A podcast examining the beliefs, perspectives and experiences Black millennials in Britain have gained from their upbringings in pentecostal and evangelical churches - what should we keep and what might we leave behind?
Welcome to the final episode of the season! Today I share some thoughts on ecclesiology - what is the Church and how did it all begin? I explore the idea of being chosen people, how the Church has always been a place of welcome for people across lines of difference, and what hope we might have in a time of global unrest. Happy Easter, He is risen in deed!
Today's episode is all about what it means to be human. I introduce the theme of 'theological anthropology' especially the idea that we are made in God's image. What might this huge concept actually mean? I talk about some of the dangers of thinking of human beings as special, and especially certain kinds of human beings as more like God than others. Thanks for listening as always!
In today's episode I share some thoughts on pneumatology - beliefs about the Holy Spirit with a special focus on sanctification. What does it mean to be holy? And is it just about what we avoid doing with our own individual bodies? I touch on the themes of purity, become better people and what it means to truly say we are people of the Spirit. Thanks for tuning in!
In this episode I share some thoughts on Christology and the questions that have arisen in trying to figure out who Jesus is and how he could be human and divine. I give Mary her props, and explore the debate on the question: could Jesus have sinned? And what do we do with those passages that don't paint Jesus in the best light? Its a controversial one...thanks for tuning in! Sermon: https://www.wilgafney.com/2017/08/20/the-woman-who-changed-jesus/
Welcome back everyone, today I give you a whistlestop tour of some of the big moments and eras that shape Christian doctrine. Theology is deeply shaped by the decisions theologians make about what is most important - but what has this meant historically? The shift to empire, the reformation, and the enlightenment all have an impact on the creation of doctrine. In the final section, I talk briefly about the Trinity as a model for social relationships. Thanks for joining me!
Welcome back listeners! I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year break. Today I kick of the doctrine series, by sharing some general thoughts on why the history of Christian doctrine can be interesting, and what I am learning from looking back at theologians from the past. Thanks for joining me on the journey!
In this final episode of 2024, I share some reflections on the mixed feelings we might experience at the end of year and start of a new one. I talk about the history of the Watch Night tradition in many Black churches, and share some wise words from Howard Thurman. Thank you for listening!
In this episode, I think about the impact of having fibroids (a new diagnosis for me) on my work as a theologian. Thinking with the woman with the "issue of blood" I discuss health systems, generational trauma in the body, and what our bodies can teach us about spirituality. Thank you for listening!
In this episode I talk about two big incidents in recent news: the re-election of Trump and the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby. On the one hand, a toxic masculine man, trusted to rescue the USA, on the other, a safeguarding scandal that has cost him his job. What does this all tell us about leadership? Are we asking too much? Or lost to stereotypes of those we want in power? There are few answers but lots of questions. Thank you for listening! For the sermon by Rev Dr Otis Moss III see Trinity United Church of Christ: https://www.youtube.com/live/7zHTUe7rSBs?si=y-QYYRzy7aePjHLX from 59:50 onwards For the book by Justin Lewis-Anthony see https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/you-are-the-messiah-and-i-should-know-9781441122469/
In this episode, I share some thoughts on the connection between two public events in recent news: the 'not guilty' verdict for the policeman who killed Chris Kaba and the assisted dying debate. Who deserves mercy and whose lives do we fight for? This is a bit of a ranty episode, but one I could not skip. Thanks for listening.
Welcome back listeners! In this episode I reintroduce the podcast, with some updated reflections on why I am doing this, and what this season will hold. Thank you as always for joining me for the ride.
Today we continue conversations with creatives, with the gem that is Jake Isaac. We discuss his beginnings playing the drums in church, and his ability to transcend the divide between 'sacred' and 'secular' spaces. Also, what we can learn from MJ, Kanye West and Jon Batiste, and what he hopes his children will learn from his artistic journey. This is a beautiful conversation, I hope you enjoy it. *Notices* The competition closes on Sunday 11th August at 12 noon. To take part in Andy Symmons research on podcasts, faith and spirituality in Britain go to: http://bit.ly/podcastsanddeconstruction
This is a solo episode on being 'the first' and moving into new pastures. I reflect on Joseph's journey and the unexpected communal blessings that can come from an individual's bold movement. Complete with summer life and writing updates.
In this episode, I have special guest, innovator and creative Seth Pinnock (@sethanthonyp) talking all things black creativity, entrepreneurship and imagination. We discuss his musical roots, leading a youth movement at 17, and how to decide which risks are worth taking as an entrepreneur. This is a great conversation with lots of laughter and food for thought.
This week is a special episode to launch the new book by Shani Akilah (@ShaniAkilah) 'For Such a Time as This'. We talk about the journey of becoming a writer, some of the themes covered in this brilliant short story collection - including spirituality and faith - and top tips for those hoping to break into this creative field.
In this episode, I speak with screenwriter Karla Williams (@SheWritesOn) about her journey growing up as a Pastor's kid in a Black Pentecostal church, and her career in the creative industry. We discuss our early church zeal, the lessons we have learnt along the way, and the power of storytelling to build empathy and witness to the truth.
In this episode, I share a bit about the journey to being the first Black woman to be appointed as a lecturer in theology in the country. I then reflect on the trend of "manifesting" our dreams or what Pentecostals often call "writing the vision", and what we might consider as we mark Pentecost and the manifestation of the Spirit among believers.
Welcome back to Season 5 of SSFM! In this episode I reintroduce the podcast for new listeners, and then reflect on my holiday in Gambia. I discuss "sex tourism" and trafficking by white Brits (especially women), the need for "black male studies" and our privileges as Black British travellers.
In this final episode of the season, I process my struggles with hope and despair, and my reading of Afro-pessimist philosophy in light of recent events (Gaza, colonialism debates in the C of E and Diane Abbott). This is not a neat episode, but it's honest - about the reluctance of institutions to change, and the need to create alternative worlds within worlds. I might change my mind, but I am sure I am not alone in feeling these things. Thanks for listening. *PSA this is not a cheerful Easter episode so feel free to skip it if that's what you need.
In this Lenten episode, Carlton and I discuss an idea which did not make it into our Lenten resources but which is very important in rethinking darkness. We discuss the dark mysteries of God, the known and the unknown in God and in ourselves, and the importance of leaving room for what is uncertain in our journeys of faith. This is not to be missed.
This episode is all about death - our mortality as human beings and the small deaths we experience of our hopes and expectations. It is not a cheery one, but an honest reflection on coming to terms with the end of things, in this season of Lent. We end with help from Cole Arthur Riley's new book Black Liturgies. (Trigger Warning: grief and loss, suicide and euthanasia)
In this episode, I am joined by Dr Lisa Adjei, an activist, justice lover and church leader. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss our love for our Black church roots, twitter activism, leading as single women, recovering from spiritual trauma and what we have learned about healthy leaders and communities. Bring a cuppa and some biscuits for this one!!
Welcome to a new year listeners! In this episode, I reflect on the new birth of my niece and doula wisdom on how we face challenges and difficulty. I talk about starting the new year well, resisting fads and the importance of discerning what we need as move into this new year. Thanks for listening!
In this episode, I talk about womanism (and the differences with feminism) and the iconic work of Delores Williams who centres Hagar as a core figure for Black women and our experiences of life and God.
Today's episode is all about the debate about sexuality in the church and hostility towards gay people, especially in Black Christian contexts. I begin with our biases, and then talk about the use of scripture, exploring what it means to live consistently with Jesus' own example on big ethical questions. *Trigger warning* This episode explores anti-gay theology and briefly mentions LGBTQ+ suicide, conversion therapy, and sexual assault.
This is the final episode of the season! My cousin Mary @thecurlycloset joins me on the podcast to talk about the strict courting rules we saw growing up, and what we had to unlearn and learn as we started dating. We share cringeworthy dating experiences, talk about how our "lists" have changed and discuss what it means to date well and safely.
In this episode I am joined by priest and scholar Fr Jarel Robinson-Brown to discuss desire and its complexities. We discuss the ways human desire is painted as a problem in Christian communities, while desire is core to God's life and to ours. We consider how to discern which desires might be unhealthy and how we handle the tension between what we desire, and the desire or will of God. This is a juicy conversation, not to be missed!
In this episode I share some personal reflections on the unexpected joys of life, and on the sorrows we face globally due to the violence in Palestine over the last few weeks.
This week's episode is all about African Traditional Religion and its relationship with Christianity. I am joined by my Nigerian brother Akeem, who is doing a PhD at Cambridge on Yoruba religion, and Christian theology. We have a wide-ranging conversation about Yoruba beliefs about the divine, why we are often taught to be suspicious of what is African, and what we might incorporate into our faith and spiritual lives to empower us as Black people.
This is a shorter episode to launch season 4, sharing what lies ahead, and reflecting on how we hold faith and doubt together in ways that are helpful. I share my summer thoughts on exploration in our spiritual journeys, and why we shouldn't give the prodigal son such a hard time.
In this week's episode I talk about climate change and the human actions that are leading to recent climate chaos. I explore some of the beliefs which can prevent us from taking our responsibility for creation care seriously. And I discuss how caring for the earth ties in to our wider concerns for social justice.
In this episode I am joined by Olabisi Obamakin to talk about her research on women in the bible, why it's important for Black women to do biblical studies and how it can change our view of biblical texts. We discuss our love/hate relationship with the bible, engaging with the bible after trauma, and how to figure out whether our interpretations are good or harmful.
In this episode I discuss Windrush 75, the celebrations and the ongoing questions of what it means for African Caribbeans to thrive in Britain. I think about Abraham, who inspires my Grandads own reflections on his journey from Jamaica in the 1960s, and ask, what does it mean for us as descendants of this generation to continue their legacy?
In this episode I talk with my dad about the joys and challenges of parenting. We chat about what it means to parent well, raising Black kids in particular, and dealing with my teenage years. I ask him about learning to be a good parent, raising girls v boys and his own journey managing his mental health as a young Black father.
In today's episode I share some thoughts about Pentecost (a week later...) I discuss the power problems of the "spiritually gifted," how speaking in tongues can be colonised, and what Pentecost teaches us about being open to God's disruption in our lives and what we think we know.
In this episode I share an edited recording of a panel discussion I took part in recently on spiritual abuse. The panel was organised by Natalie Collins (@God_loves_women on Twitter) in the light of recent allegations against various high profile Evangelical church leaders in the UK. We discuss what spiritual abuse is, why faith leaders so often fail to act, and how to respond when stories emerge. *This entire episode carries a trigger warning so be kind to yourselves and take a break whenever you need to*
Season 3 continues with a conversation about faith, church and mental health with special guest Stacy Gacheru (@stacygacheru). Stacy has years of experience working in the mental health sector, is a qualified counsellor and is now training in theology and mental health. We discuss why the stigma of mental health exists in churches and Black communities; the risks of spiritualising mental health issues, and what we need to take good care of ourselves.Â
In this episode I am joined by my friend Naomi @newmindcoaching_ to talk about her journey of growing up in the church and then leaving the Christian faith. We explore the pressure of social expectations, the importance of tuning in to our own voice and creativity, and overcoming fear. This is an honest conversation about the problems of religion and how they can get in the way of us experiencing God in ways that are authentic to us. It's not to be missed.
Welcome back for Season 3! I introduce this next season where I will be exploring new stories, and thinking through big questions which remain from our first 2 seasons. I also talk about the Coronation, the problem of Christian empires and what we might do instead of swearing allegiance...
Today is all about Resurrection! But before we get there, I talk about Easter Saturday, and how it helps us to cope when the worst happens. I discuss what the resurrection says about the importance of our bodies, what we can learn from disability theology, and why it matters that Jesus kept his scars.
In this bonus episode for Palm Sunday, I explore the significance of this day and what is known as 'Holy Week' - the last week of Jesus' life (kind of). Entering into the drama of this week brings us face to face with loyalty and betrayal, supporters turned haters, and our own capacity as human beings to let down those we say we love. This is an opportunity to sit with these feelings and face our own failings, in the context of knowing that God is forever merciful and kind.
In this final episode of the season we end with a conversation with Rev Dr Sharon Prentis, a lover of God and people who has accompanied many people (including me) through periods of great difficulty in their lives and in faith. We discuss the evolution of our spirituality, the importance of knowing we are accepted by God and how to handle disappointment when we pray.
In this special episode for Mother's Day, my cousin Jessica Grizzle (@grizzleabode) joins me for a conversation to celebrate our own mothers, and discuss the reality of delayed motherhood, IVF and the challenge of holding on to faith in the face of delayed hopes. We keep the conversation light and humorous, but also get into the difficulties of longing, loss and disappointment. Trigger warning: IVF, ectopic pregnancy, grief
We carry on this season with a conversation about friendships with one of my oldest and best friends who I met through church. In this wide ranging conversation we discuss the importance of honesty, understanding changing seasons, and dealing with friendships that cross boundaries....
In this episode we explore the idea of God having a plan for your life. This message can deeply impact girls and women who want to be 'good' and to please God and everyone else. In what ways can this be empowering, and how might it create anxiety? This episode addresses the stress of decision making, what happens when unexpected things happen, and how to better understand God's intentions for us as a collective and as individuals.
In this episode I take a break from the church girls series to reflect on Lent which has started this week. This is not something all of us grew up with, but I examine what it means beyond giving up things, and what it how it might be relevant for those of us living without what we need and hope for. Lent is made for the misfits, as so often we live in a constant awareness of what is wrong, and how painful life can be - I don't believe it should demand more pain from us.
In part 2 of the conversation from last week, we continue exploring the story of our special guest discussing the unexpected twists and turns of marriage. We discuss ending a marriage, revising 'the list' of what you need in a partner, and finding the courage to love again.
This episode is the first in a two-part conversation about marriage. Our anonymous guest tells the story of her journey of looking for a partner, finding one, and then navigating unexpected challenges. We discuss the expectations we inherited from our parents, figuring out what you need in a partner, and how it feels to fight for a marriage alone. *Trigger Warning:* body shaming (17:40-19:20, 21:10-21:18, 33:15-33:45) and infidelity (36:05-38:00, 41:50-42:10, 42:50-42:60).
Welcome to episode 5 which deals with one of the most challenging topics for many people in church - sex, celibacy and 'fornication.' I discuss the overly simple and often repressive sexual rules we can inherit from church upbringings, the very happy celibate nun I once met, and why everyone is so bothered about sex outside of marriage.
This series continues with an honest conversation about the joys of serving church communities and the risks of exploitation and spiritual manipulation. Reflecting on our experiences in our black pentecostal church and in white evangelical spaces, we process what we have experienced, and survived.
In this episode I explore the models of womanhood we often see emphasised in the bible: the perfect Mary and the bad Jezebel. But can women really be categorised like this? What do we do when we do not fit in either box or do not want to?
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