Greg Johnson is the lead pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri and is the only senior pastor in his entire denomination who is publicly celibate and same-sex attracted. Though Greg grew up in an atheist family, that didn't spare him from the shame and embarrassment that so many LGBTQ+ people experience, especially in their youth. Dr. Johnson always had a close community of friends who knew of his wrestling and experiences with his sexual orientation, but it was not public information until he published an article with Christianity Today in 2019. Although the members of his church welcomed and accepted him after he started telling his story, part of the fallout of that public coming-out is that Pastor Greg has been on trial for his sexuality within his denomination (Presbyterian Church of America).

Dr. Johnson has recently released a book about the conversion therapy movement and some of the lessons we can draw from its failure. The book is "Still Time to Care" and you can pick up anywhere books are sold.

You can follow Greg Johnson on Twitter.

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Brain Zahnd is the founding pastor of Word of Life Church in Saint Joseph, Missouri and an author of multiple books. In this interview, Brian talked with us about his Christian journey so far, from finding faith in the Jesus Movement to his involvement in the Charismatic movement to the founding of Word of Life Church and then eventually to the radical and very public renovation of his faith in his 40s (before it was cool). In that process, he was accused of heresy and lost many members of his church. But he continues to press on, now a leading voice for people who cannot find a home in conservative evangelicalism or within liberal mainline communities. He's written several books including Water to Wine and Sinners in the Hand of a Loving God. 

His latest release is When Everything's on Fire: Faith Forged from the Ashes. If you or someone you know is struggling with their faith, then consider this book. It focuses on renovating faith in light of its historical and intellectual richness. 

You can learn more about Brian, his books, and find his blog on his website. You can also Follow Brian on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to find consistent encouragement in your life.

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Greg Coles is an author, speaker, and worship leader. His latest book is called "No Longer Strangers: Finding Belonging in a World of Alienation."

Check out Greg's website for more of his books and speaking schedule.

Greg grew up in the Philippines as the youngest son of missionaries. Whenever his youth group talked about sex and purity, Greg didn't understand why everyone seemed to struggle with lust when it was so easy for him. Then he realized he had it easy because he was not attracted to girls. He was gay.

Greg's experiences in evangelical church have been less severe than other people he knows, but his story is still full of trauma and heart break. Despite so many people judging Greg and being cruel once they discovered his sexuality, he still serves in his local church and helps others find their community within its walls.

Follow Greg on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

If you're enjoying this series, consider rating and reviewing Why I Stay on your podcast app of choice.

Also, consider checking out the other podcast offerings from Patheos here.

You can subscribe to the Patheos YouTube channel by clicking here or Like and Follow us on Facebook.

Curious about religion? Learn more at https://www.patheos.com/