Shows
Just Came For The TacosBritt Edwards from Growing Up in Christian Music to AuthenticityLeigh and musician Britt Edwards talk about Britt's life in music. They discuss Britt's growing up as the son of a Southern Baptist Church pastor, his experience in the Christian music industry, his story of moving into a more authentic worldview, and leaving the church without bashing the church. You can find Britt's music at https://brittedwardsmedia.com/ Or find Britt on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/brittedwardsmedia/?hl=en Britt's new song, "At this Point" can be found on all streaming services. https://open.spotify.com/album/43FJfrg3CSmyY81j9BHwYO
2024-07-0959 min
Just Came For The TacosWhere are we going from here?In this episode, Leigh and Jeff reflect on how they are currently feeling and their plans for Tacos over the summer.
2024-05-2114 min
Just Came For The TacosCapitalism, the Church, and Kara Swisher's Burn BookA discussion about the Kara Swisher's new memoir Burn Book inspires a deep conversation between Jeff and his friend Cory about Capitalism and the American Church.
2024-05-0757 min
Just Came For The TacosWhat's the Deal With...?In this episode, Jeff and Leigh cover four semi-connected topics that have been on Jeff's mind. Teenagers using tech and the "Anxious Generation" Why do sex scandals keep happening in the church? How narcissism ties to the idea of "mission" and "calling" The good things that come out of the "church" and why we can't just have those.
2024-04-301h 01
Just Came For The TacosDeconstruction Stories: Jen, Darcy, and RachelleIn this episode, Leigh sits down with friends from childhood to discuss how they each deconstructed their evangelical upbringing in different ways.
2024-04-231h 18
Just Came For The TacosThe Book of Clarence and Other Jesus MoviesIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh reflect on movies about Jesus and how those movies impacted them. They take a deep dive into the Book of Clarence and ask the question, "Why do evangelicals obsess over some things and reject others?"
2024-04-1645 min
Just Came For The TacosFinding Life in through Poetry with Edward Doyle-GillespieWarning: this episode contains conversation about suicide and violence. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, please call 988 now. Help is available. You can speak with someone today. In this episode, poet-teacher-police officer Edward Doyle-Gillespie teaches Jeff about poetry. Jeff and Ed talk about why Ed was drawn to poetry, how to experience poetry, and what is behind the words.
2024-04-0252 min
Just Came For The TacosWild at Heart: Looking at the Book with Fresh EyesIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh take a deep dive into the book Wild at Heart by John Eldridge. They review it's core arguments, discuss it's impact on both of them in the past, and reflect on how their understanding of it has evolved.
2024-03-261h 12
Just Came For The TacosSongs Giving Us LifeIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh talk about songs that are giving them life right now. They laugh about the radically different songs they brought and talk about why the songs are so meaningful for them.
2024-03-1947 min
Just Came For The TacosLeigh Talks Parenting with Her MomIn this episode, Leigh sits down with her mom to talk about faith, parenting, and deconstruction. In this intimate and vulnerable conversation, Leigh and her mom get real about the difficulties of parenting in the evangelical world.
2024-03-1239 min
Just Came For The TacosBirthday! Birthday! Birthday!In this episode, Jeff and Leigh celebrate one year of doing the podcast. They reflect back on the past year and look to the future.
2024-03-0546 min
Just Came For The TacosThe Things We Bring With UsIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh talk about "Core Beliefs" they picked up as evangelicals and how those beliefs have continued to impact them after they've deconstructed their faith.
2024-02-271h 01
Just Came For The TacosWhat it Was Like Before and After Evangelicalism with Becky AnthonyIn this episode, Jeff interviews his close friend Becky about what her life was like before, durning, and after deconstruction.
2024-02-201h 03
Just Came For The TacosReflections on Lent In and Out of ChurchIn this episode, Leigh goes deep in her thoughts about Lent. She thinks about ways she's celebrated it and what it is to her now.
2024-02-1322 min
Just Came For The TacosWhat Happened When We Left the ChurchIn this episode, Jeff sits down with his best friend Cory Barnett to walk down memory road and process what happened when they left the institutional church and ventured out into teh spiritual wild.
2024-02-0657 min
Just Came For The TacosEvangelism vs Loving OthersIn this episode, Jeff reads an essay from his book about how his understanding of loving others has evolved over time.
2024-01-3037 min
Just Came For The TacosMere Christianity, Apologetics, and Going Back to Old ThinkingIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh breakdown the classic book, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. They talk about apologetics, how we connect with people we disagree with, and what it means to jump back into thinking that you may not agree with anymore.
2024-01-231h 21
Just Came For The TacosThings Giving Us LifeIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh talk about the things they are doing, enjoying, and consuming that are bringing joy and grounding to their lives. It's a joyful episode of laughs and honesty.
2024-01-1647 min
Just Came For The TacosThriving as a Couple Through DeconstructionIn this episode, Leigh is joined by her husband Sam. Together, they get vulnerable about what it was like to move out of evangelicalism as a couple. They talk about what their marriage was, what the change felt like, how they maintained a healthy partnership as they changed, and where they are now. It's a powerful, honest, and authentic episode about marriage during faith changes.
2024-01-091h 05
Just Came For The TacosHoliday Traditions, Struggles, and CelebrationsIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh talk about their family traditions, their struggles and successes over the holidays, and how they are both moving into 2024.
2024-01-0256 min
Just Came For The TacosKevin Garcia and What Makes You BloomIn this episode, Jeff talks with the wonderful Kevin Garcia. Kevin is the host of the podcast A Tiny Revolution, a spiritual coach, and the author of the upcoming book "What Makes You Bloom?" Get your copy of the book here: https://www.thekevingarcia.com/bloom Find more of Kevin's work or sign up for his coaching here: https://www.thekevingarcia.com/
2023-12-261h 02
Just Came For The TacosDr. Matthew Taylor on Intra-Religious Divides and Finding a Way ForwardIn this episode, Leigh and Jeff talk with Dr. Matthew Taylor from the Institute of Islamic Christian Jewish Studies. They discuss the division in Christianity, the value of learning from others, the violence of Christian nationalism, the dream of a true multi-ethnic democracy, and how we can respond to violence with nonviolent dialogue.
2023-12-191h 10
Just Came For The TacosReflecting on Psalty the Singing SongbookIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh dive into their childhoods and talk about Psalty the Singing Songbook. They talk about how Psalty came to be, the themes Psalty covered, and how Psalty impacted their childhoods.
2023-12-1243 min
Just Came For The TacosReflecting on Christmas in DeconstructionIn this episode, Leigh reflects on Christmas. She talks about the foundness she still holds for it, how it has changed for her, and in finding her priorities for the season.
2023-12-0543 min
Just Came For The TacosHaving Fun in During Stressful HolidaysIn this episode, Jeff is joined by his wife Wendy. They reflect on the holiday and talk about how they were able to have an amazing time in the face of hard things happening in life.
2023-11-2854 min
Just Came For The TacosRob Bell and Where'd You Park Your Spaceship?In this episode, Leigh and Jeff sit down with Rob Bell. That's right. THE Rob Bell. In addition to talking about the evolution of spirituality and the Rob's history with the American Church, they go deep into the themes of Rob's first fictional novel, Where'd You Park Your Spaceship? They talk about how the themes are present in Rob's life and in the world, what it's like to move from nonfiction to fiction, and they get a small glimpse of what Rob has prepared for the future. Click here to g...
2023-11-211h 36
Just Came For The TacosYou've Got Questions? We've Got Books.In this episode, Leigh and Jeff look at the areas of deconstruction they routinely get asked questions about: parenting, LGBTQ allyship, and approaching the Bible post deconstruction. For each category of questions, they talk through books they recommend that help them think through these issues. Books they cover: Inspired by Rachel Held Evans What is the Bible? by Rob Bell Blindness by Jose Saramago Torn by Justin Lee She Who Became the Son by Shelley Parker-Chan God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines Parenting Forward by Cindy Wang Brandt Anxious People by Fredrik Backman Beartown by...
2023-11-141h 04
Just Came For The TacosFree Biddy! - My Utmost for His HighestIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh talk about the classic Christian devotional, My Utmost for His Highest. They look at the life of Oswald Chambers (who never wrote a book), and then dive into the life of Biddy (BD) Chambers. To find Leigh and Jeff, go to https://justcameforthetacos.com/
2023-11-0751 min
Just Came For The TacosJeff and Leigh and Chat GPTJeff uses Chat GPT to build some games for Leigh to play. Leigh tries to determine which of Jeff's example was written by a famous pastor and which was written by Chat GPT.
2023-10-3043 min
Just Came For The TacosExperiencing HeartbreakIn this episode, Leigh opens up about difficult things she's experienced recently. She talks through ways she used to deal with trauma and how that has changed for her now that she is outside of her original faith community.
2023-10-2430 min
Just Came For The TacosHenry Nouwen and the Wounded HealerIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh look at the book The Wounded Healer by Henry Nouwen. They talk about Nouwen's view of the world, the idea of loniliness, and what it means to care for others. They discuss sacrifice and the Evangelical church's urge to be safe. To let Jeff and Leigh know your thoughts on the podcast or the episode, find them at https://justcameforthetacos.com/
2023-10-171h 02
Just Came For The TacosThe Naked Pastor David HaywardThis week, Jeff pulls an interview with David Hayward the Naked Pastor from the archives of Jeff's other podcast. Jeff and David talk about creating art after and in Deconstruction. You can find David on instragram at https://www.instagram.com/nakedpastor/ You can find all of his work at https://nakedpastor.com/ And don't forget to check out his YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@nakedpastor
2023-10-1056 min
Just Came For The TacosMatthias Roberts and Holy Run AwaysThis week on the podcast, Leigh and Jeff interview Matthias Roberts about his new book, Holy Runaways. Matthias is a pyschotherapist specilizing in religious and spiritual trauma, the author of Beyond Shame: Creating a Healthy Sex Life on Your Own Terms, and the host of the podcast Queerology. Holy Runaways speaks to people who are feeling ignored, oppressed, or rejected by their religious community and church, offering a path forward built on speaking truth, deep listening, and acting with compassion. Pick up your copy of Holy Runaways at https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506485652/Holy-Runaways
2023-10-0355 min
Just Came For The TacosMantras to Help You Process Your DeconstructionIn this episode, Leigh brings three mantras she uses that have helped her process her deconstruction. She and Jeff talk through the mantras and work together to describe the different seasons and stages of deconstruction. For more on Jeff and Leigh, go to https://justcameforthetacos.com/
2023-09-261h 06
Just Came For The TacosDr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 6 Principles of NonviolenceIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh look at Dr. King's 6 Principles of Nonviolence. They look at the teachings of Dr. King not just as the backbone of the civil rights movement, but as a way of life and discuss how the principles empower them in life after deconstruction. For more on King's teachings on nonviolence, check out https://thekingcenter.org/about-tkc/the-king-philosophy/
2023-09-191h 12
Just Came For The TacosFour Biblical Concepts Things that Have ChangedIn this episode, Leigh and Jeff talk about four Biblical concepts that have changed for them. Leigh talks about the concepts of sin and mystery. Jeff talks about the concepts of Biblical hereos and God's thinking on the economy. To contact Leigh or Jeff, go to https://justcameforthetacos.com/
2023-09-121h 30
Just Came For The TacosReframing Spiritual Disciplines for Life Outside of ChurchIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh talk about spiritual disciplines. After looking back on habbits they used to have, they discuss 10 spiritual disciplines they practice now and how they've reframed them post deconstructing their faith.
2023-09-051h 17
Just Came For The TacosLaunching Children into the WorldIn this episode, Leigh and Jeff talk about raising kids after deconstructing your faith. Specifically, they focus on what ideas and values they want their children to take with them into the world.
2023-08-291h 16
Just Came For The TacosDon Golden and Jesus Wants to Save ChristiansLeigh and Jeff have the honor of sitting down with Don Golden. In addition to working for World Relief, Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, World Vision, and Red Letter Christians, Don Golden co-authored the book Jesus Wants to Save Christians with Rob Bell in 2008. In addition to discussing the book, Don explains why Jesus followers should be focused on the cries of the oppressed, his thoughts on the current state of the American Evangelical church, and the work he doing now to bring resources and change to the most dangerous problems humanity faces. To find more a...
2023-08-221h 06
Just Came For The TacosUnfinished Reformation - Mark Driscoll's Radical ReformissionIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh breakdown the anti-Rob Bell, Mark Driscoll. They talk about who Mark Driscoll is and then talk about his theology using the book Radical Reformission.
2023-08-151h 42
Just Came For The TacosPreaching - Behind the ScenesIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh talk about preaching. They give a behind the scenes look of what preaching was like and talk about how their opinions of it have changed since they began deconstructing their faith.
2023-08-071h 15
Just Came For The TacosThe Church Post Pandemic and Louie GiglioAfter visiting Atlanta, Jeff returns to talk to Leigh about Louie Giglio, the Passion Movement, and what the Attractional Church should be as we recover from the Pandemic. To connect with Leigh and Jeff, visit https://justcameforthetacos.com/
2023-08-011h 12
Just Came For The TacosNew Thinking on Old PassagesIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh tackle 4 passages from the Bible that they now see differently after deconstruction: Abraham sacrificing Isaac, Elisha calling down the she-bears, God flooding the world, and Jesus telling the disciples to bring peace. To send a message to Leigh or Jeff, ot to ask a general question, head over to https://justcameforthetacos.com/
2023-07-251h 09
Just Came For The TacosBarbara Brown Taylor and Holy EnvyIn this episdoe, Leigh introduces Jeff to Barbara Brown Taylor. Leigh shares how her thinking and worldview were changed when she encountered Barbara Brown Taylor's work. Leigh leads Jeff through the book Holy Envy, and they discuss what it means to have a generous orthodoxy. To find more of Barbara Brown Taylor's work, check out https://barbarabrowntaylor.com/ To leave a question or comment for Jeff and Leigh, go to https://justcameforthetacos.com/contact-us/
2023-07-1855 min
Just Came For The TacosWhat We Can Learn from Church Websites -- The Small Groups PageIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh talk about the different types of small groups churches offer and what you can learn about the church based on the small group model they have adopted. This is a great episode for anyone in the midst of deconstruction who is trying out new churches, or anyone who has left and is thinking about going back. Jeff and Leigh pull back the curtain on decisions being made by church staff and how those decisions impact the congregation.
2023-07-111h 12
Just Came For The TacosMusic that Made Us and Music that is Making UsIn this episode, Leigh and Jeff share songs that have been important to each of them. First, they each share two songs that were important to them as evangelicals. Then, they share two songs that are important to them as post-evangelicals. Through discussing the songs, they talk about a wide range of topics, including the rapture, colonialism, the church's response to covid, and more. You can find them at https://justcameforthetacos.com/.
2023-07-031h 17
Just Came For The TacosAlan Hirsch's The Forgotten Ways (Unfinished Reformation Part 2)In this episode, Jeff and Leigh look at Alan Hirsch's book, The Forgotten Ways. The book was the backbone of the Missional Movement in the early 2000s. It is an exploration for a new way to structure the American Evangelical church that was never realized. Jeff walks Leigh through the aspects of the book and they diaganos how the book sits with them now 15 years later. This continues Leigh and Jeff's look at the promised Reformation of the early 2000s that never came.
2023-06-271h 33
Just Came For The TacosThings Bringing Us LifeAfter reflecting on how their families handled media growing up, Jeff and Leigh talk about things they are doing and consuming that are bringing them life. Leigh talks about alcoholic pickles, Jeff discusses an author he loves, they both laugh about Chat GPT, and they share movies they are finding freedom in.
2023-06-201h 01
Just Came For The TacosRob Bell's Velvet Elvis (Unfinished Reformation Part 1)In this episode, Jeff and Leigh revisit Rob Bell's book Velvet Elvis. The book had a huge impact on both of their deconstructions (although Jeff may have taken his love for Rob Bell to an extreme). They talk through the principles laid out in the book and reflect on it almost 20 years later.
2023-06-131h 26
Just Came For The TacosKnowing When It's Time to Leave and Tips for Leaving WellIn this episode, Leigh leads Jeff through a discussion about what to do when you have crossed a line and can't take it anymore. They talk about the three options you have at that moment: put your head down, decide to be a change agent, or leave. They then discuss how to leave in a way that will empower you on your way out.
2023-06-061h 10
Just Came For The TacosProcessing Deconstruction through WritingIn this episode, Jeff talks about his transition out of professional ministry and what he has learned about life, religion, and people from writing fiction.
2023-05-301h 08
Just Came For The TacosKatie Callahan and Creating Art Post EvangelicalismIn this episode, Leigh sits down with Katie Callahan to talk about her new album coming out in May. Katie shares her deconstruction story and talks about making art after life in the church. They dive into mental health and cultures pressure on aging women. At the end of the episode, Katie gives us access to a song from her album - Magnificent Beast. You can find more of Katie's work at https://www.katiecallahanmusic.com/
2023-05-2347 min
Just Came For The TacosThe Prayer of Jabez and Evangelical CapitalismJeff and Leigh look at the international best seller, The Prayer of Jabez and talk about Baptist Bookstores, Bible memorization tools, and the prayer itself.
2023-05-161h 17
Just Came For The TacosBrandon Flanery and Why People are Leaving ChristianityIn this episode, Leigh and Jeff talk to author and journalist Brandon Flanery. After talking about his work and his life growing up in the church, they dive deep into a piece Brandon wrote for the Baptist New Global entitled "I Asked People Why They're Leaving Christianity and Here's What I Heard." The conversation is a wonderful and compassionate discussion about the reasons people give for why they are leaving the evangelical church. Find Brandon's website go read everything he has written: https://brandonflanery.com/ You can find his article in the Baptist Global Press h...
2023-05-0959 min
Just Came For The TacosRebuilding RitualsIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh talk about rebuilding rituals. They define rituals as things they did routinely with intention. They then go on to discuss how rituals have shifted for them after leaving the evangelical church. This podcast is part 2 of the episode on sin. For more on the podcast or to reach out to the hosts, head over to https://justcameforthetacos.com/
2023-05-021h 12
Just Came For The TacosParenting Post EvangelicalismIn this episode, Leigh shares three things that have changed in her parenting style since she's left the evangelical church. Find us at https://justcameforthetacos.com/
2023-04-251h 06
Just Came For The TacosInterview with Brad Onishi about Preparing for WarIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh sit down with Brad Onishi to talk about his new book, Preparing for War. Brad is a social commentator, scholar, writer, teacher, coach, and co-host of the Straight White American Jesus Podcast. To find more about Brad and his work, go to https://www.bradonishi.com/
2023-04-2059 min
Just Came For The TacosThe Evangelical Church and Politics - Reviewing Preparing for War by Brad OnishiIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh talk about the book Preparing for War by Bradley Onishi. They walk through the book and reflect on moments in which the book connected with them. Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism -- and What Comes Next by Bradley Onishi is a look at the history of the white evangelical church's marriage to politics and how it led to the the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6.
2023-04-181h 12
Just Came For The TacosChristian Celebrity, Joshua Harris, and Kissing Things GoodbyeIn this episode, Leigh teaches Jeff about Joshua Harris. They talk about his launch to fame with I kiss dating goodbye, his departure from the evangelical church, and then the fallout after. As they explore Harris' career and life, they discuss Christian celebrity and the problems around it.
2023-04-111h 07
Just Came For The TacosDeconstructing SinIn this episode, Jeff shares with Leigh his post evangelical understanding of sin. They talk about what the concept of sin was for them when they were in the evangelical church. They look at how the insecurity behind that belief, impact of it on those who practice it, and the damage it does. In the second half of the episode, Jeff goes full-Bible-nerd and explains how he used passages from Paul's letters to find a new understanding of sin - an understanding that calls him to love and serve others in a healtier way.
2023-04-041h 24
Just Came For The TacosLove and Respect by Emerson EggerichsIn this episode, Leigh takes Jeff through the international best seller, Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs. They focus on the idea of "complementarianism," what it looks like, how they encountered it, and what their marriages are like after deconstruction.
2023-03-2859 min
Just Came For The TacosThe Impact of Seven Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley, Lane Jones, and Reggie JoinerIn this episode, Jeff and Leigh look at the 1994 leadership classic, Seven Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley, Lane Jones, and Reggie Joiner. As Jeff walks Leigh through the content of book, they discuss the leadership principles explained in the text and how those principles have impacted the American Evangelical church. They look specifically at how following the principles creates distance between church staff and membership. For more about Jeff and Leigh, check out https://justcameforthetacos.com/
2023-03-211h 23
Just Came For The TacosThings I've Kept - LeighIn this episode, Leigh shares where her faith is now after/during deconstructing. She reflects on how this is her first time voicing these things and the anxiety she felt about how much things are always changing for her. She dives into the her new way of looking at the Bible and then talks about her beliefs in the context of three Bible stories.
2023-03-141h 02
Just Came For The TacosThings I've Kept - JeffIn this episode, Jeff shares where his faith is now after deconstructing for over a decade. He talks about how he's changed his understanding of belief, prayer, the bible, and loving others with a focus on how his life after evangelicalism has changed.
2023-03-0757 min
Just Came For The TacosMoments of DeconstructionIn this episode, Leigh and Jeff talk about their deconstruction. The each examine three moments in life that ultimately ended in their both leaving the evangelical church.
2023-03-071h 56
Just Came For The TacosWelcome to We Just Came for the TacosWelcome to "We Just Came for the Tacos" - a podcast about life after the evangelical church. Jeff and Leigh (both ex-pastors who have left the evangelical church) talk about where they are finding hope and peace now and process their life in and after deconstruction.
2023-02-2803 min