Emily and her Launch Team tackle a pivotal question: Who is this church for? Team member, Brenna shares her own journey, one which highlights the reality of faith transitions, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by parents of LGBTQ children within the church.

Using each of their stories as a foundation, the team generates a list of “personas” — the disenfranchised evangelicals, the questioning—and often traumatized—Christians, and the LGBTQ community were at the forefront. They grapple with the idea of cultivating a church that doesn't just embrace its members but insists on respecting individual experiences and perspectives.

Ultimately, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that the task ahead is not just about creating a church—it’s about establishing a community that acknowledges the fullness of human experience, including trauma and joy. The Team must strive to shape an environment for those seeking solace after leaving spaces that felt more like cages than sanctuaries.

Gender Creative Child book by Diane Ehrensaft

Music:

Kim Taylor: Like a Woman Can

Blue Dot Sessions: Two in the Back, Symphony in G Minor, Stephi, Town Market, Skyway

After closing her night service, Emily bravely steps into the shoes of a church planter. (Eek!) We'll witness her first steps, gathering a supportive team, creating an official proposal, and juggling the chaos of life. The stakes are high, as it's been 45 years since a successful church has been planted in this diocese.

The ecclesiastical bureaucracy is daunting, and the terminology a bit icky. Yet, she finds the structure of the church's canons comforting, providing a path forward.

We listen in as Emily recruits potential launch team members and they make decisions, grappling with past experiences in organized religion— some shaped by pain and disappointment, others fueled by hope and healing.

As Emily transforms her dream into reality, the tension between established tradition and the desire for a new expression of faith becomes evident, adding layers of complexity to this new church’s origin story.

Artist mentioned: Audrey Assad

Music:

Kim Taylor: Like a Woman Can

Blue Dot Sessions: Peacoat, A Little Powder, FasterFasterBrighter

There are things that Emily thinks ex-evangelicals would find attractive about the Episcopal Church, and there are barriers to entry (ie. liturgy is freaky). So, Emily decides to pilot a Sunday *night* service which will be a bit more accessible. Partnering with Reverend Maggie, they attempt to create a space where wanderers, the curious, and the jaded alike feel comfortable to explore.

We’ll hear from folks who showed up to her Sunday Night Service, what brought them (back) to church, and why they kept coming. Until. Well, until this pilot comes to its end.

Music:

Kim Taylor: Like a Woman Can

Blue Dot sessions: Skyway, The Big Ten, Grumpalo, Kickstep, Basketliner, Floating Whist, Stephi, Blue Straggler

Meet Reverend Maggie Foote, a not-so-formal priest. Hailing from conservative Ohio, Maggie grew up in the Episcopal church and felt a pull toward ordained ministry from a young age. Contrasting with Emily’s story, Maggie’s journey of self-discovery is sweetly simple. Following normal growing pains, Maggie is able to flourish within her family and church.

Maggie shares some of the history and theology of this denomination and explains how change is made (or not made). Plus, she answers Abbey’s pressing Evangelical-style questions like: But… how do you get Saved??

Working alongside one another, Maggie and Emily weave their stories together. And Maggie begins to see Emily’s dream, a vibrant place of faith and inclusivity, for those too scared to step in their doors.

Music:

Kim Taylor: Like a Woman Can

Blue Dot Sessions: The Big Ten

Emily was a devout Evangelical girl, offered the highest of compliments - that she’d make a great Pastor’s Wife. Yet, she had a "lingering sin issue" that haunted her. She worked so hard to get rid of it, becoming a missionary, joining a Christian 12-step program, and finally, going to seminary.

We encounter moments of humor, vulnerability, and unexpected joy as Emily recounts her wild college days, navigates theological dilemmas, and finds liberation.

Her story is one of perseverance and radical authenticity. She wasn't going to give up on finding the truth, whatever that may be.

Music:

Kim Taylor: Like a Woman Can

Blue Dot Sessions: A Burst of Light

Those who have been hurt by the Church have a role to play in what happens next with Christianity in America.

We are in a “hinge” period- a time for reformation- where the old fades away and new forms of religious community are birthing. We don’t know what will be transitory and what will stick. But the brave are paving new paths; resilient communities popping up like mushrooms across the country.

This episode you’ll meet host Abbey, raised Evangelical; and others with similar backgrounds who are looking to create authentic Christian community. If you feel let down by the mainstream Christian church, or if you’re curious about church planting, or are interested in what it means to create a spiritually inclusive space, join us! This show will challenge everything we thought we knew about spirituality, community, and ourselves, on a journey toward a faith that truly resonates.

Music:

Kim Taylor: Like a Woman Can

Blue Dot Sessions: One Dirty Sleeve, Basketliner, Green Carpet, Crumbtown, Floating Whist, Stephi