Did I Fail as a Youth Pastor? Listening to a former youth deconstruct evangelicalism (Autumn Lindsey)

Send Jeromy a Message or VoicemailWhat happens when a former youth pastor sits down—not to defend his past—but to listen?In this episode of Slutty Grace, Jeromy Johnson reconnects with Autumn Lindsey, a former middle-school student from his youth ministry who has since deconstructed evangelical Christianity and now identifies as a None—someone no longer affiliated with organized religion. What unfolds is not an argument, a conversion attempt, or a tidy testimony, but an honest, compassionate conversation shaped by curiosity, accountability, and grace.Together, they explore what it was like to grow up in evangelical youth group culture, how inherited beliefs around fear, certainty, and belonging quietly formed—and fractured—faith, and what it means to step away without shame. Jeromy names the uncomfortable question many leaders avoid: Did I fail? Autumn responds with clarity, nuance, and generosity, offering insight into what helped, what harmed, and what healing looks like now.This episode centers faith deconstruction, not as rebellion or loss, but as a developmental and deeply human process. It examines power dynamics in youth ministry, the cost of certainty, and the quiet courage it takes to leave systems that no longer feel true. Most of all, it models what repair can look like when listening replaces defensiveness.If you’ve ever questioned your upbringing in church, wondered whether leaving evangelicalism means losing yourself—or asked hard questions about the impact of faith leadership—this conversation offers space to breathe. Support the show_______________________________________________________Grace doesn’t hold back. She breaks the rules, softens hearts, and loves without apology. The open, universal, unapologetic love of God. Together we’re building a braver, more honest space. Thanks for your support and for listening. Got a story, question, guest suggestions, or topic idea? Email me.  Please share if you believe this show and its message of grace is important in our time—keep it spreading!Be sure to follow on whichever podcast platform you use.  Slutty Grace Facebook GroupEpisode written, hosted, edited and produced by Jeromy Johnson.  Once grace is tamed, it ceases to be grace. Grace doesn’t hold back. She breaks the rules, softens hearts, and loves without apology. The open, universal, unapologetic love of God. Together we’re building a braver, more honest space. Thanks for your support and for listening. Got a story, question, guest suggestions, or topic idea? Email me.Please share if you believe this show and its message of grace is important in our time—keep it spreading!Be sure to follow on whichever podcast platform you use.Untamed Grace Facebook GroupEpisode partnered with QuoirCast, and written, hosted, edited and produced by Jeromy Johnson.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.