Shows
We Are CompatibleRev. Will GreenRev. Will Green is a pastor at Ballard Vale United Church in Andover, MA, which is a joint United Methodist and United Church of Christ congregation. He is also a member of Love Prevails. Josh and Alex speak with Will about his personal story as well as his journey into the work of fighting for change within the United Methodist Church.2017-11-2256 minWe Are CompatibleReverend Alex da Silva SoutoRev. Alex da Silva Souto is the senior pastor at New Milford United Methodist Church. He is also, along with Rev. Lois McCullen Parr, a co-convened of the United Methodist Queer Clergy Caucus. Josh spoke with Alex on Oct 28th just after Alex’s return home from the meeting of Judicial Council in Los Angeles. Recorded on 10/28/17 The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they ar...2017-11-0151 minWe Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S2EP3 - David MayoDavid Mayo grew up in the Baptist Church and experienced rejection from his faith community when he came out as a gay man. David studied Sociology and International Studies at Ohio State University during which he served as an intern at Summit on 16th United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in fact, compatible. Please join hosts, Alex Shanks and Josh C...2017-10-1746 minWe Are CompatibleRubén Castilla HerreraRubén Castilla Herrera is a native Texan who spent his childhood working with his family as migrant farmer workers. He is a graduate of the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and he works as an immigrants and farm workers rights advocate in Columbus, Ohio. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in fact, compatible. Please join hosts, Alex Shanks and Josh Culbertson, as they e...2017-10-1048 minWe Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S2EP1 - REV. DAVID WEEKLEYRev. David Weekly is a United Methodist Pastor, serving at St. Nicholas United Methodist Church, and he is a transgender man. David resides in Massachusetts with his wife, Deborah. In 2009, David share his story in his book, 'In from the Wilderness: Sherman: She-r-man.' Recorded on 9/10/17 The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in fact, compatible. Please join hosts, Alex Shanks and Josh...2017-10-0329 minWe Are CompatibleJosh's Radio InterviewOn May 30th, Josh was featured as part of a panel along with Jaren Terry of PFLAG Columbus and Siobhan Boyd Nelson of Stonewall Columbus for a discussion of homosexuality and the church on WVKO 1580 AM, a conservative Christian radio station, with show host Shanikka Flinn. Recorded on 5/30/17. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in fact, compatible. Please join hosts, A...2017-05-3130 minWe Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE - SPECIAL EPISODE - CHECK IN WITH BISHOP KAREN OLIVETOEven though we are technically on a break between seasons, we wanted to take a moment and recognize that a significant event happened within the United Methodist Church in terms of the denomination's relationship with LGBTQ+ persons in general and Bishop Karen Oliveto in particular. Please join us as Josh and guest co-host, MTSO Associate Professor of Christian Ethics Dr. Yvonne Zimmerman have a candid conversation with Bishop Oliveto. Recorded on 5/11/17. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to...2017-05-1639 minWe Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP22 - JUSTIN NELSON NOWAKOWSKI AND JACOB ROLLINSFor this episode, we are pulling back the curtain a bit to introduce you to two of the people who work to make this podcast possible. Justin Nelson Nowakowski is a lifelong United Methodist and is currently a layperson at Broad Street United Methodist in downtown Columbus, Ohio. He contributes to the podcast by working on fundraising and development. Jacob Rollins was raised in the United Methodist church although he does not currently consider himself religious. He got involved in the podcast through Equality Ohio and helps out through running microphones during recordings and editing...2017-03-2845 minWe Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP22 - JOE COBB & LEIGH ANNE TAYLORJoe Cobb was a United Methodist Elder for 20 years, and Leigh Anne Taylor is a United Methodist Deacon. They were married and even serving at the same church together until Joe could no longer deny the truth of his sexuality. While it was not an easy journey, they walked this journey together and have found their way to a place of peace with each other, their new loves, their children, and with God. They have shared their story in their book, 'Our Family Outing,' and we were honored to be able to have them as guests on our...2017-03-2146 minWe Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP22 - WILLIAM HALTERThis week Josh and Alex talk to someone a bit outside our normal guest pool, someone who thinks a bit differently. Bill Halter, who will be ordained as a United Methodist Elder in a few months, would not, based on his current theological understanding, perform a wedding for an LGBTQ+ couple, but he does believe that the incompatibility language should be removed from the Book of Discipline. He sees a church that is big enough and strong enough to sustain differing views and beliefs while focusing on our commonalities. Bill is currently serving as pastor at two United Methodist...2017-03-1441 minWe Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP21 - REV PAMELA LIGHTSEYRev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey is the Associate Dean for Community Life and Lifelong Learning and the Clinical Assistant Professor of Contextual Theology and Practice at the Boston University School of Theology. She earned her Master's of Divinity at the Gammon Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center and her Ph. D. at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She also happens to be an out lesbian and a powerful advocate for social justice. We are honored to have her as a guest on the show. Recorded on 2/28/17. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of...2017-03-0740 minWe Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP20 - MATTHEW BERRYMAN2017-02-2838 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP19 - FRANK PARMIRFrank Parmir is an organizer with the organization Muslims for Progressive Values. Christianity and United Methodism is not the only arena of religion and faith where discussions of LGBTQ persons is taking place. Alex and Josh speak with Frank about what his faith tells him about this topic and how he arrived at his stance of acceptance and inclusion within his own faith context. Recorded on 2/7/17. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what...2017-02-2136 minWe Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP18 - STEVEN DUNNSteven Dunn, after many years apart from organized religion, has found a space for himself within the United Methodist Church after having experienced what he saw as an extremely generous gesture on the part of a United Methodist pastor. He is an openly gay man, and he attends Summit on 16th United Methodist Church in Columbus, OH. Listen with us as Josh and Alex talk to Steven about his powerful story of exclusion and reconnection. Recorded on 2/7/17. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well...2017-02-1435 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP17 - REV IZZY ALVARANIzzy Alvaran is the Western Regional Organizer for Reconciling Ministries Network, and he is an ordained elder in the Philippines Annual Conference. He currently lives in San Francisco. Listen to Izzy's story as he has a conversation with Josh and Alex about his journey. Recorded on 1/24/17. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in fact, compatible. Please join hosts, Alex Shanks and Josh...2017-02-0738 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP16 - REV LOU SEIPELThis week Josh and Alex talk to Josh's own pastor, Rev. Lou Seipel. She is the senior pastor at Broad Street United Methodist Church in Columbus, OH, and she identifies as an ally. Lou shares her views on difference and how she has made space in her own life and ministry all persons. Recorded on 1/24/17. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in f...2017-01-3137 min
We Are CompatibleS1EP15 - WE ARE COMPATIBLE - GISELLE LAWNJosh and Alex speak to Giselle Lawn, a transgender woman living in northern Florida. She is a former Reconciling Ministries Network board member and is also currently serving on the United Methodist Alliance for Transgender for Inclusion. Recorded on 1/10/17. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in fact, compatible. Please join hosts, Alex Shanks and Josh Culbertson, as they explore these stories...2017-01-241h 01
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP14 - JARELL WILSONThis week Josh and Alex talk to Jarell Wilson. Jarell is currently a candidate for ministry in the Northern Illinois Conference, and he serves in a pastoral role at Urban Village Church in Chicago. Join us as Jarell shares his story and his personal vision for ministry! Recorded on 1/3/17. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in fact, compatible. Please join hosts, Alex Shanks...2017-01-1752 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP13 - REV JEFF MULLINIX & STEVE SHAMBLINJeff Mullinix and Steve Shamblin lived separate lives that were, in some ways, very similar, and, in others, very different. On a rainy morning in Columbus Ohio, they found each other, and, a few short weeks ago, they walked down the isle and were married before their family and friends. Recorded on 12/20/16. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in fact, compatible. Please j...2017-01-1053 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP12 - REV DAVID MEREDITHAs a graduate of the Ohio State University and a 1984 graduate of the Saint Paul School of Theology, David Meredith brings over 30 years of experience in ministry, and a lifetime of lived out experiences within the church, to the conversation of sexuality and spirituality and the long-standing conflict over human sexuality within the United Methodist Church. David’s marriage to his husband Jim this past May became a national news story within hours of it happening. David talks to us about what it was like to grow up knowing his was different than other boys, his call to ministry, an...2017-01-031h 05
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE SPECIAL EPISODE - TREY PEARSONOn October 11th, National Coming Out Day, Alex and Josh sat down with former lead singer of Christian rock band Everyday Sunday. In May of this year, Trey came out publicly in 6-1-4 Magazine as a gay man. As a married father of two and having spent the last several years in the spotlight of conservative evangelicalism, Trey embarked on the journey to navigate and honor his truth while balancing his personal, creative, professional, and faith commitments. Trey shares about the events that led him to his decision to come out and about what lies ahead for him. L...2016-12-1332 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP12 - REV LOIS MCCULLEN PARRThis week's guest is Reconciling Ministries Network's Northern Regional Organizer Lois McCullen Parr. Lois has found two life-giving locations in her journey: the church, and the LGBTQ community. However, the overlap of these two communities has been rare (and even harmful). This intersection is where Lois heard God’s call to ministry at age 40. In seeking to be faithful to the Gospel revealed in Jesus, Lois hopes to preach and teach about the God who created us good, and loves us no matter what. Lois’ favorite Bible verse is “nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God...2016-11-2235 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP11 - M BARCLAYM Barclay serves as RMN’s Director of Communications and served for two years as staff liaison to United Methodist Alliance for Transgender Inclusion. A life-long Methodist seeking ordination as a deacon, M hails from Florida where they worked for the Wesley Foundation and received a BA in Communications. While later attending seminary at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, they worked as a hospital chaplain. Since, they have served as Justice Associate and Youth Director at University UMC in Austin, Texas and as Faith Network Coordinator at Texas Freedom Network. Recorded on 11/08/16. The purpose of 'We Ar...2016-11-1554 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP10 - JOEY LOPEZPassionate about social justice and intersectional advocacy, Joey has worked with people of faith in Chicago, Detroit, and communities across North Carolina organizing and empowering them to claim their voice for justice in the world. His own intersecting identities as a queer white-latino shape his commitment to economic, racial, gender, and queer liberation and justice both inside and outside communities of faith. You can follow Joey on Twitter at @loeyjopez07. Recorded on 11/06/16. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order t...2016-11-0954 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP9 - THE COMMISSIONThis week Alex and Josh share their reactions to the 32-member commission named by the United Methodist Council of Bishops. This commission is being charged with finding a way forward for the denomination which is deeply divided over whether or not it should abandon or alter its current position on homosexuality. During the episode, both hosts reference an article from United Methodist Insight. Here is a link to the article. http://um-insight.net/in-the-church/finance-and-administration/council-of-bishops-names-32-members-to-commission/ Recorded on 10/26/16. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families a...2016-11-0130 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP8 - SILE SINGLETONSile Singleton is an intriguing individual who challenges labels of sex, gender, and sexuality. Join us we hear Sile's story. Having grown up in the small river town of Zanesville, Ohio, to families on both sides with a history of service as clergy, Sile literally grew up in the church. Now a member of Summit United Methodist Church in Columbus, Sile works to create spaces where others can feel free to give voice to who they are. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their all...2016-10-251h 07
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP7 - BOBBI AND CHRISTYOn this week's episode of 'We Are Compatible,' we meet Bobbi and Christy. Join us as we hear their story, learn about their journeys to understanding themselves, taking their first steps into building a life together, and to becoming parents. We were incredibly blessed to be able to hear their story. We know you will be as well! Recorded on 10/4/16. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say...2016-10-1847 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE SPECIAL EPISODE - WESLEYAN COVENANT ASSOCAlex and Josh have a conversation about their reactions to the Wesleyan Covenant Association. Listen in and hear their thoughts. They also invite you, their listeners, to chime in via e-mail and social media. Join us, and be a part of the conversation! Recorded on 6/11/16. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in fact, compatible. Please join hosts, Alex Shanks and Josh Culbertson, as they...2016-10-1218 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP6 - REV LAURA YOUNGRev. Laura Young is the senior pastor at Summit on 16th United Methodist Church in Columbus, OH. She is also the Director of the Ohio Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. Laura along with a large contingent of other clergy across the United States formally came out as LGBTQ in a letter. Despite the language in the Book of Discipline, Rev. Young is showing everyday that LGBTQ persons can and do serve in meaningful ways. Recorded on 9/27/16. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in...2016-10-1145 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP5 - KEN SCHOONKen Schoon is a clergy candidate in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Discerning his need to be authenticate in his candidacy process, Ken came out as a "self-avowed practicing homosexual" to his district committee on ordination. This bold move and the responses of others within the denomination has sparked conversations throughout the West Ohio Conference and the entire denomination, sparking other candidates to come out during their own processes and fueling conversation about the role of human sexuality in the ordination process. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives...2016-10-041h 07
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP4 - REV JOHN GIRARDWhat kind of business are are we about in the United Methodist Church? If the denomination were to take an aptitude test, what, based on our attributes and qualities, would be our recommended profession? Join us as Josh and Alex have a conversation with Rev. John Girard about the journey that his life has taken him on and the new liberation that he feels after having come out as one of the West Ohio Six. Recorded on 9/13/16. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their...2016-09-2737 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP3 - BISHOP KAREN OLIVETOOn the morning of September 5, 2016, Josh and Alex were able to sit down for a phone conversation with Bishop Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Regoin. Bishop Oliveto graciously shared her story of finding her calling, not in spite of who she is, but because of it. She also shares her vision and her hope for the United Methodist Church as we move forward. We were incredibly blessed to be able to chat with and to be able to share her story and insights with all of you, our listeners. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is...2016-09-2052 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP2 - ALEX'S STORYIn our second episode of 'We Are Compatible,' Josh and Alex dive into Alex's story to better understand his journey to accept himself as a trans man and what brings him to this work of trying to make the United Methodist Church a more welcoming place and also why he feels it might be time to leave the denomination behind. Recorded on 8/23/16. The purpose of 'We Are Compatible' is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of...2016-09-1357 min
We Are CompatibleWE ARE COMPATIBLE S1EP1 - JOSH'S STORYIn this first episode of We Are Compatible, you'll get to know Josh, one of the host's of the show. Hear about his journey through the ex-gay movement and how that led him to the United Methodist Church and the debate within the denomination over human sexuality. Recorded on 8/17/16 The purpose of 'We Are Compatible is to explore the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families as well as their allies in order to show that, regardless of what the United Methodist Book of Discipline may say, they are, in fact, compatible. Please join hosts, Alex Shanks and...2016-09-0641 min