Aaron Miller on The Gift of Being Weird: Faith in a Conforming World

What does it mean to live faithfully in a world that rewards conformity—and why might the Christian life feel “weird”? In this episode, Martha Tatarnic talks with Aaron Miller about what it looks like to follow Jesus in a way that resists cultural expectations and embraces a more intentional, embodied faith. Drawing from his ministry experience and writing, Aaron reframes “weird” not as something to avoid, but as a sign of living in alignment with the kingdom of God. The conversation explores how practices like prayer, Scripture, lament, and worship form disciples who can live with clarity and conviction in a complex world. Aaron also highlights the role of imagination in the Christian life—both as a response to cultural challenges and as a way to envision communities shaped by hope. They discuss the importance of formation over performance, the tension between cultural relevance and faithfulness, and how local churches can cultivate rhythms that sustain authentic discipleship. Together they explore: Why the Christian life can feel “weird”—and why that’s not a problem The role of spiritual practices in forming faithful disciples How imagination shapes both personal faith and church life The importance of lament, presence, and embodied faith What it looks like to live with intentionality in everyday life Rev Aaron Miller is the congregational minister at University Hill United Church, and the UCC campus minister at the University of British Columbia. He is the author of Witnesses of These Things: Faithfulness Here and Now, and Weird in the World: Living Towards the World God Wants. Aaron lives in Vancouver with his wife, Kate, and their teenaged sons.    Mentioned Resources: 🌐 Aaron's Website:  📖 Aaron's Book: Weird in the World 📖 Aaron's Book: Witnesses of These Things 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Andy Root 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Kara Root   Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurechristianpod/ 📱 Martha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martha_tatarnic/ 📱 Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondljr/ 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.  Martha's New Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History Available for Pre-order now!   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer   SEO / Keywords Aaron Miller, Martha Tatarnic, Christian discipleship, spiritual formation, living weird for Jesus, Christian practices, prayer and Scripture, lament and worship, imagination and faith, Sermon on the Mount, Psalm 34, practicing the way, church leadership formation, mainline church, authentic faith, embodied discipleship, Future Christian Podcast