure you don't miss today's episode of Like Micah as Pastor Debbie Griffin talks about faith, social justice, and the fight for racial equality with Courtney Rife who shares with us some powerful spoken word poetry.

    Episode 89 with Mariah Himes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020 36:20


    On today's episode of Like Micah, we chat with Downtown Disciples member Mariah Himes about her faith background, social justice, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

    5 Year Anniversary Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2020 20:23


    We are SO excited to bring you our special 5 year anniversary podcast featuring the favorite memories from many of our Downtown Disciples member! Thanks for being part of the change we need!

    Episode 87. DD Music Mashup

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2020 28:33


    We are so blessed at Downtown Disciples to be able to feature local artists during our worship and today we are excited to bring you a beautiful mashup featuring Harper and Lee, Marguerite Dowling, The High Crest, Rhonda Mickelson, and Guitarras!

    Episode 86. Part II with Jennifer Theis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2020 22:56


    Downtown Disciples member Jennifer Theis chats with Pastor Debbie Griffin about a meaningful verse, becoming unchurched, and finding her place at Downtown Disciples.  

    Episode 85 with Jennifer Theis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 25:47


    Today's episode of Like Micah is part one of a two-part series with Downtown Disciples member Jennifer Theis. On today’s episode Producer Sheri Rosendahl talks with Jennifer about how she found Downtown Disciples, her faith background, and some positive things she’s seen during this quarantined world.

    Episode 84 with GL Clague

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 17:38


    On today’s episode of Like Micah, Producer Sheri Rosendahl chats with Downtown Disciple member GL Clague who shares some of his faith background, the tremendous rock the community of Downtown Disciples has been, as well as some stories about what he has experienced during the Covid crisis.

    Into the Wilderness of the Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2020 35:19


    During this chaotic time in history, Pastor Debbie Griffin discusses John 9, the Corona virus, and how the ways of Jesus fit into this time.

    Episode 83 with Cari Christian

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2020 22:25


    Today we are excited to get to know Downtown Disciples member and new Administrative Assistant, Cari Christian as she shares the evolution of her faith with Pastor Debbie Griffin!

    Episode 82 with Author Meg Calvin

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2020 22:07


    On today's episode of Like Micah, Producer Sheri Faye Rosendahl talks faith and deconstruction with Meg Calvin - Amazon Best Selling Author, Wife, Mom, Speaker, Podcaster, and Coach who helps her fellow Spiritually-Attuned Go-Getters find confidence and certainty in who they were meant to be. Make sure to check out Meg's new book, I Am My Own Sanctuary: How A Recovering Holy-Roller Found Healing and Power, on her website to get the first 50 pages free!    

    Episode 81. Shane Claiborne

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2020 22:13


    On today's episode we are excited to bring you Shane Claiborne - a prominent speaker, activist and best-selling author - to talk faith, politics, and Jesus with producer, Sheri Rosendahl. Shane worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia.  He heads up Red Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living "as if Jesus meant the things he said." Shane is a champion for grace which has led him to jail advocating for the homeless, and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war. Now grace fuels his passion to end the death penalty and help stop gun violence.

    Episode 80. Faith and Politics Finale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2020 9:14


    For the final episode in our Faith and Politics series, we took to the streets of Des Moines and ask everyday people how their faith or spirituality influence their politics, and some of the answers will surprise you. 

    Episode 80. Vote Common Good Summit.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2020 33:11


    Make sure to check out today's fantastic episode in our Faith and Politics series highlighting the powerful Genesis Be, Sister Simone Cambell, Rev. Dr, Jacqui Lewis, and amazing music from Rev. Vince Anderson and Meah Pace at the recent Vote Common Good Summit in Des Moines. Check out all the amazing work VCG is doing at www.votecommongood.com and don’t forget to caucus February 3rd!

    Episode 79. Faith and Politics with Marianne Williamson.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2019 39:23


    Make sure you check out this exciting and insightful new episode in our Faith and Politics series, as Pastor Debbie Griffin chats with presidential candidate Marianne Williamson on the reality of running for president, her passion for children and all of humanity, and important issues in our nation and world including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    Episode 78. Faith and Politics with Matt McCoy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2019 45:03


    Today on another special episode in our Faith and Politics series, Pastor Debbie Griffin has a conversation with Iowa Politician Matt McCoy, a member of the Board of Supervisors of Polk County, Iowa, representing the fifth district. A member of the Iowa Democratic Party, Matt also served in the Iowa Senate from 1997-2019 and the Iowa House of Representatives from 1993-1997.

    Episode 77. Faith and Politics with Jacquie Easley

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2019 37:08


    Don't miss today's special episode in our Faith and Politics series as Pastor Debbie Griffin sits down and chats with the inspirational Jacquie Easley, who is running for Des Moines City Council At-Large, and shares with us her passion for serving the community. 

    Episode 76. Faith & Politics with Tom Steyer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2019 16:52


    You won't want to miss today's special episode of our Faith and Politics series as Pastor Debbie Griffin talks the big issues with Presidential hopeful Tom Steyer, including how his faith has impacted his passion to protect the earth as well as the most vulnerable among us, and lays out his position regarding the LGBTQIA+ community, healthcare, women's rights and more!

    Episode 75. Faith and Politics with Presidential Candidate John Delaney

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2019 8:35


    Today on another special episode in our Faith and Politics series, Pastor Debbie Griffin has a conversation with 2020 Presidential Candidate John Delaney on how his Catholic faith has contributed to his views and policies.

    Episode 74. Faith and Politics with Marlu Abarca

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2019 37:51


    You won't want to miss todays special episode in our Faith and Politics series as Pastor Debbie Griffin speaks with advocate Marlu Abarca who is the vice chair of the Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs and is currently running for Des Moines City Council at-large. Join us as Marlu shares a piece of her journey through spirituality, being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, her extensive social justice work, and drive to make sure she leaves Des Moines better than she found it.    

    Episode 73. Carl Voss.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2019 32:02


    Today on Like Micah's Faith and Politics edition, Pastor Debbie sits down and speaks with Carl Voss who is currently running for City Council At-Large in Des Moines, Iowa. Coming from a strong faith background, Carl shares with us how his faith played into his decision to run for public office, continuing his passion to work for all Des Moines' residents regardless of income or neighborhood.

    Episode 72.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2019 31:23


    On today's episode of Like Micah:Faith and Politics, Pastor Debbie Griffin speaks with Rev. Sarah Trone Garriott, an ELCA Lutheran Pastor who does interfaith work with the largest food pantry network in Des Moines and had recently announced that she will be running for Iowa State Senate District 22!! Join us today as they discuss the intersection of faith and politics as Sarah shares how she was moved to run for office.

    Episode 71. Spice It Up Together

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2019 40:25


    Rev. Justo Gonzalez II, is a passionate activist on issues of immigrant rights, DACA, the Dream Act and TPS.He is the founder of two Sanctuary Congregations in New York and Michigan.  He has defied ICE and the Federal government in taking a public stance against the forced separation of families and kidnapping of immigrant children.  He has marched the picket line with workers in the Fight for $15 Campaign.  He is a tireless  advocate for women’s rights, pay equity,  LGBTQIA rights, educational justice, and extravagant welcome for all of God’s creation.  Rev. Justo embodies his progressive faith with political action.  In this episode of our Faith and Politics series, our podcast producer, Sheri Faye Rosendahl interviews the energetic and dynamic  Rev. Justo Gonzalez II.

    Episode 70. Faith and Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2019 27:44


    Today we bring you the second part of our episode from the DoC General Assembly in Des Moines, featuring interviews with Rev. Dr. Dietra Baker, Rev. April Johnson, Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker, and Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley who share with us important insight on faith and politics.

    Episode 69. DoC General Assembly Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2019 27:25


    This is part one of our two part Like Micah special featuring national social justice leaders from the Disciples of Christ. Today's episode includes speakers from the rally after the DoC's General Assembly in Des Moines, featuring a Church Confessing as well as a powerful message from Rev. Dr. William Barber of the Poor People's Campaign. 

    Episode 68. Music Moves Us.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2019 29:31


    Music moves us!  And we bet it will move you too!  In this episode of Like Micah, you’ll be blessed with inspiring and empowering music from some of the most talented Iowa singer songwriters.  Our mash up includes live recordings from our progressive worship featuring, Harper and Lee, Mary Beth Mardis Lecroy, The High Crest, Dang Felton, Lori Ancona, and Sharon Bousquet. What a gift! Find more about our featured musicians: Sharon Bousquet - https://www.sharonbousquet.com/ Lori Ancona - https://www.facebook.com/lori.ancona Dang Felton - https://www.dangfelton.com/ The High Crest - http://www.thehighcrest.com Mary Beth Mardis Lecroy - https://stpaulsuccchurch.com/pastor.html Harper and Lee - https://harperandleemusic.com/   downtowndisciples.org @DTdisciplesDSM

    Episode 67. PRIDE 2019 Spirit Called Love.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2019 37:48


    In this special Pride Fest Pentecost 2019 episode, you’ll here several Downtown Disciples share the stories of their 2019 Pride Fest experiences and Pastor Debbie Griffin’s liberating and powerful sermon from the Pride Fest Stage.    Music by Harper and Lee https://harperandleemusic.com/  

    Episode 66. Creative Justice.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2019 31:19


    Pastor Debbie Griffin talks with musician and UCC Pastor Mary Beth Mardis-Lecroy about anti-racism, creativity, music and progressive faith - a lively conversation between friends about how new creativity will lead to new justice.  Featured Songs: Good Anymore and We Wait by Mary Beth Mardis-Lecroy

    Episode 65: The Church Confesses and Repents

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2019 16:25


    In this episode of Like Micah, Pastor Debbie Griffin confesses and repents on behalf of the universal Church for the harm, spiritual abuse, and condemnation it has wrongfully inflicted upon LGBTQ+people.  In honor of Pride Fest 2019, we are pleased to rebroadcast this episode recorded at Pride Fest 2017, featuring Pastor Debbie, Spivey Knapik, and Pride Fest attendees.

    Episode 64: In the Midst

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2019 17:18


    A conversation with Ryan Rohlf, a Downtown Disciples community member, brings you further into how the embodiment of Christ is lived through action and relationship. Taking the steps through the evolution of his faith, Ryan finds fellowship and peace in his personal relationship with faith. downtowndisciples.org @DTdisciplesDSM https://www.facebook.com/RyanCRohlfRE/

    Episode 63: The History, pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2019 16:14


    In February 2019 Pastor Debbie sat down with Jerry Crenshaw to record a full history of how Downtown Disciples came to be. This is the 3rd in a three part series from that conversation, wherein we learn about the community life of Downtown Disciples.   downtowndisciples.org @DTdisciplesDSM

    Episode 62: The History, pt 2.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2019 12:07


    In February 2019, Pastor Debbie sat down with Jerry Crenshaw to record a full history of how Downtown Disciples came to be. This is the 2nd in a three part series from that conversation, wherein we learn about the many ways Downtown Disciples has been involved in the work of justice in the community.   downtowndisciples.org @DTdisicplesDSM

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