Sisters Kate Greer and Annie Hodges attempt to tackle the mystery of God and the life of Jesus Christ with reason, humor, and deep curiosity through the lens of the church they love.
The Average Episcopalian podcast is a delightful and informative resource for anyone interested in learning about the Episcopal Church or deepening their understanding of their own faith. As someone who has been attending an Episcopal Church for several months, I have found this podcast to be incredibly helpful in familiarizing myself with the traditions and practices of the Episcopal Church. Annie and Kate, the hosts of the podcast, provide thoughtful insights and engage in meaningful discussions that are both enlightening and entertaining.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to provide comprehensive information about the Episcopal Church in a way that is accessible to people from various backgrounds. Whether you are a long-time member of the church or someone new to it, Annie and Kate offer valuable insights and reflections that can inspire and inform your faith journey. Additionally, their playful banter and sense of humor make each episode enjoyable to listen to.
Another great aspect of The Average Episcopalian podcast is its focus on exploring the connections between different Christian denominations. As someone from a liturgical tradition within Methodism, I have always been curious about the similarities and differences between Anglican/Episcopalian churches and my own denomination. This podcast has provided me with valuable insights into these connections, allowing me to develop a deeper appreciation for both traditions.
While it's difficult to find any major flaws with this podcast, one aspect that could be improved is the frequency of episodes. As a listener who eagerly anticipates each new episode, I often find myself running out of episodes quickly due to their current release schedule. However, despite this minor drawback, the quality of each episode is outstanding, making them worth revisiting.
In conclusion, The Average Episcopalian podcast is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church or exploring their own faith journey. Annie and Kate's insightful discussions coupled with their humor make for an engaging listening experience. Whether you are a longtime member of the church or new to it, this podcast offers valuable insights that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Episcopal faith.
Liturgical Calendar 101 is in session. In this episode, we break down the seasons of the Episcopal church. We review the history of the liturgical calendar, discuss whether or not it's Biblical, reflect on how it connects us to humanity and to history, and share personal practices that help us engage more with the church seasons. Why do the altar dressings change colors? What is a lectionary? What's so holy about the passage of time? We hope this episode helps you answer these questions and more. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian Sign up for our monthly Substack newsletter! averageepiscopalian.substack.com More questions? Send us an email: average.episcopalian@gmail.com
Wendell Kimbrough, singer, songwriter, worship leader and friend, is here to teach us what the Psalms are really about. Christians have wrestled with this collection of poems and prayers throughout the ages. How can we find meaning in them today? Wendell went from arguing about Calvinism as a teen to leading Anglican worship services, where he learned to embrace the emotional side of spirituality. We discuss how psalms can help us untangle perfectionism, how to process psalms that call for violence, how to bring our whole selves to God, and why we should all write our own psalms. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian Sign up for our monthly Substack newsletter! averageepiscopalian.substack.com More questions? Send us an email: average.episcopalian@gmail.com
Suffering is an inevitable element of the human condition, and often the existence of suffering drives humanity away from God. But today we're here to talk about what role God plays in our earthly pain. We cover a lot of ground… what it actually means to “let go and let God”, whether or not bed rotting will cure your mental health, what we have learned from grief, the baffling nature of Christian joy, and why you should probably show up to the church function. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian Sign up for our new Substack newsletter! averageepiscopalian.substack.com More questions? Send us an email: average.episcopalian@gmail.com
Let's be honest: practicing the Daily Office is not a habit that the Average Episcopalian upholds. But staying rooted in our faith with daily rituals is crucial to our spiritual growth. So crack open your BCP, everyone! It's time to get real about the Daily Office. In this episode, we reflect on the difference between discipline and obedience, walk through our own daily routines that connect us to God, and discuss ways to make the Daily Office more adaptable and approachable for other average working folk like ourselves. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian Sign up for our new Substack newsletter! averageepiscopalian.substack.com More questions? Send us an email: average.episcopalian@gmail.com
We hear the phrase “The Body of Christ” often throughout our Episcopalian liturgies. But have you ever paused to consider what it means for us to be a part of Christ's body? Our friend, the lax bro-turned-BCP-loving Vicar, Rev. Joe Dewey, helps us peel back the curtain on this threefold concept, examining the physical body of Christ, sacramental body of Christ, and ecclesial body of Christ. We discuss the mind-bending nature of the Incarnation, how Episcopalians should respond to the existence of other denominations, our role in bringing about the kingdom of God, and how the Body of Christ is similar to a potluck. Spoiler alert: Annie cries tears of joy. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian Sign up for our new Substack newsletter! averageepiscopalian.substack.com More questions? Send us an email: average.episcopalian@gmail.com
Grab your popcorn! "The Prince of Egypt" is an epic animated adaptation of Moses's story, and we're about to dissect it scene by scene. This film has stood the test of time, from casting to cinematography to music, all of which we discuss in depth. We wrap up the episode by reflecting on the theological implications of the Exodus story: our fear of becoming who God wants us to be, our inner turmoil when processing an Old Testament plague-sending God, and the ever-present dangers of hardening our hearts as Pharaoh did. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian. More questions? Send us an email: average.episcopalian@gmail.com.
It's time for another Listener Q&A! Your questions had quite the range. We discussed the process of adult confirmation, pondered whether or not the BCP is Benedictine, indulged in visions of grandeur about the future of this podcast, reflected on the beauty of the diversity of worship within the Episcopal church, and even reminisced over the fiction books that shaped our childhoods. We hope you enjoy it! Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian. More questions? Send us an email: average.episcopalian@gmail.com.
Does the concept of the Holy Trinity ever keep you up at night? Just us? To tackle the Trinity, we brought in our friend the Rev. Matt Rossi, Assistant Rector for Adult Formation at Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, Texas. And we were wise to do so. In this episode, Matt fights through our poor attempts to use analogy and geometry to make sense of the Triune God and reminds us WHY the Trinity matters to our faith. We didn't think it possible, but Matt blew up our obsession with definitions and replaced it with something better: excitement to worship. Buckle up, folks. You're in for a (long) good one. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian.
When we don't quite have the words, we Episcopalians turn to the Book of Common Prayer. In this episode, we review 4 of our favorite BCP prayers and discuss how they have carried us through our lives. These prayers teach us the true meaning of optimism, urge us to pursue childlike joy, calm us as we fall asleep, and remind us of God's changelessness. What are your favorite BCP prayers? Let us know on Instagram: @average.episcopalian.
What makes Episcopalian worship music unique? What's up with all the chanting? What role does music play in the liturgy-- and in our faith? Mario Buchanan, Director of Music at Christ Church Episcopal in Hudson, Ohio, is here to talk all things Episcopalian music. We discuss the importance of singing in unison, the benefits of children's choir, what it's like to grow a music program in a small town, and the vulnerability it takes to sing around others. We hope this episode leaves you singing the descant with pride! Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian.
Our longest episode yet! And of course we're talking about ourselves… so much for that episode on humility. Today we're interviewing each other, and we're not holding back! Topics include: Kate's experience in a Christian cult, being an Episcopalian in your twenties, how losing our mother impacted our faith journeys, where we encounter God in our daily lives, what setlist we'd play at the Episcopal club… and much more! Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian.
In the world of LinkedIn announcements and Instagram humble brags, does the old-fashioned virtue of humility have anything to offer? Today's episode uses the framework of St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility to explore why humility is necessary and life-giving for all who follow Christ. We discover that humility is the true root of confidence, listening plays a critical role in how we love others, and humility is like a lazy river in which we need to just let go. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian.
Eucharist. Communion. The Last Supper. The Great Thanksgiving. It's the focal point of our worship service, but what does this bread-breaking really mean? We've brought in an expert to discuss. Father Cody Turner is the Curate for Worship at Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, Texas. In this educational and approachable conversation, we talk about what it means to “live into” the sacraments, the meaning of “real presence” in the bread and wine, what Episcopalians believe about communion, why children take communion in our church, and more. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian.
Whether you were baptized last week or 50 years ago, we all have a lot to learn from the baptismal covenant. In today's episode, Annie & Kate break down the baptism piece-by-piece, discussing in depth what the covenant means to us. Reciting the baptismal covenant as a congregation reminds us of the path we're on, and who we strive to be. In this episode, we talk about the difference between a covenant and a contract, the role of community in baptism, and why "we will, with God's help". Stay tuned until the end for our spicy new segment, "Kate's Controversial Questions", where we discuss infant baptism and more! Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian.
Our culture is obsessed with avoiding suffering at all costs, and a lot of that is enforced by the “wisdom” plastered all over TikTok and other social media platforms. “Romanticize your life.” “Let go of what doesn't serve you.” “Cut people out of your life.” Do these modern-day sentiments bring us closer or further away from Christ? We attempt to analyze these rules for living, discussing the lack of nuance in short-term video content, why we should depend on one another on purpose, and learning how to embrace the mess. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian. (Yes, we see the irony in that plug.)
Many of us know “fellowship” to mean sharing donuts and laughs at coffee hour. But what does Christian fellowship mean on a deeper level? Rev. Charlotte Collins Reed is the rector of Christ Church Episcopal in Hudson, Ohio, and she played an instrumental role in creating community in Annie and Kate's home church. Charlotte is here to share her stories of the priesthood, teaching us about fostering community in a broken church, what community means to Episcopalians, and the importance of community in the world at large. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian.
Lent: a season of penitence and self-denial in preparation for Easter. Join us as we ramble through the liturgical calendar of Lent day by day, reflecting on the symbolism of our Episcopalian traditions and sharing what the season means to us. We talk about giving stuff up, foot washing, returning to dust, and more. Follow along this Lenten season: @average.episcopalian.
You asked, we answered! It's the first ever Listener Q&A. We cover a variety of topics in this episode: common misconceptions about the Episcopal Church, a friendly “Prayer of Humble Access” debate, what Episcopalians "should” believe, and our favorite faith-related books. Don't miss the next Q&A! Follow us on Instagram @average.episcopalian.
If you haven't yet delved into the magic of this Advent season, it's not too late!! We're here to discuss the significance of waiting and preparation in what can feel like the busiest season of the year, and why it's important to listen to the call to “sit down and shut up”. We share practical ways that we practice Advent, the meaning behind all those candles, and why Advent is technically good for your mental health.
In this episode, Kate & Annie are asking the same thing that those billboard signs on the highway ask you: “Are You Saved???” Salvation is a central focus in many denominations of Christianity, but how do Episcopalians see it? There are varying views in the church, and we're here to add to that mix. We discuss what it means to be “saved”, why humans obsess over who goes to hell, and whether salvation is more like a warm fuzzy feeling or a pot of stew. Follow us on Instagram @average.episcopalian.
We have our first ever guest! Drew Crowson was an ordained Baptist minister when he realized that his church was like a pair of pants that just didn't fit anymore. His faith journey has led him around the world (literally… to Europe & the Middle East) and ultimately to his role of High School & Young Adults Minister at Annie's Episcopal church in Dallas, Texas. In today's episode, we cover everything from deconstruction, to different denominational views of the Bible, to theological splits in the evangelical church, to liturgy and ritual. We learned a lot from Drew's unique life path and his dry sense of humor, and we hope you laugh and learn too.
We're back! After a brief and unexpected hiatus, we're here with a glorified book review of one of our favorites: “Those Episkopols” by Dennis Maynard. Even if you haven't read it, you'll still want to listen! This book has guided us for many years on our spiritual journeys, and today we'll pontificate on 4 of our favorite quotes and their implications. Topics include: salvation, certainty, heaven, and hard-to-swallow pills.
The title says it all. While prayer might seem simple on the surface, it sometimes feels impossible to execute in our daily lives. In today's episode, we dive deep into the wisdom of the catechism to try and get over our struggles with prayer. Is prayer a means to a solution? Does yoga class count as prayer? What about the infuriating “thoughts & prayers” culture? Why should we thank God for our suffering? We do our best to discuss these questions and more.
The Pharisees: the ultimate New Testament “bad guys” and a cautionary tale for those of us pursuing ethical lives. In this episode, Annie & Kate pontificate on 4 “Pharisee Behaviors” and how easy it is to fall into each of them. What do lemons, donkeys, Star Wars and donuts teach us about leadership? You'll have to listen to find out.
In this episode, we're discussing the easy breezy topic of Incarnational Theology, inspired by a sermon by Rev. Dr. Dan Matthews. The incarnation is a central component of Christianity, and to Episcopalians it means something extra special. Annie & Kate attempt to define this mystical concept, involving rants and tangents on heaven, baptism, and Harry Potter. If you've ever heard Episcopalians described as “a Christmas people”, this episode will explain why.
Annie & Kate dissect and debate modern day spiritual-ish TikTok wisdom. Is the idea of main character energy ruining our society? (Most likely not.) Do we owe our neighbors explanations for our behavior or emotions? (Maybe.) Does exercising self-love make me selfish? (It's complicated.) Join us for an honest spar/reflection on the pros and cons of trendy spirituality.
In Part 1, the focus was on reconciling with God (confession). In Part 2, the focus is on how to ask for forgiveness (repentance), how to forgive others (reconciliation), and how to forgive yourself (self love). Forgiveness is not a very popular value in our culture today, but Annie and Kate are here to sing its praises, bemoan its difficulties, and discuss practical ways to exercise forgiveness-- even when it's really hard. Buckle up; we're giggly in this episode. Forgive us!!
CONFESSION: the word has a lot of different meanings to a lot of different kinds of Christians. In Episode 4, Annie and Kate dive headfirst into the concept of "forgive us our trespasses." Why is confession of sins important for Christians? Why do Episcopalians say their confessional prayer out loud as a congregation? And what on earth can Miley Cyrus's 2013 hardcore party album "Bangerz" teach us about confessing our sins?
So what's the deal with all of the kneeling and standing? Why do our services have recited prayer? Why are we such stans of the Book of Common Prayer? In this episode, we're tackling all things liturgy. We answer questions from liturgy-haters who think structure makes church boring. And at the end of the episode, we do our best to break down an Episcopal service structure and why each component is meaningful-- or dare we say “lit”.
Many of the reasons people are turned off by Christianity can be boiled down to one thing: self-righteousness. In this episode Annie and Kate admit to our own self-righteousness, debate the role that “the self” plays in our modern-day culture of self-love, and outline our 5 red flags of self-righteousness in Christianity. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian
In our inaugural episode, we are taking on a very easy topic: the future of Christianity itself, and specifically the future of the Episcopal church. We dive deep into our own journeys of leaving and coming back to the church, talk about what Episcopalianism brings to the table in the modern age, and explore the “all organized religion is toxic” argument. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian
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