Sacred & Strange
Welcome to Sacred & Strange — the official podcast of The Porch Missional Community & Coffee Roasters.
Hosted by Jason Urena, Sacred & Strange is a space where theology meets mystery, story meets spirit, and nothing is too weird to talk about. Each episode features honest conversations with guests from all walks of life—exploring the sacred moments that shaped them, the strange encounters that stretched them, and the passions that make them who they are. From deep theology to cryptids, church wounds to comic books, revival to the mundane, this is where the wild and the holy collide.
Brew a cup, open your mind, and join the journey.
Sacred & Strange
The Wrestling, The Wonder, and A Holy Friendship w/ Rachel Stalker
In this episode, Jay sits down with Rachel Stalker — a teacher, traveler, and leader at The Porch — to explore what it means to wrestle with God and still walk in friendship with Him. From growing up in Catholic roots to encountering the Holy Spirit in Spain and Mexico, Rachel shares how her faith has been shaped by questions, tears, and quiet moments of surrender.
This conversation dives into the holy tension between wrestling and resting, how curiosity can lead us closer to holiness, and what it looks like to create space for God to move — even when the answers don’t come easy.
Come for the stories of fire, fear, and faith — stay for the invitation into holy friendship.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:34 Rachel's Background and Teaching Journey
02:02 Living Abroad: Spain and Mexico Adventures
03:57 Facing Fears and Personal Growth
08:12 Spiritual Journey and Personal Walk with Jesus
17:55 Foundational Moments with God
33:15 Eclectic Religious Background and Influence
35:03 Wrestling with Baptism and Faith
36:01 A Turning Point in Spain
36:58 Embracing the Holy Spirit
38:58 Growing in the Spirit
40:30 Experiencing Prophetic Words
48:30 Physical Manifestations of the Holy Spirit
01:02:39 Balancing Honor for God and People
01:04:24 Encouragement for Questioning Faith
01:10:06 Closing Prayer and Reflections