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Can AI replace church, pastors, sermons, prayer, or real Christian community? In this live Grown-Up Church Kids episode, Dwan Hill and Shama Mrema sit down with Tommy Profitt, Lacy Abercrombie, and John Keith for a funny and honest conversation about ChatGPT, AI-generated sermons, church hurt, hearing God’s voice, spiritual discernment, creativity, singleness, parenting, and why church still matters. From Whoop Triggers and “Pastor GPT” jokes to deeper questions about revelation, silence, worship, scandals, and healing, this conversation wrestles with what technology can help us do and what it can never replace. If you grew up in church, left church, stayed in church, or are trying to trust church again, this episode is for you. 00:00 Can AI Replace Church? 02:14 Welcome to Grown-Up Church Kids 03:02 What Are Whoop Triggers? 07:20 Church Is Not Like It Used to Be 07:47 Do Christians Use AI? 10:36 AI, Creativity, and the Image of God 15:17 Questions You Would Only Ask ChatGPT 20:04 AI Sermons vs. Holy Spirit Revelation 21:36 How Do You Hear God’s Voice? 22:28 Religion, Relationship, and Spiritual Practices 27:16 What Kind of Church Did You Grow Up In? 31:24 Growing Up Between Black Church and White Church 35:10 God’s First Language Is Silence 38:05 Why Church Still Matters for Families 41:43 Singleness in the Church 47:11 Critiquing Church From the Outside 49:21 Deconstruction vs. Leaving Church 50:17 Church Is Where We Practice Being Human 53:24 Killing Our Critical Spirit 55:29 A Word for People Hurt by Church 58:06 Thank God for the Church 01:02:31 The Church Is Alive and Well ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #jonkeith #lacyabercrombie #tommieprofitt #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid You grew up in church too? Take the GCK Check In and see what kind of grown up church kid you turned out to be: https://go.grownupchurchkids.com/checkin

Michael Bethany joins Grown-Up Church Kids to talk about growing up Pentecostal and COGIC, learning the difference between gospel music and modern worship, leading in CCM spaces like Gateway, and how he thinks about speaking in tongues today. This conversation is full of church kid nostalgia, honest theology, Black church memories, worship leading, spiritual gifts, and the journey of carrying Pentecostal faith into new rooms without losing the fire. 0:00 Welcome to Grown-Up Church Kids 0:45 Introducing Michael Bethany 2:30 The guest speaker experience in the Black church 5:15 "Lily in my valley" and the art of the preacher introduction 8:00 Growing up in a storefront COGIC church 11:20 Did cameras and phones kill something real in church? 14:45 Everyone got to talk in old church and why that mattered 17:30 Church traditions, liturgy, and belonging 20:10 COGIC theme song breakdown and what it actually means 23:00 From COGIC to CCM: Michael Bethany's musical journey 27:15 Singing BGVs for Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin 29:40 How Michael Bethany ended up at Gateway Church 33:00 The bridge between gospel and CCM worship culture 36:20 Do you still speak in tongues? 40:10 What Paul teaches about tongues and spiritual gifts 43:30 Dwan's mom delivering a message in tongues that changed his life 46:00 What Pentecostals and Presbyterians can learn from each other 49:15 Finding the secret place beyond the performance of church 52:30 How Michael Bethany wrote Secret Place and Walk With You 55:00 God connects people for a reason: how Dwan and Michael met 57:30 Michael Bethany performs Secret Place live ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #stephenmcwhirter #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

Stephen McWhirter is known as the songwriter of “Come Jesus Come,” but behind the worship songs is a story of addiction, church hurt, forgiveness, and radical restoration. In this episode of Grown-Up Church Kids, Stephen shares how growing up around ministry shaped his view of God, why he once hated Jesus and Christians, and how a 3 a.m. encounter with God changed everything. Dwan, Shama, and Stephen talk about church hypocrisy, addiction, repentance, forgiving his father, family, ministry, and what it means to know Jesus beyond the people who misrepresented Him. 00:00 Stephen’s Story Begins 01:15 That’ll Preach 06:31 When a Christian Artist Gets Real 07:48 “I Don’t Know If You Want Me On This Podcast” 09:27 Growing Up With Church Hypocrisy 10:40 Addiction, Anger, and Hating Jesus 14:15 The Billy Graham Crusade 15:22 Reading The Case for Christ at 3 A.M. 16:13 “You Won’t Do It. I’ll Do It.” 17:05 Quitting Drugs Overnight 18:14 Returning to Church 20:14 Forgiving His Father 24:09 His Father’s Final Breath 25:20 Why Forgiveness Is So Hard 27:15 Repentance, Consequences, and Grace 31:07 “You Don’t Know Who You Are Yet” 33:05 Ministry With Jesus vs. Ministry For Jesus 35:08 Choosing Family Over the Grind 40:28 Stephen’s Book and Music 41:32 “Come Jesus Come” and What’s Next 41:54 Old Rugged Cross ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #stephenmcwhirter #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

Did you grow up in church and now wonder if you should stay? In this episode of Grown-Up Church Kids, Dwan Hill and Shama Mrema talk about pastors’ kids, church culture, childhood faith, ministry pressure, deconstruction, grief, and what it means to follow Jesus as an adult. If you’ve ever wrestled with church, Christianity, spiritual burnout, or the faith you inherited, there is room for you here. Grown-Up Church Kids is where Sunday meets real life, where there’s more of us than you think, and where stories are better than sermons. 00:00 Should Church Kids Stay? 01:07 Welcome to Grown-Up Church Kids 02:44 Growing Up Around the Pulpit 04:24 First Church Memories 06:17 Church Every Single Week 10:37 Black Church and Public School 12:23 Sheltered Church Kid Moments 18:09 Gospel Church vs CCM Church 20:50 Shama’s Missionary Kid Story 24:53 When Church Changed a Family 26:09 Church Planting in Tanzania 29:03 Pastor’s Kid Pressure 32:12 Choosing Faith for Yourself 35:21 Fired From Church Ministry 38:26 Old Church Kid Pictures 40:41 The Cost of Ministry Commitment 46:00 Trying to Be Perfect 47:58 Dwan’s Salvation Story 50:08 Childhood Faith as an Adult 53:21 Faith When Parents Get Sick 55:34 Wrestling With Disappointment 57:19 Grief, Joy, and Seasons 1:00:24 Deconstruction and Returning to Faith 1:01:56 Trying Church Again 1:04:03 Don’t Give Up ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

Gracie Binion sits down with Dwan and Shama to talk about writing “Goodbye Yesterday,” hearing the audible voice of God, navigating fake prophecy, and what it actually looks like to release secular music as a worship leader. She opens up about growing up in a ministry family, leaving a toxic relationship, receiving prophetic words at 13 that did not make sense until she got married, and why she still believes God speaks even when the prophetic movement has been misused. Grown Up Church Kids is where Sunday morning meets real life. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #graciebinion #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

Trip Lee was 19 years old when he was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. He has never fully recovered. And in that body he has pastored churches, raised a family, and written some of the most worshipful music in Christian hip hop. In this episode of Grown Up Church Kids, Dwan sits down with Trip to talk about what it costs to follow Jesus when your body won’t cooperate, what it felt like to grow up caught between two cultures, and what he believes about a God who hasn’t said yes yet. His new album For Your Glory is out now. This conversation will stay with you. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #triplee #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

Grammy-winning Christian artist DOE joins Grown Up Church Kids for a hilarious and honest conversation about growing up in church, and the rules a lot of church kids remember: no kissing, no Disney, no scary movies, no dating, and sometimes… no pants. From Pentecostal holiness culture and COGIC roots to Pokémon panic, purity culture, R-rated movies, dating, parenting, and spiritual conviction, this episode asks what protection was, what was fear, and what still matters now. DOE also shares how her bilingual church upbringing shaped her worship, how her family prayer times formed her songwriting, and what motherhood is teaching her about raising kids without trying to fix herself through them. If you grew up in church and are still sorting through the beauty, the baggage, and the funny rules that shaped you, this one is for you. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW 00:00 No Power Rangers in Church 01:29 Welcome to Grown Up Church Kids 02:21 Movies Church Kids Couldn’t Watch 08:58 Meet DOE 10:28 DOE’s COGIC Roots 14:32 Growing Up in a Bilingual Church 20:16 Multicultural Worship & Israel Houghton 25:57 Bible Games & Sword Drills 31:44 DOE on R-Rated Movies 32:45 “Demon in My Pocket” 35:37 Parenting, Pokémon & Conviction 39:31 Aladdin, Genies & Spiritual Sensitivity 42:47 Christian Content We Can Trust 45:53 Scary Movies & Fear 50:03 Dating as a Church Kid 53:50 Purity Culture and Marriage 59:09 The Testimony of Protection 1:04:47 Church Kids at House Parties 1:08:52 DOE’s Musical Influences 1:13:02 Songs Born in Prayer 1:14:19 Meet Baby Shiloh 1:15:44 Parenting Without Projecting 1:18:48 Final Thoughts & Songs More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #doe #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

In this episode of Grown Up Church Kids, Matt Maher joins Dwan Hill and Shama Mrema for an honest, eye-opening conversation about Catholic vs Protestant beliefs, church unity, saints, the Eucharist, and what it really means to follow Jesus. If you’ve ever wondered “Are Catholics Christians?”, struggled with church hurt, or felt disconnected from faith after growing up in church, this conversation bridges the gap with clarity, humility, and depth. From misconceptions about praying to saints to the meaning of communion and the beauty of liturgy, this episode explores how different traditions can still point to the same gospel. It’s not about winning arguments. It’s about rediscovering faith, unity in the Church, and a deeper relationship with God beyond performance, denomination, or tradition. If you’re a grown-up church kid trying to make sense of faith today, this one’s for you. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #mattmaher #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid 00:00 One Church or Many? 01:06 Welcome to GCK 02:11 Catholic Curiosity Begins 05:48 Meet Matt Maher 06:14 Are Catholics Christians? 10:06 Do Catholics Worship Saints? 15:07 Is Heaven Closer Than We Think? 19:47 The Eucharist Explained 25:07 Why Catholics Believe This 30:31 “Catholic Then Saved?” 37:29 Why Church Kids Walk Away 41:35 Social Media & Faith 47:13 Is There Only One Church? 49:20 Why Young People Want Liturgy 57:04 The Problem with “New” Theology 01:01:11 How to Grow in Faith Daily 01:08:46 Unity Over Division 01:12:37 Final Thoughts & Music

What happens when you grow up in church but realize you don’t actually know Jesus? This episode of Grown Up Church Kids explores church hurt, faith journey, and the difference between religion and a real relationship with God. From surviving religious persecution in Nigeria to navigating American church culture, this conversation dives into spiritual burnout, authentic Christianity, and what it really means to follow Jesus beyond routines and inherited beliefs. We talk about growing up in church, losing faith in ministry, and rediscovering God through personal encounter—not performance. If you’ve experienced church trauma, questioned your faith, or felt disconnected from Christianity, this episode will resonate. You’ll hear powerful Christian testimony, honest conversations about doubt, and insight into how different cultures experience faith, worship, and Jesus. This is about moving from knowing about God to actually knowing Him—and why that changes everything. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX 00:00 “Come As You Are”… But Never Change? 02:07 Welcome to Church Kid Reality 04:00 Church Culture vs Real Faith 07:22 Why Worship Feels Different Now 10:02 Faith That Could Cost Your Life 13:21 The Power of Simple Kindness 16:00 “I Knew About God… Not God” 19:02 When Faith Becomes Personal 22:04 When Ministry Breaks Your Faith 25:02 When Church Doesn’t Hold Up 30:59 The Problem With American Christianity 33:10 What Other Cultures Get Right 36:04 Using God vs Actually Knowing Him 41:02 Comfort Is Killing Hunger for God 46:04 What Church Was Supposed To Be 49:16 Finishing Faith Well 54:42 Real Worship vs Performance 58:07 Why Authenticity Hits Harder 01:02:26 Why Imperfection Connects 01:05:07 Bible Bowl (But Make It Competitive) 01:12:35 Final Thoughts + What Faith Looks Like Now FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #calledout #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

“Everything happens for a reason.” It sounds comforting, but for many people it’s one of the reasons faith starts to fall apart. In this conversation, Ian Simkins calls out the church phrases and shallow theology that don’t hold up in real suffering, and why so many people who grew up in church feel disconnected, disappointed, and unsure what to believe. We talk about church hurt, leadership pressure, and what it looks like to rebuild an honest, grounded faith on the other side. If you’ve ever felt like church language didn’t match your real life, this conversation will put words to it. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #frannicash #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

In Episode 2 of Grown-Up Church Kids, Dwan Hill and Shama Mrema sit down with hip hop artist nobigdyl to talk about confessing sexual addictions, interracial marriage, and growing up COGIC. If you grew up in church, this episode will feel familiar and maybe a little too real. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from nobigdyl YouTube:  Instagram:  Website:  More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #frannicash #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

Dwan Hill and Shama Mrema talk with Franni Cash about how she grew up in a cult, why she still chooses to be a part of the church, and what she thinks about women in ministry. Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. 5/14 Live Show in Nashville, TN Tickets: https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ YouTube Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Audio Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 Resource Link: https://amzn.to/3PISqfX More Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More Franni Cash YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEIal9gPIFeRHFkt0yXIlg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frannicash Website: https://www.frannicash.com/ More of The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ Special thanks to our amazing crew! Director and Editor: Kyle Whittaker (https://www.whittaker.media/) Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistant: Sarah Bush and Abby Loomis (Open Hand Management) Audio: Garrett Miller and Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo, and Social Media: Jordan Rubino Shama Mrema Management: Annie Cunningham #dwanhill #shamamrema #grownupchurchkids #thechoirroom #frannicash

Coming Easter 2026!