On this weeks episode we have a delightful and important conversation with the wonderful Joel Hollier. Joel is one clever fella with degrees in social work and theology, and a PhD in Behavioural Science. He’s also a co-paster of New City Church. Joel has a story to tell that many of us need to hear — about his journey of being a gay Christian, originally preaching that this required celibacy though through grappling with scripture and the holy spirit coming to be very ok with being married to another man and continuing to follow Jesus and minister as a pastor.
In this episode we do talk about trauma and the psychological harm and abuse sexually and gender diverse people can experience in spiritual settings. If these are part of your story, this episode may bring things up. So be gentle with yourself, decide if listening is going to be helpful and reach out for support if you need it.
If you are a church leader, and/or if you hold a traditionalist view in these matters, this may be a confronting listen for you, but listening is the very least we can do for our LGBTQI+ siblings - so please, can I encourage you, take the time and listen well — trying to place aside your judgments at the outset.
Joel is a deeply gracious, kind and inspiring human. I think we can all learn from him. Here is our conversation.
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