Coming Out Christian - A LOVEboldly Podcast

Coming Out Christian | Season 3, Episode 5 | Guest: Rev. Benjamin PerryWhen's the last time you let yourself cry — and what did you do with it?Rev. Benjamin Perry is an ordained minister, award-winning writer, and the author of Cry, Baby: Why Our Tears Matter. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Slate, and Religion News Service, and he's been featured by the BBC, TIME, NPR, and 10 Percent Happier. Based in Maine, they serve on the board of OUTMaine, offer queer theology trainings in local congregations, and serve as Director of Communications at Garrett Seminary.In this episode, hosts Siobhan Boyd-Nelson and Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp sit down with Ben to explore what our tears have to tell us — about grief, masculinity, embodiment, and what it means to be fully human. They also dig into the church's complicated relationship with LGBTQIA+ people: where it falls short, where it gets it right, and what it might look like to truly celebrate queer lives rather than merely tolerate them.Tender, honest, and unexpectedly joyful — this one will stay with you.📚 Get the book: Cry, Baby🌐 Visit Ben's website: benjaminjperry.com📲 Follow Ben: @FaithfullyBP🎙️ Follow the podcast: @comingoutchristian_podcast🌈 Follow LOVEboldly: @loveboldly

Coming Out Christian | Season 3, Episode 4 Guest: David Hayward, The NakedPastorWhat do you do when the institution you've given your life to no longer has room for who you're becoming?David Hayward — known online as The NakedPastor — spent nearly 30 years in ministry before leaving the church in 2010 and stepping into a new kind of calling: using his work as a cartoonist, artist, and writer to challenge religious control and inspire authenticity, equality, and spiritual independence. As an LGBTQ+ ally, feminist, and progressive voice for people deconstructing faith, David has built a community of people reclaiming their own spiritual paths on their own terms.In this episode, hosts Siobhan Boyd-Nelson and Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp sit down with David to explore what it looks like to walk away from ministry after three decades — and what it means to find freedom on the other side. It's an honest, searching conversation about deconstruction, creativity, and what happens when you stop performing faith and start living it.🎨 Follow David: @nakedpastor🌐 Visit his website: nakedpastor.com🤝 Explore The Lasting Supper: thelastingsupper.com📲 Follow the podcast: @comingoutchristian_podcast🌈 Follow LOVEboldly: @loveboldly

Coming Out Christian | Season 1, Episode 1 (Re-Release) "A Coincidental Easter"One year ago, two hosts, a microphone, and a coincidence of calendars launched something none of us knew we needed.To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Coming Out Christian, we're re-releasing the episode that started it all. In this inaugural episode, hosts Siobhan Boyd-Nelson and Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp introduce themselves, the podcast, and what they hoped it might become — a space for LGBTQIA+ Christians and allies to share their stories, wrestle with their faith, and find community along the way.Oh, and it just so happened that when this episode first dropped, Western and Eastern Easter both fell on the same day — and Easter itself landed on April 20. A coincidence? Maybe. A sign? You decide.Whether you've been with us from the beginning or you're just finding us now, this is a wonderful place to start."Queerie of the Day: What is your favorite food that you associate with Easter?"🌐 Learn more about LOVEboldly: loveboldly.org📲 Follow LOVEboldly: @loveboldly (Instagram) | @2loveboldly (Facebook & TikTok)🎙️ Follow the podcast: @comingoutchristian_podcast🌐 Visit Ben's website: benhuelskamp.com📲 Follow Ben: @drbenhuelskamp📲 Follow Siobhan: @rhymeswithlesbian🎵 Music by Shay Nelson: @shaytheserialhobbyist

Coming Out Christian | Season 3, Episode 3 Guest: Rev. Charles Graves, IVThe church has made progress on LGBTQIA+ inclusion — but what happens when the conversation goes deeper than who's welcome at the table?Rev. Charles Graves, IV is the Fourteenth Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a seventh-generation Episcopalian, and a member of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church since 2019. He's also the creator of a denominational task force asking some of the most pressing questions in progressive Christianity today: How does the church understand and respond to household and relationship diversity — including polyamory? And how do we construct a sexual ethics that is both expansive and protective?In this episode, hosts Siobhan Boyd-Nelson and Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp sit down with Charles to explore his journey in The Episcopal Church and the LGBTQIA+ inclusion work he's championed along the way. They also dig into the harder, more nuanced conversation about how the church builds new frameworks for sexual ethics — ones that make room for the full complexity of human relationships without abandoning the guardrails that protect and heal.Thoughtful, prophetic, and ahead of the curve — this is the conversation the church is just beginning to have.⛪ Follow Christ Church Shaker: @christchurchshaker (Instagram)🌐 Visit the church website: cometochristchurch.org🎙️ Follow the podcast: @comingoutchristian_podcast (Instagram)🌈 Follow LOVEboldly: @loveboldly (Instagram and TikTok)

Coming Out Christian | Season 3, Episode 2 Guest: Rev. Tim KoblerWhat do tattoos, beekeeping, and campus ministry have in common? More than you might think — and the Rev. Tim Kobler is here to connect the dots.Tim is the Director of the Wesley Foundation at the University of Michigan, where he has served since 2018. With 33 years in full-time ministry and 24 years focused specifically on campus ministry, Tim brings a wealth of experience supporting young people as they navigate faith, identity, and community in higher education.In this episode, hosts Siobhan Boyd-Nelson and Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp sit down with Tim to explore what faith looks like on college campuses today — and the conversation goes places you might not expect. Tim shares about Sacred Ink, his traveling photo exhibition that explores the intersection of spirituality and tattoo art, inviting people to consider how we quite literally wear our sacred stories on our bodies. He also talks about his 26 years as a beekeeper and what tending hives has taught him about life and faith.This one is wide-ranging, warm, and full of surprises — a perfect listen for a long commute or a quiet afternoon.📲 Follow the podcast: @comingoutchristian_podcast 🌈 Follow LOVEboldly: @loveboldly 🐝 Follow Tim: @timkobler 🖼️ Explore Sacred Ink: sacredink.art

Season 3, Episode 1 Guest: Karen HewittWhat happens when a pastor's kid raised in the Pentecostal church begins to ask bigger questions about faith, identity, belonging, and what it means to truly be seen?Karen Hewitt is a catalyst for connection, belonging, and transformation, centering Black and queer wisdom in their work as a leadership developer, culture builder, community organizer, and multidisciplinary artist. They are the Founder of K Hewitt Consulting and The Culture of You, Co-Founder of The Ohio REST Collective, and an executive leader in the nonprofit space — and as it turns out, a comedian with a passion for performance.In this episode, hosts Siobhan Boyd-Nelson and Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp sit down with Karen to explore their journey from Pentecostal PK to someone who has expansively explored a range of spiritual practices. The conversation is rich, wide-ranging, and deeply human — touching on the power of storytelling, the wisdom found in unexpected places, and what it looks like to build communities where people genuinely feel safe, valued, and seen.Bring your whole self to this one. You won't regret it.You can find Karen on social media atInstagram - @thecultureofyouFacebook - K Hewitt ConsultingTikTok - @KarenMarie2121YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@cultureofyou8728Remember to like, follow, and checkout LOVEboldly and Coming Out Christian:Instagram - @comingoutchristian_podcast @loveboldlywww.loveboldly.org

Episode 9: His Eye is on the Sparrow with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-NelsonFrom a 1905 hymnal to a show-stopping Sister Act 2 moment, we explore how "His Eye is on the Sparrow" offers comfort across generations, including for those living with mental illness.Ben and Siobhan celebrate Civilla D. Martin and Charles H. Gabriel's beloved "His Eye is on the Sparrow," tracing its journey from turn-of-the-century hymnal to its iconic performance in "Sister Act 2." While we find much to love in this song of divine care and providence, we also explore how its message might resonate with people living with mental illness—considering both the comfort it can offer and the nuances of its reassurances. And after 120 years, how might we update this timeless hymn's message for the complexities of 21st-century faith and life?In this episode:The history of the hymn and its original contextHow "Sister Act 2" brought the song to a new generationThe theology of God's watchful care over creationHow the song might be received by people living with mental illnessImagining updates and adaptations for contemporary faith communitiesRuntime: ~55 minutesMusic by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Episode 8: Reckless Love with hosts the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-Nelson"Reckless Love" became a worship phenomenon—but when divine pursuit is painted in violent, relentless terms, what messages are young women in evangelical churches absorbing about love?Ben and Siobhan dive deep into Cory Asbury's "Reckless Love," exploring both the songwriter's complicated journey through the Christian music industry and the troubling implications of the song's imagery. Connected to Bethel Worship, this hit emerged from Asbury's rocky relationship with contemporary Christian music—but its depiction of God's love as overwhelming, chasing, and relentless raises critical questions. We examine how framing love in violent, pursuit-based terms might shape young people's understanding of healthy relationships, with particular concern for how young women versus young men in evangelical contexts might internalize these messages about what love should look like.In this episode:Cory Asbury's background and struggles with the Christian music industryThe Bethel Worship connection and the song's rise to popularityHow the song portrays divine love through imagery of pursuit and overwhelmThe gendered implications: what young women vs. young men might learn about loveCritiquing violent metaphors for love in worship music and evangelical cultureRuntime: ~85 minutes

Episode 7: On Eagle's Wings with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-NelsonFrom presidential speeches to Pavarotti's funeral—how did a Catholic seminarian's psalm setting become one of Christianity's most beloved hymns? And what happens when we shift from "you" to "we"?Ben and Siobhan soar into Fr. Michael Joncas' "On Eagle's Wings," exploring why this psalm-based hymn has captured hearts across Catholic and Protestant traditions alike. Quoted by President Joe Biden, performed at Luciano Pavarotti's funeral, and beloved by Ben's mom, this song has achieved rare cross-denominational and cultural reach. We appreciate the meaningful imagery drawn directly from the Psalms, but also wonder: what shifts when comfort moves from individual ("you") to communal ("we")? How might changing the pronouns transform our understanding of God's care and our responsibility to one another?In this episode:The hymn's origins and Fr. Michael Joncas' inspirationHow "On Eagle's Wings" crossed from Catholic to Protestant worshipIts cultural impact: presidential speeches, famous funerals, and personal connectionsThe powerful psalm imagery and what makes it resonateReimagining the song in first person plural: from "you" to "we"Runtime: ~55 minutesMusic by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Episode 6: Oh Happy Day with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-NelsonTwo centuries, two continents, two radically different visions of joy—how did an 18th-century British non-conformist hymn become a 1969 gospel-pop crossover hit?Ben and Siobhan explore the remarkable transformation of "Oh Happy Day" across time, culture, and genre. We trace the song from Philip Doodridge's 18th-century British non-conformist hymn to Edwin Hawkins' groundbreaking 1969 arrangement that bridged gospel and pop music. How did the different settings, identities, and experiences of these composers shape both the lyrics and the music? What does it mean when a song of faith crosses from white British dissent to Black American gospel and what gets preserved, transformed, or lost in translation?In this episode:Philip Doodridge's original 18th-century hymn and non-conformist contextEdwin Hawkins' 1969 arrangement and its gospel-to-pop crossover successHow the composers' different identities and settings reshaped the songThe lyrical and musical transformations across two centuriesWhat happens when hymns cross cultural, racial, and genre boundariesRuntime: ~65 minutes

Episode 5: "See a Victory" with hosts the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-NelsonA platinum-certified megachurch anthem promises victory over suffering, but what theology of pain lurks beneath the repetition? We examine Elevation Worship's Billboard hit and ask: does God ordain our struggles?Ben and Siobhan take on "See a Victory" by Elevation Worship, unpacking both the song's massive commercial success and the theological questions it raises. Born from one of America's largest and wealthiest megachurches, this platinum-certified hit climbed to #5 on Billboard's Christian charts, but what is it teaching us about suffering, victory, and God's role in our pain? We explore the power of repetition in Pentecostal worship traditions and critique the dangerous idea that God wants or ordains human suffering. Can we claim hope for emergence from struggle without attributing our pain to divine design?In this episode:The Elevation Church and Elevation Worship phenomenon: size, wealth, and influenceThe song's commercial success and cultural penetrationHow believers understand victory, struggle, and suffering through this songThe role of repetition in Christian worship, especially Pentecostal traditionsCritiquing theologies that suggest God ordains or desires human sufferingRuntime: ~65 minutesMusic by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Episode 4: Onward Christian Soldiers with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-NelsonFrom a Pentecost children's march to a Salvation Army battle cry, how did "Onward Christian Soldiers" become synonymous with militant Christianity? And can new lyrics redeem this controversial hymn?Ben and Siobhan march into the complicated history of Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould's "Onward Christian Soldiers," tracing its journey from a simple processional for children to a global anthem of Christian militarism. We deconstruct the problematic warfare imagery that has made many progressive Christians abandon the hymn entirely, then explore two sets of modern alternative lyrics that reimagine what it means to move forward in faith. In a surprising turn, both hosts discover new appreciation for a hymn they thought they'd left behind, proof that even our most martial songs can be transformed.In this episode:The original context: a Pentecost march for Baring-Gould's congregationHow the Salvation Army popularized the hymn and shaped its militaristic associationsDeconstructing the warfare language and its impact on Christian witnessTwo modern lyrical alternatives that reimagine the hymn's messageWhy both hosts found unexpected value in this controversial hymn after allRuntime: ~75 minutesMusic by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Episode 3: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-NelsonCan a meditation on grace transcend its source? We wade into the deep waters of Hillsong's global phenomenon "Oceans," exploring how a song from a controversial megachurch became a modern worship staple.Ben and Siobhan navigate the complexities of "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United, examining both the song's meditative power and the troubling controversies surrounding Hillsong Church's global congregations. We discuss how the song invites listeners into contemplative space, speaking of grace found in every place—even uncertainty and fear. Like "Amazing Grace" before it, we wrestle with the central question: can we separate a song from its source? Does knowing a hymn's origin change how we experience its invitation to trust?In this episode:The history of Hillsong Church, Hillsong United, and global controversiesThe meditative quality of "Oceans" and its contemplative invitationHow the song explores finding grace in every place and circumstanceWrestling with beloved worship songs from problematic sourcesWhether a song's value can exist independently of its origin storyRuntime: ~60 minutesMusic by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Episode 2: Awesome God with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-NelsonRich Mullins called it one of his "worst written songs," so why did "Awesome God" become a 90s youth group anthem that still resonates today? We explore the complicated legacy of contemporary Christian music's most unlikely hit.Episode Description: Ben and Siobhan get nostalgic about the contemporary Christian music of the 1990s and early 2000s, centering on Rich Mullins' ubiquitous "Awesome God." We explore Mullins' Quaker background, his own ambivalence about the song's popularity, and what drew millions to sing about God's power despite the songwriter's personal critique. How do the vivid, sometimes violent biblical images in the lyrics shape our understanding of the Divine? And what does it mean when a song's impact far exceeds its creator's intentions?In this episode:Memories and experiences from the CCM era of the 90s and 2000sRich Mullins' Quaker roots and unconventional faith journeyWhy Mullins considered this his "worst written song"—and why people loved it anywayWrestling with the biblical imagery and theological themes in the lyricsHow imperfect art can still create meaningful spiritual experiencesRuntime: ~60 minutesMusic by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Episode 1: Amazing Grace with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-NelsonOne of Christianity's most beloved hymns was written by a slave trader, but the story is far more complex than redemption folklore suggests. Join us as we unpack the troubling history, theological tensions, and enduring power of "Amazing Grace."Episode Description: In our inaugural episode, Ben and Siobhan dive deep into Rev. John Newton's "Amazing Grace," exploring the complicated legacy of a hymn born from the slave trade. We trace Newton's journey from slave ship captain to abolitionist minister, examine his stages of conversion, and wrestle with problematic lyrics like "a wretch like me." Can we hold both the beauty and the harm this hymn carries? What does it mean to sing songs of grace written by those complicit in unspeakable violence?In this episode:The historical context of Newton's life as a slave trader and sailing captainNewton's gradual conversion and eventual work as a ministerThe theology of wretchedness and what it teaches us about human worthHow "Amazing Grace" has been reclaimed and reimagined across communitiesWrestling with beloved hymns that carry troubling historiesRuntime: ~60 minutesMusic by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Season 2, Episode 16 - "My Savage(-ish) Year." For the last two episodes of Season 2, Siobhan and Ben take turns interviewing each other as "special guests." In this episode, Ben discusses his background in the Roman Catholic church and his journey to ministry, ordained and otherwise, in advocacy and pastoral settings. The LOVEboldly Devotion for 2026 is available now at https://www.loveboldly.net/devotional.Enjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Remember to make your end-of-the-year gifts to LOVEboldly before December 31. Seeing this in 2026 or beyond? You can still support LOVEboldly by visiting www.loveboldly.net/donate.

Season 2, Episode 16 - "My Savage(-ish) Year." For the last two episodes of Season 2, Siobhan and Ben take turns interviewing each other as "special guests." In this episode, Siobhan discusses her faith, her call to ministry, the anchor points in her life, and some of her beliefs which might surprise you.The LOVEboldly Devotion for 2026 is available now at https://www.loveboldly.net/devotional.Enjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Remember to make your end-of-the-year gifts to LOVEboldly before December 31. Seeing this in 2026 or beyond? You can still support LOVEboldly by visiting www.loveboldly.net/donate.

Season 2, Episode 15 - "I'm Affirming Because of the Bible" On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome the Rev. Brian Steele, LOVEboldly Board Member, Fellow Program alum, and the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Farmington (Farmington, MI).Enjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Then donate to LOVEboldly at www.loveboldly.net/donate.

Season 2, Episode 14 - "We All Need to Join the Dance." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome the Rev. Dr. Marian Stewart, one of the founders of and activists behind Springfield Neighbors United.You can learn more about Rev. Dr. Marian's work with Springfield Neighbors United by contacting [email protected]. Enjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Then donate to LOVEboldly at www.loveboldly.net/donate.

Season 2, Episode 13 - "Google Search: What are Liberal Christians?" On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome Kevin Marsh, MDiv, Director of Youth Ministry at Westerville Community United Church of Christ (WCUCC) in Westerville, OH.You can find Kevin on Instagram @kevin_g_s_marshEnjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Then donate to LOVEboldly at www.loveboldly.net/donate.

Season 2, Episode 12 - "Deconstruction" On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome the Rev. Dr. Mashaun D. Simon, the author of Faith Deconstruction For Dummies, Board Chair of HOME Outreach, Inc., and the former pastor of House of Mercy Everlasting (HOME).You can find Mashaun online at https://mashaundsimon.com/ and on social media:Instagram - @mashaundsimonFacebook - Mashaun D SimonEnjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Then donate to LOVEboldly at www.loveboldly.net/donate.

Season 2, Episode 11 - "If It's Not About Love, It's Not About God." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome the Rev. Iva Joyce-Miesse, Associate Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus, OH, and a LOVEboldly board member.You can learn more about The Episcopal Church by clicking here.Enjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Then donate to LOVEboldly at www.loveboldly.net/donate.Note - The title of this episode is taken from a quote by the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, former Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.

Season 2, Episode 10 - "A Catholic and a Pentecostal Walk into Church." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome Maritza "Shay" Nelson, the founder and managing partner of MSN Law Group and a church musician.You can find Shay on Instagram at @shaytheserialhobbyist.Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.netWant to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

Season 2, Episode 9 - "Praying in a Thunderstorm." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome the Rev. Melinda Garza Moran, the Associate Pastor for Care and Community Outreach at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cincinnati, OH, and an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).For more information about LOVEboldly's Parents and Family group in Cincinnati click here. For all LOVEboldly's events click here and view our community calendar here.Find out more about the Lunch Bunch by clicking here or contact [email protected] "Coming Out Christian?" Then donate to LOVEboldly at www.loveboldly.net/donate.

Season 2, Episode 8 - "A Great Growing Experience." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome Bishop Alex D. Byrd, Episcopal Assistant to the Presiding Prelate of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM) and Executive Co-Pastor of Living Faith Covenant Church in Dallas, TX.Interested in joining TFAM? Click here: www.radicallyinclusive.org/join-us.You can find Bishop Byrd on social media:Facebook: BishopAlexDByrdInstagram: @RevADByrdYouTube: @vocalgraceWant to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

Season 2, Episode 7 - "One Word for the South - Queer." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome the Rev. Cn. Ryan Currie, Canon for Common Mission in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.Ryan neither maintains a website or uses social media (something Ben wishes he could do/not do, but will never achieve), but encourages listeners to check out the diocese's social media:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dioceseofscInstagram - @dioceseofscYou can contact Ryan at [email protected] to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

Season 2, Episode 6 - "We Need More Pastors." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome Pastor Lesley Jones, Founder and Senior Pastor of Truth & Destiny Covenant Fellowship Ministries UCC in Cincinnati, OH.You can find Pastor Lesley's congregation on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/truthdestinychurch.org.Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.netWant to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

Season 2, Episode 5 - "Jesus and Your Genitals." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome Jon Carl Lewis, a spiritual director and author who serves as the Interim Executive Director of Jonathan's Circle.You can find Jon Carl on his website and on social media:Blue Sky - @joncarllewisSubStack - Ramblings (of a Queer, Christian Contemplative)Learn more about the Wild Goose Festival and the Q Christian Conference, both of which Jon Carl mentioned, by clicking on the respective link.Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

Season 2, Episode 4 - "A Season of Origins" with Dr. Kate Common. On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome theologian, scholar, professor, and author, Dr. Kate Common, to the podcast for a conversation on practical theology, feminist and Queer understandings of the Bible, design thinking in theological education, and more.You can learn more about Dr. Kate at www.katecommon.com. You can find them on Instagram at @kate_common.Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

Season 2, Episode 3 - "I Don't Have to Debate. I Know." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome Bishop Vanessa M. Brown, Northeast Regional Bishop for The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM) and Senior Pastor of Rivers of Living Water NY/NJ (UCC).You can find Bishop Vanessa on social media at:IG - @revnessaFB - Vanessa M BrownTikTok - @revnessaBlue Sky - @bishopnessa.bsky.socialThreads - revnessaLinkedIn - Vanessa BrownSpill - @bishopnessaWant to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

Season 2, Episode 2 - "We Just Loved Everybody." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome Cass Helm (she/her), a LOVEboldly Board Member and the Director of Administrative Services at Stonewall Columbus in Columbus, OH.You can find Cass on Instagram as @casseylu6978.Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

Season 2, Episode 1 - "Faithful, Yet Fearful, Anointed, Yet Ashamed." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome the Rev. Dr. Charles L. A. Watterson, who currently serves as the Administrator for the Midwest Region of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM), Associate Pastor of Rivers of Living Water Ministries UCC, as a Chaplain for OhioHealth, and an Authorized Minister of the United Church of Christ.You can find the Rev. Dr. Charles on Instagram as @thedrcharleslawatterson.Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

Season 1, Episode 13 - "Bringing Our Whole Self." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome José Rosario, founder of The Phoenix Empowered and a doctoral candidate at Clark University for a discussion on mental health, faith, and the LGBTQIA+ community.You can find The Phoenix Empowered online at www.thephoenixempowered.org on on social media @thephoenixempowered across platforms.Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 12 - Refrigerator Rights" with the Rev. Dr. Joelle Henneman. Today Siobhan and Ben are joined by Rev. Dr. Joelle for a conversation being Queer, Trans, and Christian as well as building communities and doing life together with people diverse backgrounds. When are you in community with someone to the point that you have refrigerator rights in their home?You can find Rev. Dr. Joelle on social media, her website, and her SubStack at the links below.Instagram - @TransPreacherFacebook -Blue SkyWebsite - www.transpreacher.comSubStack - www.transpreacher.substack.comWant to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 11 - The Communities We Build" - Today Siobhan and Ben welcome noted author, pastor, and public theologian, the Rev. Brandan Robertson, Their conversation focuses largely on the communities we create and the communities which support and uphold us.You can learn more about Brandan at https://www.brandanrobertson.com/ and on social media at @brandanrobertson.Queerie of the Day - "Is there a Queer character or Queer representation on TV that you particularly resonate with?"Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 10 - We've Got the Choir Members and the Preachers" - Today Siobhan and Ben welcome Bishop Tim Wolfe, the Midwest Regional Bishop for The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM). In their wide ranging discussion of ministry, music, and social justice, Bishop Tim talks about coming out to Pentecostal clergy parents deeply engaged in social justice work and find affirmation among multicultural and Black congregations and the Gospel music for which they're known.You can learn more about TFAM at www.radiciallyinclusive.org.Queerie of the Day - "What piece of the Black church experience and Gospel music have you held on to?"Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 9 - Evangelical Refugees" - Today Siobhan and Ben welcome Pastor Hank Osmundson, a former Southern Baptist and Evangelical who is now a progressive and openly LGBTQIA+ pastor.You can find Pastor Hank on social media as swearbear1974 and you can check out his congregation, St. John's UCC, at https://www.stjohnschurchcolumbus.org/.Queerie of the Day - "Is there a word or phrase from your earlier church life which you've reclaimed?"Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 8 - Carrying the Weight of Coming Out" - Today Siobhan and Ben welcome Becca*, an activist, ally, advocate, and the mother of a Transgender daughter for a conversation about navigating a child's coming out as a parent.Becca mentions Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke (Available from Bookshop.org at https://bookshop.org/a/83357/9780664267865).Queerie of the Day - "What is one of your initial or best memories of allyship?"*For the privacy and safety of Becca and her family, we are not using Becca's real name or other identifiable information.Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 7 - Happy Pride" - Today on "Coming Out Christian," Siobhan and Ben welcome Br. Ian Boden, OLF, a recent graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary and a life professed sibling of the Order of Lutheran Franciscans.You can find Br. Ian on Instagram at @ian.boden1 and learn more about the organizations he mentioned at the links below:The Order of Lutheran Franciscans - https://www.lutheranfranciscans.orgTrinity Lutheran Seminary - https://www.trinity.capital.eduThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) - https://www.elca.orgDuring Br. Ian's "Moment in Queer Christian History" he told us about St. Aelred of Rievaulx.Queerie of the Day - “When did you know you needed to be out and could be out?"Music written and produced by Shay Nelson (@shaytheserialhobbyist).Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.netWant to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 6 - Coming Out as a Black Queer Christian" discusses the experiences of Black Queer Christians from the perspective of Mark Wesley (he/they) who has been involved with the church in a variety of capacities throughout his life. Mark discusses how he's always felt apart of the church and felt the church in him.Queerie of the Day - What food do you have to have for a cookout/BBQ to be a cookout?You can find out more about LOVEboldly at www.loveboldly.net and on social mediaFacebook and TikTok - @2loveboldlyInstagram - @loveboldlyYou can find Mark on Instagram at @fullheartmachine and on Bluesky at @heartplus.bsky.socialMusic written and produced by Shay Nelson (@shaytheserialhobbyist).Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 5 - It's All Real" - Today on "Coming Out Christian," Siobhan and Ben welcome Mx. Z Boyer (she/they), the Director of Community Programs at Stonewall Columbus. As a representative of Stonewall, Z currently co-chairs the Short North Alliance Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access (I.D.E.A.) Council, serves on COSI’s Center of Societal Inclusion (C.O.S.I.), and serves on Columbus Public Health’s LGBTQ+ Health Coalition.You can find Z on Instagram at @reyob.z and learn more about Stonewall Columbus and Columbus Pride:Stonewall Columbus - https://stonewallcolumbus.orgColumbus Pride - https://stonewallcolumbus.org/prideDuring Ben's "Moment in Queer Christian History" he discussed the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network (LRAN) which you can find at https://lgbtqreligiousarchives.orgQueerie of the Day - “What were you not allowed to read/watch/hear because of your religious upbringing?"Music written and produced by Shay Nelson (@shaytheserialhobbyist).Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 4 - Beautiful Creations" - Today on "Coming Out Christian," Siobhan and Ben welcome NV Gay for a conversation about God's beautiful creation and creations through the media of art, photography, and knowing the diverse experiences of LGBTQIA+ people of faith.You can find NV online and on social media at @nv.gay & @mx.gay_photography, Website: www.mxgay.orgThe Shower of Stoles Project - https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/exhibits/show/shower-of-stoles/homeQueerie of the Day - “Who would you want to photograph or spend an hour with?”Music written and produced by Shay Nelson (@shaytheserialhobbyist).Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 3 - Transformation" - Today on "Coming Out Christian," Siobhan and Ben welcome Erin Upchurch to discuss transformation in and beyond the church.Here is the link to the organization Erin mentioned:The Ohio REST Collective - https://www.theohiorestcollective.com/Queerie of the Day - “What was one of your first transformative moments in your faith?”Music written and produced by Shay Nelson (@shaytheserialhobbyist).Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 2 - We Persist" - Today on "Coming Out Christian," Siobhan and Ben welcome Raphael Davis-Williams for a conversation on persisting and fighting for one's faith. Raphael, Director of Equity, People, Inclusion, and Culture for ACLU Ohio, is a dedicated community leader and advocate in Columbus, OH, and beyond.You can find Raphael on social media - @RaphDDub (Facebook and Instagram). Here are links to the organizations he mentioned:Kaleidoscope Youth Center - https://www.kycohio.orgBlack, Out, and Proud - https://www.blackoutandproud.comQueerie of the Day - "What is one aspect of your childhood or early faith that persists today?"Music written and produced by Shay Nelson (@shaytheserialhobbyist).Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

"Season 1, Episode 1 - A Coincidental Easter" introduces the podcast, its regular segments, and the hosts. As we launch this new project, both Western and Eastern Easter fall on the same day, and Easter itself falls on April 20.Queerie of the Day - What is your favorite food that you associate with Easter?You can find out more about LOVEboldly at www.loveboldly.net and on social mediaFacebook and TikTok - @2loveboldlyInstagram - @loveboldlyYou can find Ben on his personal page - www.benhuelskamp.com and on Instagram at @drbenhuelskamp.You can find Siobhan on Instagram at @rhymeswithlesbian.Music written and produced by Shay Nelson (@shaytheserialhobbyist).Want to learn more about LOVEboldly? Visit www.loveboldly.net Want to see more episodes of "Coming Out Christians" and other resources like this? Donate to LOVEboldly today at www.loveboldly.net/donate

Get excited! Coming Out Christian drops on Sunday, April 20, 2025!

Get ready for a new podcast coming soon from LOVEboldly!Music written and produced by Shay Nelson (@shaytheserialhobbyist).