The Beautiful Kingdom Builders Podcast

Welcome to The Beautiful Kingdom Builders podcast, your place for redemptive conversations about gender, justice, abuse and healing in the Christian faith. This episode features Dr. Bethany Hunter, Executive Director of HerMission, discussing women's and the church's empowerment in mission work. We explore how equipping the church is essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable Christian community, and that missions begins with meeting the physical needs of our neighbors before we approach their spiritual needs. Dr. Hunter shares her personal journey from the education world to ministry life, and balancing it all as a mom of three. Enjoy and thank you for listening to TBKB podcast!Visit HerMission at onhermission.org and find our episode notes and transcript on thebeautifulkingdombuilders.comBe sure to subscribe so you never miss another episode! God bless!

Welcome to The Beautiful Kingdom Builders Podcast, your place for redemptive conversations about gender, justice, abuse, and healing in the Christian faith. In this insightful discussion, Rev. Ruth Perry and guest Jenna Dunn from Ezer Bible explore seven Scripture passages that show complementarianism is wrong. God does not require male authority in the Church and home! Visit ezerbible.com and find Ezer Bible on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Find our show notes and transcript at thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com

Welcome to The Beautiful Kingdom Builders Podcast! In this episode, Rev. Ruth Perry hosts satirical religious writer Becky Garrison to discuss her book, "Gaslighting for God." The conversation explores narcissism within Christianity, offering insights into spiritual abuse, how to identify it and promoting spiritual growth through satirical commentary. This conversation highlights critical reflections on faith and personal well-being.For show notes and transcript, visit The Beautiful Kingdom Builders website.Buy Gaslighting for God here. Find Becky Garrison on Substack.

From s1e19 of The Beautiful Kingdom Builders podcast, with my guest Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, Bishop of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. In this episode, we discussed Bishop Sue's background, spiritual practices, and experiences as a woman in ministry. And we focused on the topic of leading through conflict, as the UMC went through a season of disaffiliation and ultimately removed exclusionary language from the Book of Discipline at the 2024 General Conference, thereby fully including LGBTQ people in the denomination. The 2024 and 2025 Virginia Annual Conferences were a powerful lesson in leading through disagreement and conflict. To see the Journey in Understanding report, visit: vaumc.org/journey/For show notes, visit thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com/tbkb-pod/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of Disaffiliation02:02 Bishop Sue's Faith Journey and Early Experiences08:11 The Role of Law and Justice in Ministry10:43 Motherhood's Impact on Ministry12:54 Spiritual Practices and Sustaining Faith14:06 Distinctives of Wesleyan Theology17:42 Understanding Connection Over Hierarchy20:38 Creating Community and Connection in Ministry22:05 The Call to Ministry: Laity and Clergy as Partners25:07 Navigating Disaffiliation: A United Methodist Perspective31:30 Understanding LGBTQ Inclusion in the Church40:23 Hope for the Future: The Next Generation of the Church

Welcome to The Beautiful Kingdom Builders Podcast, a dedicated space for redemptive conversations about gender, justice, abuse, and healing within the Christian faith. In this episode, host Rev. Ruth Perry is joined by her VAUMC candidacy mentor, Rev. Dr. Margaret Kutz, to discuss her writing about clergywomen overcoming barriers to ministry in the Virginia Methodist Church, from her own story to the heroines of her book, "Nevertheless, She Preached," Rev. Lillian Russell and Rev. Mildred Long.See show notes at www.thebeautifulkingdombuilders.comVisit Marg's website: www.neverthelessshepreached.netRead Marg's book, Nevertheless, She Preached

In this insightful interview, Jenai Auman discusses her book 'Othered: Finding belonging with the God who pursues the hurt, harmed, and marginalized.' She shares her personal journey as the daughter of an immigrant and surviving an abusive pastor as a church staff person. She explores the impact of trauma, and offers a trauma-informed perspective on healing, belonging, and systemic change within faith communities. This is a powerful resource for the hurting as well as those who are hoping to prevent and mitigate the effects of harm in their own church communities.Purchase Jenai's book here and visit The Beautiful Kingdom Builders for episode notes and the transcript.Key topics: #churchharm #traumainformed #belonging #systemicchange #faith #healing #marginalization #churchsystems #spiritualabuse #deconstruction

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Reverend Dr. Lisa Corry as she shares her journey through faith, ministry, and personal growth. Discover insights on spiritual development, leadership, and the importance of grace-filled mentorship. Lisa mentored myself and my brother Matthew McNutt when we were students at Gordon College, and we had the best time reconnecting and reminiscing with Lisa about those pivotal years. Find the show notes and transcript on www.thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com/tbkb-pod/ #faith #ministry #spiritualgrowth #leadership #mentorship #EpiscopalChurch #collegeministry #grace #mentalhealth #spiritualpractices

In this episode, my friend Tracy Downing shares her profoundly painful journey through narcissistic abuse in her marriage and divorce with Progressive Christian writer and speaker, Benjamin L. Corey. Post-separation litigation and parental alienation have been especially devastating for Tracy. I believe sharing stories like Tracy's is very important, because abuse is rampant in patriarchal churches and families, and awareness of what abuse looks like is low. The conditioning of her high-control religious upbringing contributed to Tracy being in an abusive relationship, and even in Progressive contexts, it is common for survivors to be dismissed. If you relate to Tracy's story, please visit thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com for this episode's show notes that give resources for abuse victims.#narcissist #narcissism #narcissisticabuse #progressive #christianity #christianpodcast #abuse #abusesurvivors #spiritualabuse #churchtoo #adoption #parentalalienation #postseparationabuse #control #coercivecontrol

In this conversation, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Wendy McCaig. Wendy is the founder and Executive Director of Embrace Communities, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods through community development. Wendy shares her story, from her infertility bargain with God to her path to ministry, and her unique experiences in ministry as a community developer. She describes the transformative power of building relationships in community work and emphasizes the need for churches to empower communities, release and support dreamers, and recognize hidden assets, as those closest to the problems are also closest to the solutions. Wendy also highlights the significance of spiritual disciplines in sustaining long-term commitment to justice and reconciliation work. You can find show notes, the transcript, and links to Wendy's books and writings on ⁠thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com/tbkb-pod/ ⁠#christianpodcast #podcast #christianity #abcd #community #communitydevelopment #wendymccaig #holylistening #holyspirit #transformation #ministry #unconventionalministry #missionalchurch

In this conversation, Dr. Anthony Neely discusses his excellent, timely book: Scales Off: Finding Jesus Beyond the Noise of Politics and Coercive Religion. Dr. Neely shares his journey of faith, exploring the impact of coercive religion and Christian nationalism on personal beliefs. He discusses the emotional experiences of recognition and reorientation, emphasizing the importance of re-centering on Christ and fostering healthy relationships. Neely highlights the significance of vulnerability, grace, and the influence of figures like Rich Mullins and Brennan Manning in finding hope and wholeness amidst spiritual struggles.Find show notes and the transcript at www.thebeautifulkingdombuilders.comFind more about Dr. Neely's book at www.scalesoffbook.com

My guest this week is my friend and former pastor, Lisa Wells! In this beautiful and vulnerable conversation, we explored Lisa's journey through ministry, the challenges she faced, and her growth as a leader. We discussed the impact of complementarianism in her life, the importance of community, and the healing that comes from navigating difficult experiences. It was a painful season that led Lisa to coaching herself and she has a passion for serving women now in their healing journeys. Stay to the end to hear what Lisa has recently learned in her doctorate program about the unique stressors of pastors' wives and women in ministry. If you're in that boat and struggling, it is no wonder. Lisa is a very gifted and wise coach (I can personally attest to this as a recipient of her holy listening and prodding). You can request a free call with Lisa to explore coaching for yourself on her website: lisawellscoaching.com And read our show notes and transcript at thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com

In a world where faith often faces unprecedented challenges, Kathy Escobar's book "Faith Shift" offers a lifeline to those navigating their spiritual journeys. In this podcast conversation with Ruth Perry, Escobar shares her insights on faith evolution, personal experiences, and the importance of finding community support during times of spiritual uncertainty.You can find the show notes and transcript at TheBeautifulKingdomBuilders.com/tbkb-pod/And be sure to visit KathyEscobar.com and learn more about her work there!

I was joined by Reverend Carlos Malavé for this important conversation about immigration enforcement and mass deportation, and what the realities of these are for our Latino neighbors. This conversation explores the intersection of immigration and spirituality, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding towards immigrants. Rev. Malavé shares personal stories and insights on the contributions of immigrants in the church and U.S., the impact of current immigration policies, and the church's responsibility to advocate for justice and mercy. The discussion highlights the psychological trauma faced by immigrant communities and calls for prayer and action to support those affected by immigration enforcement.Rev. Malavé is the founder and President of The Latino Christian National Network, advocating for immigration reform and humane immigration policies. You can find resources and more information about his organization's work at LCNN.org. You can find Rev. Malave on Facebook and Instagram, and read our show notes and transcript at TheBeautifulKingdomBuilders.com

In this conversation, Bob Edwards explains the processes of socialization, discussing how societal norms are internalized and how they shape our perception of the world. This impacts our faith as we bring cultural biases to our Bible reading, especially in regards to gender. As GI Joe famously said, "Knowing is half the battle." Once we understand how powerful conditioning is, we can begin to explore ways we have been formed ourselves through cultural modeling, instruction, and reinforcement. Bob Edwards has a longer teaching on this subject on YouTube in a video titled, The Origins of Male Authority in the Church. Show notes and the transcript for this episode are on The Beautiful Kingdom Builders Podcast website.Help us grow! Please Subscribe, Rate, Review, or share with a friend! God bless.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt discusses her insights on Mary Magdalene from her book, The Mary We Forgot. Dr. McNutt describes her own faith journey leading her to the dual ministry of Church historian and minister, and then delves into the historical mischaracterization of Mary Magdalene, and what "the apostle to the apostles" can teach us today. Dr. McNutt and her husband, Rev. Dr. David McNutt, have a ministry called McNuttshell Ministries, a teaching, preaching, and writing ministry that serves both the church and the academy by sharing the Christian faith “in a nutshell.” You can find Dr. McNutt on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Substack, and more! Find today's episode notes and transcript on The Beautiful Kingdom Builders blog.

In this episode of the Beautiful Kingdom Builders podcast, Rev. Ruth Perry interviews Marg Mowczko, a prominent voice in the conversation about women in ministry and biblical interpretation. They discuss Marg's faith journey, the complexities of understanding scripture, and the impact of patriarchy on faith. Marg shares insights on key biblical passages from the Apostle Paul on men and women, emphasizing the importance of context and the need for a more egalitarian approach to ministry. The conversation highlights the transformative power of faith and the necessity of using one's gifts to serve and uplift others.Visit www.margmowczko.com to explore Marg's fantastic articles, and www.thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com for show notes and the transcript.

In this conversation, Ruth Perry and her brother Matthew McNutt discuss their experiences as missionary kids in a boarding school in South America, focusing on the rampant abuse that occurred and the institutional failures to protect vulnerable children. They explore the long-lasting effects of these experiences, the importance of believing victims, and the need for accountability within church organizations. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by survivors and the necessity for change in how abuse is addressed in religious contexts.Visit thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com for show notes and transcript. And visit matthewmcnutt.com to find more detailed information about Matthew's experiences at Tambo in Bolivia, and his work on a recommendations panel during IHART's investigation into abuses in New Tribes Missions (now Ethnos360).

My guest this week is my former seminary professor, Dr. Roy Ciampa, whose transformative class, Ephesians in Depth, has stayed with me over the years as my faith has grown and changed. In this conversation, we discuss the theological implications of Paul's writings, the cultural context of the Greco-Roman world, and the significance of mutual submission in relationships. Dr. Ciampa shares insights from his academic background and teaching experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding scripture in its historical context. The dialogue highlights the beauty of God's love and grace, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own faith journeys and the role of women in ministry. Visit thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com for show notes and links to Dr. Ciampa's work. His document on ancient marriage can be found here.

Audio Episode published December 31, 2025.In this conversation, Scott Harris shares his journey of faith, discussing his upbringing in a mainline Protestant church, his college experiences, and his perspective on the challenges faced by the church today after 42 years in parachurch ministry. He emphasizes the importance of following Jesus and articulating the gospel in a way that resonates with contemporary issues. The discussion also touches on the need for the church to adapt and address the concerns of those leaving it, while promoting a message of love for God and neighbor.

Audio Episode was posted December 24, 2025.In this episode, Jenna Dunn, writer and theologian at Ezer Bible, describes her personal journey out of complementarian theology and the toll that patriarchal bible interpretation and church culture took on her faith and marriage.Check out ⁠ezerbible.com⁠ and find Ezer Bible on your favorite social media sites: ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠and more!Visit ⁠The Beautiful Kingdom Builders⁠ website for the transcript and episode notes.

Audio Episode published December 17, 2025.In this conversation, Amber Braddy Jones shares her experiences growing up in evangelical Christianity, from the impact of purity culture to the challenges faced due to complementarian beliefs. She discusses her journey of leaving the church and to healing, and the need for empathy and understanding within faith communities. Find Amber's book Sacred on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4q52EUG #ad #tbkbpodcast #thebeautifulkingdombuilders #faithjourney #healingjourney #deconstruction #exvangelical #christianpodcast #purityculture #mentalhealth

Audio Episode was posted December 10, 2025. In this conversation, Ruth Perry and Becky Buck explore their personal journeys of faith, the challenges of deconstructing traditional beliefs, and the importance of love and community in spiritual growth. They discuss the impact of religious trauma, the complexities of gender roles within faith, and the need for critical thinking in understanding one's beliefs. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of reclaiming identity and voice, particularly for women in high-control religious environments, and the transformative power of love in fostering a deeper connection with God. Together, they founded The Beautiful Kingdom Warriors blog and Facebook page in 2014, which Ruth has continued as a solo project. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod and share with a friend! You can find the episode transcript on www.thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com

In this conversation, Scott Harris shares his journey of faith, discussing his upbringing in a mainline Protestant church, his college experiences, and his perspective on the challenges faced by the church today after 42 years in parachurch ministry. He emphasizes the importance of following Jesus and articulating the gospel in a way that resonates with contemporary issues. The discussion also touches on the need for the church to adapt and address the concerns of those leaving it, while promoting a message of love for God and neighbor.

In this episode, Jenna Dunn, writer and theologian at Ezer Bible, describes her personal journey out of complementarian theology and the toll that patriarchal bible interpretation and church culture took on her faith and marriage.Check out ezerbible.com and find Ezer Bible on your favorite social media sites: FacebookInstagramand more!Visit The Beautiful Kingdom Builders website for the transcript and episode notes.

In this conversation, Amber Braddy Jones shares her experiences growing up in evangelical Christianity, from the impact of purity culture to the challenges faced due to complementarian beliefs. She discusses her journey of leaving the church and to healing, and the need for empathy and understanding within faith communities. Find Amber's book Sacred on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4q52EUG #ad #tbkbpodcast #thebeautifulkingdombuilders #faithjourney #healingjourney #deconstruction #exvangelical #christianpodcast #purityculture #mentalhealth

In this conversation, Ruth Perry and Becky Buck explore their personal journeys of faith, the challenges of deconstructing traditional beliefs, and the importance of love and community in spiritual growth. They discuss the impact of religious trauma, the complexities of gender roles within faith, and the need for critical thinking in understanding one's beliefs. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of reclaiming identity and voice, particularly for women in high-control religious environments, and the transformative power of love in fostering a deeper connection with God. Together, they founded The Beautiful Kingdom Warriors blog and Facebook page in 2014, which Ruth has continued as a solo project. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the pod and share with a friend! You can find the episode transcript on www.thebeautifulkingdombuilders.com

Please subscribe and share with your friends! Good things are in store for TBKB Pod!And find The Beautiful Kingdom Builders on:FacebookInstagramThreadsTikTokYouTubewww.thebeautifulkingdombuilders.comRuth Perry is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a pastor to three rural UMC churches in Virginia. She loves being mom to her three teens and learning from others.