GracePointe Church | Nashville, TN

What do we do when the portrayal of Jesus in Scripture shows us something we don’t like or agree with? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott shares one of his favorite stories in Mark, a time when Jesus refused to help someone and then changed his mind. Josh explains what this story has taught him about the importance of staying open to new perspectives, and he encourages us to follow Jesus’ lead in not holding so tightly to our theology that it ends up harming others. 

Episode Recap:

• Mark’s gospel reminds us there’s still good news at the end of the world (1:06)

• Jesus reminds people that justice is what matters most (3:03) 

• The Roman Empire was not just a problem for Jewish people (8:13)

• What do we do with Jesus’ response to the woman asking for help? (16:57)

• In this moment, we see Jesus’ perspective change (24:05)

• When our theology bumps up against our experience of people, something has to give (30:54)

• Jesus didn’t come to lead a conquest, he came to liberate (32:49)

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Jesus’ vision of the kingdom was less about converting people and more about coming together to make sure everyone has what they need. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines three stories in Mark 6 that demonstrate the power of collaboration and cooperation. He reminds us that hospitality is a core tenet of the kingdom of God and shares some actions we can take this week to help create the world we want to live in. 

Episode Recap:

• When it feels like the world is falling apart, we need good news (0:10)

• Jesus gave people an alternative vision of what the world could be (4:40)

• Mark 6 invites us into collaboration and cooperation (7:03)

• Jesus’ own hometown wasn’t open to the work he was doing (9:14)

• The kingdom requires hospitality (17:19)

• Jesus’ movement has always been about caring for and feeding each other (26:14)

• The world won’t change unless we make change happen (30:58)

• 2 opportunities for learning and action (33:22)

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Following Jesus is and always was a political act. So what did Jesus have to say about empire, and how can those teachings shape how we live? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott discusses two stories from Mark 5 that show us something important about who Jesus chose to embrace and how we can resist empire. Josh also opens up the floor for a conversation with our online and in-person community so we can all learn from each other.

Episode Recap:

• Jesus came to remind people a different kind of world was possible (3:40)

• What jumps out to you when you read Mark 5? (6:41)

• When someone was unclean, people were taught to keep their distance (13:00)

• Mark is making an overt political statement with this story (26:09)

• The way to resist empire is by caring for each other (33:44)

• Jesus embraced the woman who was unclean (37:30)

• Taking Jesus seriously requires us to change how we live (42:48)

• It’s easy to judge how people responded to Jesus, but are we any better? (49:08)

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Why did Jesus choose to compare the kingdom of God to one of the smallest seeds? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott discusses the parable of the mustard seed and what it means for the way we view God’s kingdom. He reminds us that Jesus never wanted to create another empire, but to establish a new way of being in the world. He also talks about the concept of parables and takes time to hear from our community about what this story means to them. 

Episode Recap:

• If you want to see the kingdom of God, you need to allow for transformation (0:10)

• In Mark 4, we see Jesus teach through parables (3:29)

• Parables are metaphorical, subversive, and political stories (9:45)

• Jesus chose to compare the kingdom to one of the smallest seeds (14:28)

• Jesus doesn’t ask us to have certainty, but to have trust (24:05)

• The kingdom of God movement is about creating a different kind of world (25:18)

• We cannot divorce Jesus from his Jewish identity (30:23)

• The kingdom of God is not another empire, it’s something new (36:03)

• Planting mustard seeds is about building something that promotes flourishing (41:47) 

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None of the people who were closest to Jesus really understood who he was or what he was trying to do. And yet, we have the opportunity to join in on the work of bringing about the kingdom of God in our world. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines the times in Mark when people failed to understand what Jesus was doing. He also reminds us that part of following Jesus is about allowing ourselves to constantly be renewed and transformed, staying open to the possibility that we might be wrong and accepting the fact that we’re never done learning. 

Episode Recap:

• Jesus’ tells us in Mark that the kingdom of God is here and now (0:10)

• We’re never done learning or deconstructing (4:46)

• Jesus’ own family didn’t understand who he was (8:58)

• The disciples tried to follow Jesus, but they often missed the point (15:09)

• The empire understood just how big of a threat Jesus was (17:02)

• To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to miss what Jesus was all about (22:30)

• Jesus knows the pain we feel when we’re misunderstood (26:42)

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What might it look like for us to embrace Sabbath as a time for being, instead of doing? Today, Josh RadarLee, co-pastor at FOREFRONT Church, joins us to talk about Jesus’ perspective on Sabbath. He reminds us that Sabbath was put in place to help us flourish, not to hurt us. He also acknowledges some of the reasons why Sabbath can be difficult, and he shares some possible ways we can reimagine this concept today. 

Episode Recap:

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The good news Jesus proclaimed is that the kingdom of God is here and now! Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines Jesus’ first sermon in the book of Mark. He talks about what the kingdom of God is (and what it isn’t) and reminds us that Jesus’ vision was all about embracing human flourishing. He also reflects on the way that Martin Luther King Jr. believed in Jesus’ vision of the kingdom and worked to bring it about in his own life.  

Episode Recap:

• Mark found good news even at the end of the world (0:10)
• Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of his mission (2:44)
• In his first sermon, Jesus told us the good news of the kingdom of God (6:56)
• The kingdom represents God’s dream for the world (12:27)
• The kingdom is now (15:37)
• The kingdom is not a place, it’s a way of being (23:24)
• Repentance is just about changing the way we see and think (29:10)
• The kingdom reminds us that there’s enough of God to go around (32:10)
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision of the kingdom rooted in justice and nonviolence (37:03)

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How do we hold on to hope when it seems like the world is ending? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott kicks off a new series on the gospel of Mark by looking at the historical and political context Mark was writing in. He explains how Mark’s world must have felt like it was ending and draws encouragement from the fact that Mark still began his story with good news. He also examines the concept of a gospel and what it can teach us about how people in Mark’s time thought about Jesus. 

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re beginning a new series on the gospel of Mark (0:10)
• Mark was written in a time when life as people knew it was changing (1:53)
• Who was Mark, and what was his gospel? (5:36)
• Gospels are not biographies, they’re proclamations about who Jesus was (9:22)
• Mark was living in a time of political and religious disaster (15:22)
• In the midst of the world ending, Mark begins his story with good news (26:56)
• We may think the world is ending, but there’s still work to do (30:44)

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The good news of Christmas is not that we are bad and in need of saving, but rather that each one of us has divinity within us. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott talks about the things Jesus’ coming revealed to us about who God is and about who we are. He reminds us that being human is a good thing, and that there’s a reason why God chose us to carry out God’s plans in the world. 

Episode Recap:

• We all need people who remind us that more is possible (0:33)
• Jesus’ coming revealed something big about who God is and who we are (6:35)
• Jesus reminds us that there is divinity within all of humanity (10:05)
• To be human is a good thing (14:18)
• God placed all of God’s bets on us (18:40)
• The fifth Sunday of Advent reminds us that God is with us (23:37)

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The Christmas story serves as a powerful reminder that fear and joy can often coexist. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines Matthew’s story of the Magi who visited Jesus. He talks about the different ways that both fear and joy show up in the story and encourages us to find joy in the hope of what could be, even when we’re acknowledging the pain and injustice around us. 

Episode Recap:

• The purpose of Advent is to bring the past into the present (2:49)
• Who were the Magi, actually? (6:11)
• In his story of the Magi, Matthew is drawing from a rich scripture tradition (11:00)
• Herod saw Jesus as a direct threat to his power (15:31)
• It’s hard to make clear decisions when you’re operating out of fear (19:58)
• Christmas reminds us how fear and joy can coexist (27:58)
• Joy celebrates what could be while still acknowledging what is (32:25)
• The Magi remind us that Jesus has good news for all, not just Christians (38:55)

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The idea that Jesus had a miraculous conception entered the early Christian Tradition with Matthew’s Gospel. Why did he tell the story that way? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott continues our Advent series by examining the historical and cultural context around Matthew’s version of Jesus’ birth story. He also reminds us that the Christmas story is ultimately a story of peace and encourages us to spend this season acting courageously to bring about the kind of world we long for.

Episode Recap:

• Advent is a season of longing and anticipation (0:10)
• Matthew was the first to give us a birth story for Jesus (2:38)
• Matthew uses midrash to interpret Jesus’ story (8:48)
• Matthew invites us to reimagine the way we engage with stories (15:41)
• Why was it important that Jesus was born of a virgin? (21:58)
• Many of us want a conquering king, but Jesus came for peace (25:46)
• Peacemaking is an act of courage and strength (28:47)
• Sometimes peacemaking is about reminding each other that we are beloved (33:16)

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We often talk about Advent as a season where we’re waiting on God to act. But what if God is also waiting on us to take an active role in the work of human flourishing? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott begins our Advent series with a look at the story of John the Baptist, the voice in the wilderness calling people to remember that God was still at work. He also reminds us that even in the darkest days, something new is just around the corner. 

Episode Recap:

• Advent reminds us that growth and newness are right around the corner (0:10)
• The entire Bible is not about Jesus (7:05)
• Is it naive to have hope in this world? (11:01)
• John the Baptist reminded people that God was not finished with God’s people (17:06)
• What if Advent isn’t about us waiting on God, but God waiting on us? (29:27)
• Our job is to play an active role in creating justice and peace (31:49)
• Christmas is committing here and now to bringing about human flourishing (33:22)

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Suffering is a part of being human, but maybe we can find ways to suffer less and hold onto hope in the process. Today, Colby Martin reflects on the three practices that have helped him learn to suffer better and suffer less: The hourglass, the bar, and the seed. He offers words of encouragement for anyone who’s struggling to find hope and reminds us that nothing lasts, not even the worst suffering. 

Episode Recap:

• Nothing lasts, and suffering is a part of life (0:30)

• We can’t avoid suffering, so what do we do instead? (6:32)

• When we learn to suffer better, we suffer less (10:08)

• The Hourglass: If nothing lasts, then suffering doesn’t last either (12:57)

• The Bar: We need less than we think to make us happy (15:35)

• Hope is the antithesis to suffering, but you can’t have one without the other (21:07)

• The Seed: Death is a part of becoming (27:56)

• When we learn to suffer better, we’ll suffer less (31:57)

• You are OK, and you’ve always been OK (38:11)

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What does it mean to practice progressive Christianity, and how can we thoughtfully engage with the people around us who don’t share our views? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott wraps up our series on progressive Christianity by leading a question and response time with the GracePointe community. Topics covered include deconstruction, what it means to be a Christian, the purpose of prayer, and much more. 

Episode Recap:

• What does it mean to have a personal relationship with the divine? (4:29)
• Does praying for others actually change things? (8:39)
• Does calling yourself a Christian make you a Christian? (12:09)
• How do we care for ourselves while recovering from spiritual trauma? (15:41)
• What do we mean when we talk about God? (17:26)
• Where can we start with our deconstruction journeys? (24:41)
• When should we move toward people we disagree with, and when should we back away? (27:44)
• How do you believe in God when you haven’t seen God answer prayers? (34:41)
• How can we distinguish ourselves from harmful Christian beliefs? (37:11)
• Why was Jesus’ sexuality never addressed, and does it matter? (41:50)
• Where does the afterlife fit into progressive Christianity? (46:43)
• How can we respond to accusations of “picking and choosing” our beliefs? (49:37)

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Many of us are tempted to either view our faith as the only right answer or to water down our beliefs in deference to others. But it’s possible to have a strong, hospitable faith that acknowledges the beauty of other beliefs without denying our own. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines this idea and encourages us to hold fast to our own identities while also being willing to appreciate and learn from other traditions. He also reminds us that we don’t have to choose between celebrating the good parts of Christianity and acknowledging the harm that has been done in Jesus’ name. 

Episode Recap:

• Honoring our great cloud of witnesses (1:59)
• We have always been and always will be connected to the divine (4:28)
• How do we hold onto our identity in a multi-faith world? (6:43)
• Our language is not the only language, and that’s beautiful (9:15)
• We can celebrate other faiths without watering down our own (12:09)
• Our goal should be teach and share and learn from one another (19:40)
• The closer we get to each other, the more our differences melt away (23:22)
• There are ways to be a Christian without causing harm (26:24)
• How can we remain hospitable when conflict arises? (28:42)
• There’s still work for some of us to do within Christianity (34:08)
• It takes time to move beyond the beliefs we were taught (38:06)

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Every single person who reads the Bible brings their own perspective and interpretation to it. And yet so many people have weaponized this text based on their one specific lens. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott reflects on what it might look like for progressive Christians to take the Bible seriously. He breaks down the three key areas of disagreement between progressive and conservative Christians about the Bible — its origin, its authority, and its interpretation — and encourages us to view the Bible through the lens of human flourishing.

Episode Recap:

• Progressive Christianity can take many different forms and flavors (3:35)
• So many people have weaponized the Bible in harmful ways (5:57)
• Origin: The Bible was written by different authors in different times with different perspectives (11:04)
• The books of the Bible are in dialogue with each other (20:00)
• Authority: The Bible’s authority comes from the meaning we give it (21:50)
• Interpretation: Everyone interprets the Bible (32:32)
• How we read the Bible says more about us than about God (34:10)
• Answering questions from our community (38:39)

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What would it look like for us to practice justice that’s restorative, instead of punishing? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott explains why justice and generosity are two of the central focuses of progressive Christianity. He reminds us that God cares more about justice and human flourishing than about what rituals we do or what doctrines we believe. He then opens up the floor for a conversation with our GracePointe community about how we can pursue justice in today’s world. 

Episode Recap:

• Let’s take a moment to center ourselves (0:10)
• There is no one biblical worldview (3:26)
• Progressive Christianity seeks to be just and generous (5:35)
• God’s justice is about restoration, not retribution (8:42)
• Our faith can’t completely be separated from politics (13:11)
• God cares more about justice than the rituals we practice (19:02)
• To follow Jesus is to work to foster human flourishing (21:44)
• The point is not to figure out what we believe (27:05)
• Justice and mercy aren’t as far apart as we might think (31:10)
• The work of justice is a team sport (35:15)
• There’s always a cost to pursuing justice (39:59)

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If we want to practice radical inclusivity, we need to start by facing and accepting ourselves. Today, Mike Maeshiro shares his experience of serving in the church as a gay Christian. He explains how his experience of God forced him to re-evaluate the theology he believed in, and he encourages us to move beyond performative inclusion into radical, authentic inclusivity of all people.

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re talking about radical inclusivity (0:10)

• In 2023, so many Christians still are not affirming (1:33)

• Mike’s own experience as a queer person in the church (4:40)

• When our experience of God doesn’t match our theology, then what? (19:56)

• The kingdom of God is a mirror (25:51)

• We shouldn’t need to be convinced to love and accept people (30:56)

• If we want to be radically inclusive, we have to start by facing ourselves (34:24)

  
  

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What does it mean to be Jesus centered when you separate him from all the harmful things people have said and done in his name? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott talks about some of the key things he does and does not believe about Jesus, reminding us that believing in a specific doctrine matters far less than believing what Jesus said. He then takes time to answer questions from our community about how our views of Jesus and faith may change throughout our deconstruction journeys. Whoever you are and whatever you believe about Jesus, there’s space for you here! 

Episode Recap:

• If we’re born united with God, what is the point of Jesus? (0:10)
• Jesus is not a means to an end (4:10)
• We don’t see Jesus as the only path to the divine (7:05)
• You can be Jesus-centered without believing any one specific thing (12:14)
• Believing in Jesus matters less than believing Jesus (13:44)
• Jesus died because of human wrath, not divine wrath (18:06)
• When you strip away the doctrine and dogma, there’s something else there (19:05)
• Many of us are doing the best we can with the information we’ve been given (27:59)
• Jesus was divine, but so are you (33:10)
• It’s OK to take your time with healing (38:27)
• Every Christian is picking and choosing what they believe (41:52)
• “The same God that held us up in this life will hold us up through this life” (45:44)

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Progressive Christianity starts from the belief that humans are not born disconnected from God, and that nothing can separate us from God. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott begins a new series where we’ll unpack some of the key factors that set progressive Christianity apart from more conservative theologies. He explains where the doctrine of original sin came from and why it falls short, and then spends time talking with our community about what it looks like to approach sin and the Bible from a progressive lens.

Episode Recap:

• Many of us know what we don’t believe, but what are the things we do embrace? (0:10)
• Progressive Christianity begins with the idea that we’re born united with God (2:48)
• The original sin doctrine didn’t exist until 400 years into the Jesus movement (8:38)
• Adam and Eve weren’t separated from God, but shame made them think they were (11:52)
• Christianity should be an antidote to shame, not the cause of it (20:57)
• Sin does not have the power to separate us from God (27:09)
• The story of Adam and Eve was a means of making sense of the world (32:50)
• The Bible is more concerned with collective sin than individual sin (38:44)
• It’s possible to hold onto the good while rejecting the bad (40:58)
• What does it look like to approach the Bible from a progressive lens? (45:17)

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Between the crucifixion and the resurrection, there was a silent Saturday of uncertainty and fear. And many of us experience that same kind of season when we begin to deconstruct our theologies. Today, GracePointe’s founding pastor Stan Mitchell reminds us that it’s OK to miss what we’ve left behind and to still feel the effects of the wounds we’ve received in the past. He also encourages us to not become so callused that we leave acceptance and hope behind, and he reminds us to think about the things we stand for, not just what we’re against. 

Episode Recap:

• Communities like GracePointe are a powerful space for deconstruction (0:10)
• Have we replaced one form of narrowness for another? (4:05)
• Between crucifixion and resurrection, there’s a silent Saturday (10:26)
• Even after walking on water, Peter had a crisis of faith (19:57)
• Jesus met Peter where he was and accepted him there (23:14)
• It’s OK to miss part of what you left behind (27:15)
• Our wounds will stay with us, but we don’t have to become callused (32:16)
• There’s something deeper and richer beneath the things we once believed (40:37)

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The GracePointe of 20 years ago may look radically different than GracePointe today, but this community has always existed to create space for growth and deconstruction. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott and founding pastor Stan Mitchell celebrate GracePointe’s 20th anniversary by reflecting about the past, present, and future of GracePointe. Stan also explains how GracePointe fits into a larger history of progressivism that’s built into the fabric of Christianity. 

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re celebrating 20 years of GracePointe with founding pastor Stan Mitchell (0:10)
• The tradition of Christianity is inherently progressive (6:02)
• GracePointe is a space designed for deconstruction (12:22)
• GracePointe exists as a fully affirming space for the LGBTQ+ community (16:49)
• People need to know that communities like GracePointe are possible (26:21)
• If Christianity does not mature, it needs to die (32:02)

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We tend to idealize the early church, but were things actually as good as we might think? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott leads us through Paul’s letters to examine some of the conflicts and complexities that defined the early Jesus movement. He reminds us that mess is a part of being human, but that we can create a space where that mess doesn’t turn into harm. 

Episode Recap:

• The early church was simply a community of people coming together (1:03)
• What was the early church actually like? (5:37)
• We tend to idealize the early church, but that may not be the full story (9:10)
• The early church was a diverse community (12:41)
• The early church was complex and full of disagreements (17:47)
• Paul’s letters show us that even the early church was full of challenges (30:11)
• The church has always been messy, and that’s how it should be (33:30)
• There’s a big difference between mess and harm (38:36)
• GracePointe is here to create an alternative to the conservative Christian narrative (39:34)

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Most of our lives are lived in the ordinary, but how often do we take the time to notice the beautiful moments all around us? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott wraps up our series on spiritual practices for progressive Christians with a conversation about awareness. He explains how the story of Jacob reminds us to pay attention to God’s presence all around us, and he encourages us to practice “here-ness.”

Episode Recap:

• Spiritual practices open and enlarge the heart (0:10)
• Life happens in the ordinary (3:14)
• God meets us in ordinary places (5:00)
• God is always present; we just aren’t always aware of it (11:54)
• How can we practice here-ness? (13:46)
• Take time to mark the moments that matter (19:32)

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Curiosity can be a powerful spiritual practice, but only when it’s rooted in empathy. Today, GracePointe’s founding pastor Stan Mitchell explains how empathic curiosity can help us deepen our connection with other humans and have more grace for ourselves and others. He describes Jesus’ radical empathy for Judas and for the people who crucified him, and he reminds us that loving others is ultimately about seeking to understand them.  

Episode Recap:

• Curiosity is a powerful spiritual practice (2:51)
• Curiosity reminds us that there’s always more to learn and discover (9:27)
• Empathic curiosity is a desire to understand the feelings of others (13:21)
• Love seeks to understand before seeking to be understood (20:08)
• Even during his crucifixion, Jesus had empathy (27:42)
• Empathic curiosity understands that each of us contains potential for good or evil (34:20)
• Empathic curiosity makes us better people (46:35)

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Is church a place we go to please God, or can it be something more? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott reflects on the complicated role church has played in many of our lives. He then shares a few roles church may still be able to play in our lives today: connecting us with community, inspiring us to imagine a different future, and allowing us to connect more fully with the divine. Whatever your relationship with church might be, there’s space for you here! 

Episode Recap:

• When you hear the word “church,” what comes to mind? (1:29)
• Too many people relate to church from a position of fear (6:44)
• What can church offer us in 2023? (13:35)
• Maybe church is less for God and more for us (18:30)
• Church is about interdependence and community (25:05)
• Church is a place of resistance and imagination (30:55)
• Church can be a place of sacrament and memory (38:45)

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Prayer can still have a place in your spiritual practice, no matter what you believe about God and God’s role in the world. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines some of the harmful ways people tend to talk about prayer. He then reflects on some of the positive ways prayer or meditation can help us slow down, process our feelings, and show up in the world empowered to bring about change. 

Episode Recap:

• Spiritual practices are an invitation to transformation (0:10)
• Are we actually supposed to pray without ceasing? (1:04)
• The way we talk about prayer can be harmful (6:10)
• Are we trying to get closer to God, or are we trying to manipulate God? (12:05)
• Prayer isn’t just one thing (15:38)
• Before it’s words or requests, prayer is first a posture (16:19)
• Prayer helps us recognize and name our feelings (20:28)
• Prayer is an act of showing up for other people (22:34)
• Prayer is a way of being heard and hearing (24:15)
• Prayer is about aligning ourselves with change (29:05)

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Ritual has too often been used to control and exclude others, but does it still have value for progressive Christians? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott continues our series on spiritual practices by examining the ways ritual can connect us to ourselves, to our neighbors, and to the divine. He encourages us to reject any rituals or systems that have told us we don’t belong and instead seek out practices that empower us and make us better.

Episode Recap:

• Can ritual still be a meaningful practice for progressive Christians? (0:10)
• Humans are a ritualistic species (1:49)
• Belonging is not in question, you already belong (4:24)
• Ritual is not focused on magic, but on meaning (9:02)
• Ritual is about remembering and recommitting (14:48)
• Ritual is about the ordinary, not the extraordinary (15:40)
• Rituals should empower us to become better human beings (24:45)

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Whether you’re parenting a young person or trying to figure out your own faith journey, sometimes it’s helpful to get back to the basics. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott and Children and Youth Director Tiffany Dowdy talk about some spiritual practices for beginners. They also discuss the challenge of parenting when you’re on your own deconstruction journey, and they remind us that every spiritual practice should bring us back to the truth that we are loved. 

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re going to talk through some spiritual practices for beginners (1:52)

• There’s no checklist for what you need to know and when (6:15)

• Parenting is hard, and there’s grace for you (10:08)

• It’s OK if you’re grieving in your deconstruction (12:32)

• Many of the faiths we grow up in were based on fear and shame (14:30)

• The most important thing our kids can know is that they belong (19:01)

• God is not asking us to perform our faith (22:06)

• Curiosity can be a spiritual practice (28:03)

• Christianity is a pool; God is the ocean (31:48)

• Breath prayers can be a powerful practice for any of us (35:02)

• Whether you believe in God or not, you can find practices that work for you (38:19)

• We are loved (41:49)

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Many of us have been harmed by the ways people use the Bible, but it’s possible that the Bible still has something to offer you. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott talks with Zack Hunt about some ways we can approach the Bible as progressive Christians. They talk about what it really means for scripture to be “God breathed” and remind us that it’s OK if revisiting the Bible is too painful for us.

Episode Recap:

• The Bible may still have something to offer you (0:57)
• It’s ok to admit when the Bible is wrong (3:02)
• How we understand the Bible is the biggest issue dividing Christians (12:27)
• The Bible isn’t saying any one thing, it’s an anthology of stories (18:57)
• We don’t have to be afraid of contradictions (25:15)
• The Bible shows how our understanding of God changes over time (34:03)
• Love is the foundation for making meaning of the Bible (37:24)
• If the Bible doesn’t help you seek human flourishing, it’s OK to walk away from it (42:30)

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Just as our physical bodies need rest, our souls need rest in order to connect with humanity, with the divine, and with the world around us. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines the role rest plays in the creation story and talks through some of the ways rest can restore us so we can better show up in the world for ourselves and the people around us.

Episode Recap:

• Our souls need rest just like our bodies do (1:11) 
• The Bible begins with rhythm, then rest (5:41)
• Scripture repeatedly tells us that everyone deserves rest (9:17)
• Rest is a reminder of our humanity (13:03)
• Rest is about self-care, and self-care is vital (16:47)
• Rest is about learning to recognize the holiness in everything (21:00)

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Our experiences are not something to invalidate or ignore, they’re a gift that shapes how we view the world. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott begins a new series on spiritual practices for progressive Christians. He reminds us that the Bible is full of people who changed their minds based on experiences, even if that experience contradicted the things they’d previously been told. He also explains how spiritual practices can help us keep our hearts open and soft by inviting us to pay attention to the divine.

Episode Recap:

• All of life has rhythm to it (0:56)
• Spiritual practice is about opening and softening the heart (5:34)
• We tend to ask too much of the Bible (8:17)
• You can trust your experience (13:14)
• The Bible is full of people who changed their minds based on experience (22:05)
• If your faith is making you worse, maybe you should let go of it (28:14)
• Experience is an invitation to pay attention (35:04)
• Most of our lives are spent in ordinary time, and the divine can still show up there (41:10)

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Something miraculous can happen when we hear a familiar story told from a new perspective. Today, Hunter Wade explains why it’s so important for us to listen to new voices and perspectives that differ from our own. She examines a passage in the Bible where Jesus was faced with a new point of view and chose to respond, and she reminds us that there’s power in both telling our own stories and in listening to the stories of others.  

Episode Recap:

• Whatever you’re feeling today, you have a place here (0:10)
• Stories are a powerful source of connection and understanding (3:21)
• To gain true understanding, we need to listen to different perspectives (6:41)
• Even Jesus changed his mind when faced with a new perspective (11:14)
• Jesus chooses to cross barriers in favor of common human (19:59)
• Miracles can happen when we listen to new voices (24:56)

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Despite what many of us have been told, there’s a version of faith that allows us to be fully human and fully ourselves. Today, Mike Maeshiro talks with us about his experience of growing up as a gay Christian, finding freedom through the process of coming out, and deconstructing many of the things he once believed about God. Mike also challenges us to trust that the love that has transformed us can transform other people, too.

Episode Recap:

• To be who we are is to honor the divine within us (0:10)
• Mike’s experience of growing up in the church (4:45)
• It can be jarring when our experience of God doesn’t match what we’ve been told (8:01)
• Finding freedom through coming out (13:21)
• There’s a version of Christianity where you can be fully human (15:29)
• The Jesus many of us were taught about is not the Jesus of the Bible (21:33)
• Love exists and love transforms (24:55)

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For Jesus and the tradition he was raised in, you cannot serve God without pursuing justice. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines the role justice plays in Exodus, in the messages of the prophets, and in Jesus’ own worldview. He also discusses the way Christianity has changed into something completely different from its roots, and he challenges us to prioritize justice over theology and community over self-interest. 

Episode Recap:

• In honor of Juneteenth, we’re going to talk about justice in the Christian faith (2:31)
• Exodus is the defining narrative of the tradition Jesus was raised in (3:57)
• Exodus challenged the idea that God was found among the powerful (5:27)
• Judaism isn’t about legalism, it’s about community and justice (10:13)
• Jubilee made sure the gap between people didn’t continue to grow (17:47)
• The prophets understood that you can’t have worship without justice (21:49)
• Jesus followed in the tradition of the prophets (27:35)
• How did Christianity become what it is today? (34:35)
• Following Jesus means existing for the betterment of the world (39:04)

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If you’re on a journey of deconstructing or seeing your worldview evolve, know that you’re not alone! Today, lead pastor Josh Scott interviews Heather Hamilton about the spiritual awakening that inspired her to deconstruct her fundamentalist evangelical views and begin to see the divine in all people and all of creation. Heather is the author of “Returning to Eden,” and she talks with Josh about how we can engage with Scripture when we don’t believe it’s infallible, the value of seeing Christianity as just one language communicating universal truths, and more. 

Episode Recap:

• On July 9 we’ll begin a new series and celebrate baptisms (0:10)
• You’re not alone in your doubts or deconstruction (4:30)
• Heather’s story of realizing her worldview needed to change (8:43)
• Christ is in all of us and in all of creation (17:26)
• Like the prodigal son, we often have to take the full journey to transform (22:23)
• God doesn’t change throughout the Bible; the human understanding of God does (27:45)
• How can we engage with the Bible when we don’t take it literally? (36:07)
• Christianity is one language, but it’s not the only language (39:04)

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If you want to understand what it’s like to experience the world with imagination and wonder, look at how kids interact with the world. Today, Children and Youth Director Tiffany Dowdy discusses the holy imagination that can inspire us to envision a better world and move us into action. They remind us that we’re each on our own spiritual journey with the freedom to roam and explore, and encourage us to focus less on the pressure of saving people and more on the calling of loving those around us. 

Episode Recap:

• The first Sunday of June is Affirming Sunday (0:28)
• You are loved and you belong (3:06)
• Wonder and imagination (5:00)
• Spirituality is not a path we have to follow, it’s a world to explore (7:20)
• Kids can teach us so much about imagination and wonder (10:46)
• It’s not our job to save people’s souls, it’s our job to love (17:05)
• Holy imagination will eventually move us to action (20:20)

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The Holy Spirit is not something we can control or fit inside neat boundaries. Instead, the spirit calls us to move beyond fear and exclusion and commit to continually reimagining our faith. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines the “Gentile Pentecost” story in Acts 10. He draws parallels between this story and other moments in scripture where we see people’s views of God challenged, and he reminds us that our job is not to get in the way of other people’s belonging. 

Episode Recap:

• Pentecost shows us that the spirit can’t be contained or controlled (0:10)
• In Acts 10 we see how the Holy Spirit came to the Gentiles (1:47)
• Peter’s story mirrors the story of Jonah (6:57)
• The presence of the spirit in Cornelius challenged Peter’s view of God (9:49)
• Acts shows us we’re not meant to stand in the way of anyone’s belonging (13:36)
• The spirit calls us beyond fear and into curiosity (21:40)
• The spirit calls us beyond exclusionary boundaries and into radically inclusive hospitality (22:22)
• The spirit calls us to continually reimagine and repent (24:24)

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In the story of Pentecost, we see how the spirit of wisdom stands in direct opposition to the empires that try to control us. Today, Kat Armas shares how Acts 2 changed her view of the Holy Spirit. She invites us to reexamine the way we think about wisdom, and to oppose the efforts of empire to force assimilation by stamping out wisdom.

Episode Recap:

• Empire does not always get the last say (0:10)

• Prophecies were wake up calls, reminding people of God’s justice (5:27)

• The Bible primarily portrays wisdom and the Holy Spirit as a woman (6:54)

• Wisdom is a threat to empire (14:29)

• It’s time to decolonize our view of wisdom (21:27)

• The Spirit of the Divine does not ask us to assimilate (23:55)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

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The story of Pentecost reminds us that we’re all invited to participate in the movement Jesus started. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott begins a new series about Pentecost by reflecting on the type of movement Jesus wanted to create. He talks about the way peace and nonviolence play an integral role in Jesus’ story, and he reminds us that transformation takes time, both in the world and in our own lives.

Episode Recap:

• Pentecost was a feast celebrating liberation (1:05)
• Even though they betrayed him, Jesus’ first message to the disciples was peace (5:35)
• Jesus wanted to mobilize a movement, not start a monopoly (14:09)
• From the start, Jesus made clear that he was focused on peace (20:20)
• Transformation takes time, and we’re invited to participate (24:33)
• You are not separated from God (28:45)              
• Take a deep breath (34:13)

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Today, we’re celebrating our first service in GracePointe’s new space, reflecting on how we got here, and looking ahead to what comes next! Lead pastor Josh Scott shares why he’s so excited for this new chapter in GracePointe’s story, and he reminds each of us that we belong.

Episode Recap:

• It’s time for change, and change is possible (0:10)
• How we got here (2:12)
• Thank you to everyone who’s made this move possible (17:56)
• Thank you for making GracePointe a safe space (25:36)
• The point is not the destination, it’s the journey (26:38)
• We’re a community, not a corporation (32:14)
• You are what makes GracePointe a home (38:06)

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What can the life and death of Jesus tell us about who God is and who we are? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott wraps up our “Meeting Jesus Again” series with a question and response time. He responds to questions about Jesus' death, the contradictions we see in scripture, Jesus’ identity, doctrines around the trinity and atonement, and more. 

Episode Recap:

• Today we’re taking time to respond to your questions about Jesus (0:10)
• What did Jesus say about the Bible? (1:03)
• What happened when Jesus died? (3:52)
• What does the doctrine of the trinity tell us about Jesus? (9:50)
• What do we do with the Revelation Jesus (11:45)
• Why did Jesus tell his disciples to get swords in Luke? (16:41)
• How important is Jesus’ identity as a dark-skinned, Middle Eastern, Jewish man? (20:05)
• What can we learn from Jesus’ relationship with God? (23:48)
• Where did atonement theory come from? (26:20)

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Are we being transformed by the message of Jesus, or are we transforming Jesus to fit our agendas? Today, lead pastor Josh Scott examines some of the images of Jesus we see in the 21st century and compares them to the Jesus we see represented in scripture. He also reminds us that faith is meant to grow, change, and evolve, so our creeds and doctrines matter less than the people we’re becoming. 

Episode Recap:

• Would the historical Jesus recognize the person we talk about today? (1:09)
• We’ve transformed Jesus into something completely different (3:08)
• The creeds show how we’ve transformed Jesus to fit our theology (11:14)
• Faith is an organic thing that grows and changes (15:41)
• Something changes when we understand Jesus by looking backwards (20:39)
• Who do we say Jesus is? (27:28)
• You don’t have to believe one specific thing about Jesus to be a Christian (34:54)

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Even if we don’t take the story literally, the Ascension can teach us something important about who Jesus was and what kind of movement he wanted to create. Today, lead pastor Josh Scott reflects on the story of Jesus’ ascension and the dramatic, political statement it would have made in ancient Rome. He also reminds us that we’re invited to join Jesus in his work of pursuing human flourishing. 

Episode Recap:

• The Ascension is only recorded in two places, but each account is different (2:45)
• What can the story of the Ascension tell us about who Jesus was? (9:05)
• In Jesus’ time, the idea of a human becoming divine was a political statement (17:39)
• Luke was likely referencing the story of Elijah (23:31)
• Jesus was inviting people to join a movement (28:38)
• Jesus believed we could do even greater things than he did (39:58)

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