Counting the Cost: Discipleship Beyond Convenience

In Luke 14:25–33, Jesus turns to the crowd and tells them the truth: “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” It’s a hard word, but an honest one. Discipleship is costly. It may mean strained family ties, letting go of possessions, even risking safety for the sake of love.

In this episode of Queer Church: Faith Without Fear, we wrestle with what it means to count the cost as queer people of faith. We hear wisdom from Presbyterian leaders like John Calvin, Frederick Buechner, and Eugene Peterson, alongside the voices of Audre Lorde, Bayard Rustin, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. We bring this scripture into Vancouver life — from the renaming of Musqueamview Street to the long airport hotel strike, from Pride parades to tragedies that call us into solidarity. And we share personal stories, like a tense SkyTrain encounter, to remind us that discipleship isn’t abstract — it’s lived every day.

The cost is real. But so is the joy. Join us as we explore why costly discipleship is not a curse, but the door to freedom, justice, and life abundant.

Straightened Up: Healing, Queens, and Compassion Beyond Ritual

In Luke 13:10–17, Jesus heals a woman bent over for eighteen years on the Sabbath. It’s a story of compassion breaking tradition, liberation colliding with ritual, and joy overwhelming shame.

In this episode of Queer Church: Faith Without Fear, we bring that story into today: from the SkyTrain queen who bent under panic at 22nd Street Station, to Vancouver Pride’s fire of joy, to the activism of Danny Ramadan helping queer refugees stand tall.

With scripture, queer theologians, and lived stories, we reflect on what it means to be seen, called, touched, and set free.

In this episode of Queer Church: Faith Without Fear, we step into Jesus’ words from Luke 12:32–40 — “Do not be afraid, little flock… keep your lamps burning.” From the joy of riding a Pride Parade float in Vancouver, to a McDonald’s encounter where blessing and prejudice collided, to a conversation with a young woman reclaiming the cross after church hurt, we explore what it means to live ready for Love’s arrival in every moment.

Through Scripture, queer-affirming theology, and stories from our own community, we’ll talk about reclaiming symbols, protecting our joy, and finding treasure in joy, justice, and authenticity. Whether you’re in the streets waving a flag, quietly reclaiming your faith, or just looking for a reminder that you are God’s delight, this episode will leave you with your lamp lit and your heart full.