Why We Stayed Christian After Church Hurt

Why We Stayed Christian After Church Hurt

After everything the church did to us, why in the world would we stay? That is a question we get asked often. Why stay in ministry? Why stay Christian? Why remain connected to a church or denomination that caused real harm? In this episode of The Inclusive Faith Podcast, Kade and Greg talk honestly about calling, church hurt, fear, loss, hope, and the complicated reasons they did not walk away. Greg reflects on more than three decades of ministry, the cost of hiding his sexuality, the fear of losing his credentials, and the deep sense of calling that never went away. Kade shares what it was like to believe in the possibility of an inclusive church, only to experience rejection, threats, and the loss of a former career path. Together, they also talk about the good that still keeps them rooted: people being fed, families receiving care, LGBTQ people hearing that they are loved by God, and the deep belief that the way of Jesus is still worth following. This is not an episode about pretending the harm did not happen. It is about why harm did not get the final word. IN THIS EPISODE: * Why ministry is more than just a job * The cost of staying closeted * Why denominational change came far too late * What it meant to receive threats after coming out * Why local churches can still be places of healing * Why we still believe in the way of Jesus * What inclusive faith means to us Learn more, connect with us, and find resources at theinclusivefaith.com [http://theinclusivefaith.com]

Our Story: Love, Church Hurt, and Finding Our Way

Our Story: Love, Church Hurt, and Finding Our Way In episode two of Inclusive Faith Podcast, we share more of our story. How we met. How our relationship grew. And how the church made something beautiful feel complicated, painful, and harder than it ever needed to be. This conversation is personal, but it is not just about us. It is about what happens when people are forced to fight for their own dignity in spaces that should have offered love, safety, and belonging. It is also about healing, reclaiming your voice, and refusing to let other people define your story. For anyone who has been hurt by the church, questioned where they fit, or had to claw their way back to themselves, we hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone. Let’s talk about it. Learn more and connect: theinclusivefaith.com [http://theinclusivefaith.com] Subscribe for honest conversations about faith, identity, church hurt, LGBTQ+ inclusion, progressive Christianity, healing, and belonging.

Why We Started Inclusive Faith

Why We Started Inclusive Faith In the first episode of Inclusive Faith Podcast, Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal introduce the heart behind the podcast and why these conversations matter. After years of talking honestly about faith, identity, church hurt, inclusion, and what it means to belong, Kade and Greg are inviting others into the conversation. This episode shares why the podcast exists, who it is for, and what listeners can expect from Season 1. Whether you have been hurt by the church, are trying to hold onto faith, are questioning what you believe, or simply want a more honest and inclusive conversation about Christianity, this podcast is for you. Inclusive Faith is not about having all the answers. It is about making space for real conversations about faith, life, healing, and belonging. Let’s talk about it. Learn more and connect: theinclusivefaith.com [http://theinclusivefaith.com] Subscribe for honest conversations about faith, identity, church hurt, LGBTQ+ inclusion, progressive Christianity, healing, and belonging.

Trailer: The Inclusive Faith Podcast

Welcome to The Inclusive Faith Podcast. This is a space for honest conversations about faith, life, and everything in between. Hosted by Greg and Kade, a married gay couple shaped by years of lived experience in church and ministry, this podcast explores the questions many people carry but don’t always feel safe to ask out loud. If you’ve ever wrestled with belief, identity, or where you belong, you’re not alone. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.theinclusivefaith.com [www.theinclusivefaith.com] Launching soon!