This week we’re joined by friend of the show and fellow Liberty University apostate, Jillian! We were all part of the LU Christian metalcore community (it’s every bit as cringe as it sounds, but it was also a ton of fun), and it’s the first time we’ve caught up with her in over 15 years. Jillian’s story differs a lot from the many of us who grew up in church, in that her introduction to more extreme forms of Evangelicalism came as the result of a spiritual experience she had as teen, and her family’s somewhat bewildered-yet-supportive response to it. I’d hate to spill the beans before she tells the story herself, so I’ll just say that her journey has led her across the country and through many different scenarios to a place of self-acceptance and happiness. We were really excited to talk to her, and we hope you enjoy the conversation!

This week we’re excited to welcome our good friend, comedian, musician, and podcaster Mike Valdes! Discussion topics include naughty assassins, the Lord’s stance on marionettes, Louisianna’s new Ten Commandments law for classrooms, and Disney’s new “Punk Goes Crunk”-esque album of cover songs. We always have so much fun hanging out with Mike! You can follow him on Instagram (@mikevaldes) and TikTok (@officialmikevaldes), check out his podcast Childlike at Best, and for info on upcoming appearances, merch, etc. go to www.thekidfromup.com.

This week we’re joined by Jeremiah to discuss CNN’s televised squawk match between the ultimate Boomer avatars, as well as some updates in the continuing mudslide that is Gateway Church and their recently resigned pastor, Robert Morris. More articles are popping up, more church leaders are stepping down, and as predicted, we’re finding out that this isn’t the first scandal the church has attempted to sweep under the rug… All that and more on Episode 189 of Growing Up Christian!

This week we’re joined by award-winning author, journalist, and public speaker Jonathan Merritt! Jonathan wasn’t just a “pastor’s kid,” his father was the president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Steeped in conservative evangelicalism, his life took a turn during college when he decided he wanted to be a religion and spirituality writer. Jonathan lost himself in his work, publishing several books, writing articles for prominent publications, and earning two graduate degrees. From the outside looking in his life appeared to be on track, but nobody knew that this rising star in progressive Christianity was a closeted gay man. Then he was publicly outed… and his whole world turned upside down. Jonathan is a truly prolific person with a one-of-a-kind perspective, and we love his approach to faith, family, and community. He just published his first children’s book, “My Guncle & Me,” a story about a boy whose gay uncle shows him that his little differences make him special. It’s a wonderful book that we absolutely recommend to anyone with kids in their life! Follow Jonathan on Instagram (@jonathan_merritt) and X (@jonathanmerritt), check out his podcast Seekers & Speakers, for more information go to www.jonathanmerritt.com.

This week we’re talking about the developing story surrounding pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church, a multi-campus Texas monstrosity boasting over 100k congregants. Cindy Clemishire is a brave woman who has accused Robert Morris of molesting her from 1982 to 1987, beginning when she was just 12 years old. Although she has sought justice against Morris multiple times, Cindy has watched in frustration and despair as he dodged nearly all consequences for his actions and become a prominent national figure in the Evangelical world. All that began to change just a couple of weeks ago thanks to this blog post… Let’s hope that Cindy finally gets the justice she deserves for the disgusting crimes perpetrated against her!

• Well this is embarrassing, but due to insurmountable technical difficulties with the Comfort Inn WIFI, we weren't able to finish recording this week's episode. However, we have a story in the works for next week that I'll bet many of you have been following. Tune in next Tuesday as we discuss the disturbing allegations surrounding Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Dallas, TX. Have a great week!

This week we’re joined by Ryan George, author of “Hurt and Healed by the Church: Redemption and Reconstruction After Spiritual Abuse.” Ryan was listening to a podcast one day when he heard a heartbreaking story of sexual abuse about a pastor, a pastor who happened to be his father. It’s hard to imagine being hit with such a devastating revelation, but it set off a chain reaction that forced him to square himself with his own physical abuse at the hands of his dad. In his book, Ryan recounts the full story of his upbringing, coping with his father’s crimes, doing what he can to help the victims his dad had hurt, and how he found spiritual healing in what some might think is an unlikely place: the church. We really enjoyed talking with Ryan, and we hope you enjoy the discussion (it begins at 44:00)! Find his book “Hurt and Healed by the Church: Redemption and Reconstruction After Spiritual Abuse” through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other book retailers, check out his podcast Everyday Adventures, and follow Ryan on Instagram (@ryplane).

Colorado is a magical place to so many people, and for so many different reasons! Some venture into the mountains to get glazed on big box weapons-grade weed in a puddle of pine sap, some scour Denver for the latest fast casual slop hut bastardizing ethnic cuisine, but me? I’m here to visit one of the last great vestiges of Christian Americana left in these United States of Tanger Outlets: the Focus on the Family world headquarters in beautiful Colorado Springs! While I was disappointed to find that Whitt’s End and the Welcome Center were closed for renovations, Grandpa Dobby made sure that the bookstore was open and ready to take my money. Sam and I chat about all the fun things I found in the store, and one brand in particular that caught my attention called Hold Fast. I’m not sure how to describe their clothing other than that I expect their t-shirts will become a staple of Kid Rock’s wardrobe after the terminal cirrhosis prompts him to join Greg Locke’s biblical manhood Bible study. However, they are doing big things for their brave-but-beleaguered “Big Brother,” Israel. We take a look at some strange organizations with vague goals supported by t-shirt purchases from Hold Fast and have a good time talking about our recent travels. Enjoy the show and have a great week!