"A Pastor's journey to LBGTQ+ inclusion" w/Pastor Stan Mitchell

"A Pastor's journey to LBGTQ+ inclusion" w/Pastor Stan Mitchell

Can faith and full LGBTQ+ inclusion coexist? Pastor Stan Mitchell believes they can—and his own journey may challenge the way you think about Scripture, church, and belonging. This week, Stan shares the story of how he led his church to become fully inclusive. Together, we explore what happens when we examine this issue through fresh eyes, why religion has often created insiders and outsiders, and what it means to reflect the radically inclusive love of Jesus. If you've ever struggled to reconcile your faith with your heart, this episode is for you. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Stan Mitchell currently serves as a Teaching Pastor at The Village in (Atlanta, GA), Austin New Church (TX), The Well (Phoenix, AZ), Harvest Sarasota (FL), The Grove (Bryson City, NC), and Pine Street Church (Boulder, CO).  He is the Pastor Emeritus of GracePointe Church in Nashville, TN, having served as its Lead Pastor from its inception in 2003 through 2019. In 2015, GP made the move to the full affirmation and celebration of LGBTQ+ people. He now spends his vocational time as a pastor, speaker, LGBTQ+ advocate, and consultant within the Progressive Christian movement.  He is a graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity School. *To join our GAMG Summer book club: email staci@stacifrenes.com or gamgministries@gmailcom  ----- The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset! Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com [https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com/] Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez [https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez] Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed [https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed] Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share. Join our Facebook group: Here [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573352486934] Follow us on Instagram: Here [https://www.instagram.com/fresh_start_podcast/] Watch us on YouTube: Here [https://www.youtube.com/@FreshStartPodcast-h3i] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443402/support] This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org [https://godandmygirlfriendsministries.org/]

Ep 31 - Why We Celebrate Pride Month w/Marcia, Stacey and Melissa

June is Pride Month, and we love celebrating alongside our LGBTQ+ friends. In this week’s episode, we share how each of us became fully affirming Christians and why celebrating Pride matters so deeply to us. If you’re a Christian living in the tension between what your heart hopes is true and what you’ve been taught your faith requires you to believe, we think this conversation will resonate with you. If you are interested in coming on as a guest for our upcoming Enneagram episode, email us at: freshstartpod2025@gmail.com [freshstartpod2025@gmail.com] RESOURCES: https://rachelheldevans.com/blog/lgbtq [https://rachelheldevans.com/blog/lgbtq] Love Makes Room: And other things I learned when my daughter came out  [https://www.amazon.com/Love-Makes-Room-Learned-Daughter/dp/1506468632]- by Staci Frenes. [https://www.stacifrenes.com/] UnClobber: Rethinking our misuse of The Bible on Homosexuality [https://www.amazon.com/UnClobber-Rethinking-Misuse-Bible-Homosexuality/dp/066426221X] - by Colby Martin Born Again Queer: A History of Evangelical Gay Activism and the Making of Antigay Christianity [https://www.amazon.com/Born-Again-Queer-Evangelical-Christianity/dp/0691268940] - by William Stell https://sarahbessey.substack.com/p/penny-in-the-air [https://sarahbessey.substack.com/p/penny-in-the-air]  Does Jesus Really Love Me [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/does-jesus-really-love-me-jeff-chu?variant=32122859880482] - by Jeff Chu Torn: Rescuing the gospel from the gays vs. christian debate [https://www.amazon.com/Torn-Rescuing-Gospel-Gays-vs-Christians-Debate/dp/1455514306/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EGHU8NOZFPNI&keywords=torn+justin+lee&qid=1639162195&s=books&sprefix=torn+j%2Cstripbooks%2C172&sr=1-1https://www.amazon.com/Torn-Rescuing-Gospel-Gays-vs-Christians-Debate/dp/1455514306/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EGHU8NOZFPNI&keywords=torn+justin+lee&qid=1639162195&s=books&sprefix=torn+j%2Cstripbooks%2C172&sr=1-1#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor] - by Justin Lee God and The Gay Christian [https://www.amazon.com/God-Gay-Christian-Biblical-Relationships/dp/160142518X] - by Matthew Vines Clarity Unleashed Podcast w/Stacey and Angela [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2020-4-part-1-angela-rasberry-roberts/id1444641176?i=1000492627091] --- The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset! Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com [https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com/] Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez [https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez] Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed [https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed] Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share. Join our Facebook group: Here [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573352486934] Follow us on Instagram: Here [https://www.instagram.com/fresh_start_podcast/] Watch us on YouTube: Here [https://www.youtube.com/@FreshStartPodcast-h3i] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443402/support] This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org [https://godandmygirlfriendsministries.org/]

Ep 30 - "Love Your Neighbor "w/authors Katherine Douglass and Brittany Tausen

We all know the command to “love your neighbor,” but what does that actually look like in everyday life? This week, we’re joined by Katherine M. Douglass and Brittany M. Tausen, authors of the beautiful book Love Your Neighbor: How Psychology Can Enliven Faith and Transform Community. Their insights are thoughtful, inspiring, and so needed right now. We think you’re going to love this conversation! ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Katherine M. Douglass and Brittany M. Tausen are psychologists and writers whose work sits at the vital intersection of faith, mental health, and communal life. In Love Your Neighbor, they draw on psychological research, clinical insight, and lived experience to explore how love becomes most transformative when it is practiced with self-awareness, humility, and emotional honesty. Their work invites faith communities to move beyond abstract ideals of love and toward relational practices that foster healing, resilience, and genuine belonging. For more information about Katherine and Brittany and their book, their free discussion guide, and 40-day Love Your Neighbor Challenge, go here: https://www.lovingbetter.net/ [https://www.lovingbetter.net/] Find them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovingbetter2025/ [https://www.instagram.com/lovingbetter2025/] ------- The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset! Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com [https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com/] Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez [https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez] Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed [https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed] Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share. Join our Facebook group: Here [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573352486934] Follow us on Instagram: Here [https://www.instagram.com/fresh_start_podcast/] Watch us on YouTube: Here [https://www.youtube.com/@FreshStartPodcast-h3i] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443402/support] This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org [https://godandmygirlfriendsministries.org/]

Ep 29 - Changing the Narrative in Politics with special guest, Lauren Pinkston

Are you tired of the extreme narratives in politics these days? Then you will love our guest this week! We had a wonderful chat with Lauren Pinkston, who is running for Governor of Tennessee. I think you'll enjoy hearing her ideas about how to find some common ground in politics, whether you live in Tennessee or anywhere else in America. We hope you'll check out Lauren's website and social media to find out how to support her run for Governor. All the links are below! Lauren Pinkston for TN [https://pinkstonfortn.com/] Make a Gift [https://action.pinkstonfortn.com/donate] Volunteer with the Campaign [https://action.pinkstonfortn.com/volunteer] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/pinkstonfortn?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=kFHOY2KQQSSnn9kt&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1Zq15scbZR%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pinkstonfortn] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@pinkstonfortn] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pinkstonfortn] ------- The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset! Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com [https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com/] Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez [https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez] Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed [https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed] Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share. Join our Facebook group: Here [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573352486934] Follow us on Instagram: Here [https://www.instagram.com/fresh_start_podcast/] Watch us on YouTube: Here [https://www.youtube.com/@FreshStartPodcast-h3i] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443402/support] This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org [https://godandmygirlfriendsministries.org/]

Ep 28 - "Living Better with Lymphedema" w/guest Namaste Anderson

Have you heard of Lymphedema? You're not alone! We hadn't either. But Lymphedema effects an estimated 140 to 250 million people worldwide, with almost 10 million in the US alone. It's a chronic condition often caused by cancer treatments or parasitic infections and our guest today, not only lives with Lymphedema but has important information we all need to know about this condition. Join us for this super important episode! OUR GUEST: Namaste Anderson serves as Executive Director of Breast cancer Recovery in Action, bringing both lived experience and strategic leadership to the organization’s continued growth. As a co-founder of BRA and a breast cancer survivor, she is deeply committed to ensuring that no survivor navigates recovery alone. For more information about the upcoming Lymphedema event at Gilda's Club Nashville, go here: https://www.bragroups.org/living-better-with-lymphedema-2026 [https://www.bragroups.org/living-better-with-lymphedema-2026] For more information about Breast cancer Recovery in Action (BRA): https://www.bragroups.org/ [https://www.bragroups.org/] ---- The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset! Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com [https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com/] Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez [https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez] Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed [https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed] Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share. Join our Facebook group: Here [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573352486934] Follow us on Instagram: Here [https://www.instagram.com/fresh_start_podcast/] Watch us on YouTube: Here [https://www.youtube.com/@FreshStartPodcast-h3i] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443402/support] This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org [https://godandmygirlfriendsministries.org/]