THREADS

What happens when being true to yourself threatens your place in the community? What if the love you thought was unconditional turns out to be very much dependent on your willingness to betray your own identity? Our guest, Jamie Arpin-Ricci shares his story of rejection, redemption and liberation from the condemnation of Evangelical Christianity.   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

Raising children is hard enough without juggling your own spiritual crisis. That's why this conversation with author, and parent, Cindy Wang Brandt is so refreshing. In this conversation, Cindy shares her expertise and insights from her best-selling book, Parenting Forward: How to Raise Children with Justice, Mercy and Kindness.   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

Creativity is what allows us to communicate deep emotion, profound truth and the unspoken beauty of faith in ways we otherwise couldn't. Steve Hindalong [the choir] and Chris Taylor [Love Coma] share some of their lyrics and talk about inspiration and the art of being human in this episode of Threads.   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

You know what's overrated? Being right about everything, and there's no one more qualified to talk about being wrong than author, radio DJ, and leadership "expert" Brant Hansen. Sit back and enjoy this insightful and sometimes hilarious conversation about life, the Universe, and the joy of being wrong.   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

When you're at your lowest point, only love can save you, change you and transform you. In this episode of Threads, Keith Giles listens to author and podcaster Jason Elam share his personal story of moving from fire and brimstone preacher to a husband and father transformed by the love of God.   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

Even before the pandemic, the fate of the Christian Church in America was in question, with thousands of young people leaving the faith every year, and churches closing down or merging with other churches just to keep the lights on. So, what is the future of the Church in America? If it survives, what needs to change? In this episode of Threads, Keith sits down with his good friend Spencer Burke, who has spent most of his life thinking outside the box, and together they explore what the Church of tomorrow could and should look like.   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

It's a good idea to stop and take stock of your faith journey now and then. In this episode, Keith Giles talks with Kyle Butler about how his spiritual audit led him closer to God than he ever imagined. In this episode, we cover: *What it means to be one with God. *Why being honest with yourself about your faith is so crucial. *How there's more freedom outside religion. *How to trust yourself again.    *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

Sometimes well-formed questions are more useful than well-formed answers. In this episode, we talk with singer, songwriter Derek Webb about how questions led him to abandon his faith, and how, today, he continues to question his own doubts about Jesus. His newest project, "The Jesus Hypothesis", chronicles his process of rethinking those prior conclusions.  In this episode, we cover: What happens when you audit your faith. Assessing the truth we've been told versus the truth we've tested for ourselves. How fear keeps us from considering the possibility we might be wrong.     *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

The narrative of Christianity has long been one with a narrow viewpoint, leaving many to feel “othered” as they are pushed or pulled away from the church. People often find that stereotypical beliefs are disproven once you know someone and are challenged to rethink your assumptions. As our guest today, Jennifer Knapp, musician and author, was exploring her faith, she found that her questions were seen as rebellious rather than curious. In this episode, we follow the thread of how a deeper examination of your faith can affect your career.    In this episode, we cover: How doubt can serve to draw you nearer to Jesus and farther away from toxicity The importance of connection, community, and fellowship, especially after a period of isolation Understanding your own ingrained beliefs so you can be open and safe for others _   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

After the forced break from Covid, how can the church reflect to become an expression that is more closely aligned to Jesus? Brandon Andress, pastor and author of Beauty in the Wreckage: Finding Peace in the Age of Outrage, shares his hopes of moving past the current “that's-the-way-it's-done” church mentality to a brighter and better expression of the body of Christ. The thread of deconstruction has been woven throughout the podcast, and this episode adds how the element of money and wealth contributes to the difficulty of examining your faith, especially for pastors.   In this episode, we cover: The link between the tithe and the message The structures and doctrines hindering growth in the church Using the change that COVID has forced to be reflective and grow _   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

We can get through uncertainty and fear by looking at situations from a more spiritual perspective. Perfect love casts out fear, and through God, we can see beauty and possibility in chaos. Andre Rabe, author, missionary, and creator of Mimesis Academy, joins us in this episode to share what he has learned through years of reflection and meditation on the nature of God; a God not of control but of possibilities.    Pulling from the last episode, we work on building our spiritual foundation in the knowledge that God is love, He is with us, and we are connected to all things through Him.    In this episode, we cover: The character and nature of God as expressed through creation and diversity Appreciating God's love for you and extending that grace to others God as a leader, not a micromanager _   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

When standing in the rubble of the deconstruction of toxic beliefs, how do you begin to rebuild your foundation into reconstruction? Today's guest is The Naked Pastor, David Hayward, artist, and founder of The Lasting Supper, an online community devoted to helping people in the process of deconstruction.    Join us as we pull on last week's community thread and discuss moving through the initial ecclesiastical and theological deconstruction into the detox phase and finally into the freedom of reconstruction and finding your community.   In this episode, we cover: Shifting your mindset after the trauma of deconstruction Learning to replace the loss of community after leaving the church Facilitating a strong feeling of family and community without control or coercion The Lasting Supper _   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

There is power in allowing the holy spirit to rush into the space created by honesty and vulnerability. Join us for this episode with Desimber Rose Wattleton, author and former pastor of The Rock Worship Center, as we continue to pull on the thread of sharing truth and experiences within the church. Today's episode covers many topics where Desimber's vivid metaphors get to the heart of the dangers of searching for accolades as a church leader and focusing on law and the old covenant to the detriment and exclusion of grace.    In this episode, we cover: The benefits of moving to virtual services and opening the church building to become an open resource that blesses the entire community The current church fixation on creating converts rather than disciples In regards to pastors, whatever is in the person comes out in the pulpit The Church Can Go To Hell: Overcoming the Brokenness, Bitterness, and Bondage of Church Hurt _   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

When at a spiritual crossroads, how do you know which path to take? In today's episode with guest Brian Zahnd, founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in Saint Joseph, Missouri, we discuss his choices as he traveled the path of deconstruction from behind the pulpit. The situational circumstances he was presented with allowed him to transition his church, but it was a long, challenging road. He gained the joy of a better, stronger spiritual understanding, but also the loss of friendships and half his congregation.    From the last episode with Safi Kaskas, we pull on the thread of finding common ground, working together for understanding, and worshiping God the best way you know how.    In this episode, we cover: Breaking down the term deconstruction The critique of American nationalism within the church The patience, time, and fortitude needed to go through deconstruction and come out the other side _   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

What do Muslims and Christians have in common? Let's pull on a thread from the previous episode where we discussed Jesus and John Wayne, two men that had very little in common. In this conversation, Safi Kaskas, a Muslim who also loves Jesus, shares how Muslims and Christians actually have a lot more in common than you might think.   In this episode, we cover: Similarities of Christianity and Islam The Bible and the Qur'an The Qur'an - with References to the Bible: A Contemporary Understanding _   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

What do Jesus, John Wayne, and evangelical Christians have in common? In this conversation with Kristin Du Mez, we pull on the thread from the previous episode with Matt Distefano where he gives insight into mimetic theory and scapegoating - two processes that Jesus did not participate in. Kristin shares the meaning behind her book, Jesus and John Wayne, and explains how Christian masculinity turned Christ into an image of cowboy warrior masculinity and violence. Again, the opposite of what Jesus actually modeled and taught.    In this episode, we cover: The remaking of Christian masculinity and how Christ is compared to John Wayne and other warrior characters The racial issues of the white evangelical belief system Money and power in the Christian industry Jesus and John Wayne _   *New episodes released every other Monday

Why do we tend to desire things that others have or desire? Lets pull on a thread from the previous conversation with Nora Sophia where she discusses the importance of looking inwards for wisdom, truth, and guidance instead of looking to others for those things. In this conversation, Matt Distefano shares his expert knowledge on Rene Girard's Mimetic Theory which explains the exact thought behind human desire and the practical applications of it in our everyday life.    In this episode, we cover: Rene Girard Mimetic theory and how it relates to religion Explaining human desire and scapegoating   *New episodes released every other Monday

We often push away difficult feelings, but change and transformation are only possible when you are uncomfortable. Today's episode discusses how making hard choices, trusting your intuition, and letting go of fear will lead you to a beautiful transformation. Our guest, Nora Sophia is a storyteller, connector, messenger, and igniter who coaches others to have radical courage to find more harmony in their lives. We discuss learning to let go, live in the moment, and trust God to wow you with even more incredible experiences.    In this episode, we cover: Using your gifts to serve others and yourself Letting go of your hold on the past or the future to live in the moment Looking inward for your own transformation

Are you feeling lonely or discouraged in your faith? Tune in for hope and encouragement in learning to embrace the uncertainty that's ahead. As we heard in the last episode, being a pastor can often be an isolating and discouraging occupation, even more so for pastors in the process of deconstruction. In this episode, join authors, Brad Jersak and William Paul Young, as they provide hope for those feeling alone in their faith journey. Together, they have co-written a new fiction book, The Pastor: A Crisis, in which they give a detailed glimpse into a struggling pastor's life.    In this episode, we cover: How to hear the voice of God Embracing the uncertainty and the mystery The struggle of being a pastor

In this episode, Keith Giles and Alan Smith pull on the thread of letting go of trying to be the perfect person. It can be exhausting to try and live up to everyone's expectations and standards, especially as a pastor of a church. Alan shares his journey through religious deconstruction and how he found peace in letting go of what others think. There is so much we can learn from open and honest conversations about failure and finding the courage to stand up again.   In this episode, we cover: The lonely side of religious deconstruction Finding grace through personal hardships Becoming a more whole person and finding peace with your inner self

Last week, we discussed the idea that your view of God informs how you view yourself. A reminder that if you find space within your day to check in with yourself, you not only get in tune with your own mind but God as well.  In this episode, Mary O'Brien, christian radio host and cohost of the Hope Unscripted podcast, shares her journey of overcoming anxiety and people-pleasing tendencies. A reminder that we need to let go of the addiction to busyness, appreciate the power of saying “no,” and stop the box-checking obligations. As we learn to quiet our minds and sit with our thoughts, even when it is uncomfortable, we learn to be more intentional in our lives and more intentional in our relationship with God. He can show up in unique ways with healing, resolution, or new ideas. You get to create your reality and the life you want by evaluating your choices and learning how to live in the grey spaces.    In this episode, we cover: Knowing your bandwidth for a balanced life How to use your anxiety as a superpower to find the magnificent in the mundane Using a thought journal and gratitude log to find more significant balance and happiness

We were made by a God that created us for love, but how do we deal with the people doing great evil in God's name? My guest, Keith Giles - author, podcaster, and former pastor - has a mission of really introducing Christians to Jesus. This episode is pulling on the thread of being good enough and worthy of love because God made us. Keith explains that even though there is evil in the world, the more we get to know Jesus, we experience a transformation. Allow yourself to get to a place where you genuinely love the people that do horrible things and grow a desire for them to feel mercy and forgiveness.    In this episode, we cover: The flat bible perspective A new way of looking at scripture Learning how to know God in a deeper way through Jesus

In this episode, we are pulling the thread of healing with Christina Choy, a recovery coach who has emerged from her chronic illness with a new perspective on suffering, joy, and the divine. People often continue in behavior patterns, overcome with the feeling that there isn't enough and that they aren't enough. But, by refocusing our beliefs and sensory perception in the moment, we can redirect our thought patterns and elevate our mood, experiencing the essence of the divine. By learning how to trust in ourselves and trust in God, we are reminded that He takes delight in our joy, and we can begin to co-create with Him. To find that joy, we need to pull the thread of self-discovery to take responsibility for our healing.    In this episode, we cover: Gaining more access to your brain function by repatterning thoughts Understanding how your beliefs create your reality  Letting go of suffering to find your peace

My friend, Eric Allen, joins me to shed some light on the dangers of wrapping our identity in our behaviors. We often hyperfocus on the good or bad we have done and come to believe that those behaviors define who we are. Behavior is a manifestation of what is going on inside of us but not an indication of whether we are a good or bad person; we are not just a sum of all that we've done. Every human has value and is worthy of love, regardless of their personal struggles. By pulling on the thread of the pain behind the behavior, we can learn to pursue healing and create healthy change.   In this episode, we cover: Reframing our thinking of “good” or “bad” behavior as healthy or unhealthy Overcoming the pressure to be “perfect” and focusing on being better Finding the root of the pain behind your behavior to gain healing

Shari Marbois, Liminal co-creator and coach, joins me for a discussion about giving yourself the space to explore and heal to intentionally become the person you were meant to be. It can often feel risky or scary to dive into your own darkness to discover what is underneath. If you are able to pull that thread, it can bring love and compassion, and help create healthy boundaries. By learning to love ourselves as God loves us we can step through the threshold into our most authentic selves.     In this episode, we cover: Deconstructing your own story to unpack and reframe different aspects of yourself Finding a place to safely step into your shadowy places to bring out your light Being present to connect what happens physically to what is happening emotionally

Welcome to the THREADS podcast. Derek Watson, lead trainer for Encounter Training, joins me on this episode to discuss the “Be, Do, Have” approach and how to implement it into your life. Much like the Aspen tree, our lives are full of beautiful parts (beautiful branches and flowers), as well as gnarly parts (dark and sinister root system). Instead of hiding the difficult parts of your life, use them to touch other people and give them hope. In this episode, we cover: Dualism and the integration between the left and right sides of the brain “Do, Have, Be” versus “Be, Do, Have” Finding beauty in darkness