The Church We Dream Of

The Church We Dream Of — Episode 1: Reimagining the Church Through Hurt, Grief, and HopeIn the premiere episode of The Church We Dream Of, host Kia Gutierrez—a licensed marriage and family therapist, wife, mom, and former missionary—invites listeners into an honest conversation about what it means to reimagine the church in the midst of pain and possibility.What started as a simple dinner invitation opened a deeper truth: many long for authentic Christian community, yet hesitate to gather with the church. From personal stories of church trauma to insights from her therapy practice, Kia explores how unprocessed grief can freeze not just individuals, but entire congregations.Through Scripture, reflection, and emotional honesty, Kia challenges listeners to look beyond cultural expectations and man-made traditions to rediscover God’s true design for His people. The church we dream of, she suggests, begins where performance ends—and restoration begins.Themes:Why many hesitate to gather with the churchHow grief and trauma affect communities of faithThe difference between performative healing and true restorationWhy lament and emotional honesty matterWhat Isaiah 61 reveals about God’s heart for His peopleListen if you’re longing for:Honest conversations about church hurt, spiritual renewal, and rediscovering Jesus’ vision for community.Follow Kia:Instagram → @healdeeplovewideSubstack → kiagutierrez.substack.comWebsite → www.kiagutierrez.com