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Does God make gay people straight? Can prayer change your sexual orientation? In this Faith in 10 episode of the Inclusive Faith Podcast, Dr. Greg Neal, a gay pastor and conversion therapy survivor, responds to “ex-gay” testimonies and the claim, “I used to be gay, and Jesus changed me.” Drawing on his own experience in programs associated with Exodus International, Greg explores what people mean when they say they are no longer gay. Have their attractions changed, or have they changed their behavior, relationships, or identity? And what happens when someone else’s testimony becomes a measure of your faith? In this episode: • “Ex-gay” testimonies and the promises of conversion therapy • The difference between sexual orientation, celibacy, and marrying someone of another sex • Whether 1 Corinthians 6:11, “such were some of you,” describes a change in sexual orientation • The spiritual harm of being told to pray harder or surrender more • Being gay and Christian, finding self-acceptance, and trusting God’s love “Jesus didn’t make me straight. Jesus made me whole again.” If you have ever wondered whether being LGBTQ means your faith is insufficient, this episode offers a reminder: God’s love for you was never dependent on your becoming straight. Subscribe to the Inclusive Faith Podcast for conversations about LGBTQ inclusion, affirming Christianity, the Bible, and faith for real life. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that they are loved. Explore articles and resources: https://theinclusivefaith.com Content note: Includes discussion of conversion therapy, spiritual trauma, and suicide.

What happens when an execution becomes something we’re invited to watch? In this episode of The Inclusive Faith, Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal respond to the United States government’s plan to livestream a military execution and a failed execution in Tennessee. These headlines open a deeper conversation about capital punishment, the sacredness of human life, and what it means to follow Jesus when mercy is difficult. Where does justice end and revenge begin? Can we forgive someone while still holding them accountable? And does believing that every life is sacred include people who have committed terrible crimes? Together, Kade and Greg explore biblical arguments surrounding the death penalty, the United Methodist Church’s opposition to it, and the relationship between justice, mercy, and grace. They acknowledge the grief of victims’ families while asking whether taking another life can ever bring the healing we seek. Join us for an honest conversation about punishment, redemption, and the limits we place on compassion. How does your faith shape your views on the death penalty? Share your perspective respectfully in the comments. The Inclusive Faith is an LGBTQ+ affirming Christian podcast hosted by Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal. Through honest conversations about progressive Christianity, biblical interpretation, faith and doubt, social justice, and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church, we explore a faith rooted in the love and grace of Jesus. Whether you’re navigating faith deconstruction, healing from church hurt, or wondering if you can be LGBTQ+ and Christian, there’s room for you here. Visit https://theinclusivefaith.com for more episodes, resources, and community.

Spiritual but not religious? Can you believe in God, follow Jesus, and still struggle to trust the church? In this episode of The Inclusive Faith Podcast, hosts Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal have an honest conversation about spirituality, organized religion, church hurt, and finding a faith community where you can belong without hiding who you are. As LGBTQ+ Christian leaders, we understand why conditional welcome, religious manipulation, and broken promises have led people to step away from church. We explore what religious institutions need to take responsibility for, how community can support spiritual growth, and why churches need to care more about people than attendance numbers. We also share practical ways to explore an affirming church, look beyond “all are welcome,” and recognize when it’s time to leave a congregation that no longer supports your spiritual well-being. Whether you’re questioning Christianity, navigating faith deconstruction, seeking an LGBTQ+ affirming church, or exploring spirituality outside organized religion, you’re welcome in this conversation. Explore more episodes and resources for inclusive Christianity, LGBTQ+ affirmation, and spiritual community at https://theinclusivefaith.com. Subscribe to The Inclusive Faith Podcast and join us for honest conversations about faith, belonging, and God’s love.

What can our dogs teach us about God's unconditional love, grace, and belonging? In this special episode of The Inclusive Faith Podcast, Kade welcomes our very first guest co-host, Chloe, one of his three dogs, for a heartfelt reflection on faith, the love we share with our pets, and what it really means to come home. Having grown up with dogs, Kade knows there's something extraordinary about the way they welcome us. No matter how difficult the day has been, what mistakes we've made, or how long we've been away, they're simply happy we're home. That experience brings to mind the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Jesus tells the story of a father who sees his son returning from a distance and runs to embrace him before he can even finish his apology. It's a beautiful picture of God's grace and a reminder that we don't have to earn our way back into God's love. But what does that kind of unconditional welcome mean for our churches and our relationships? How can we create Christian communities where everyone, including LGBTQ+ people who have experienced rejection or conditional acceptance, knows they genuinely belong? In this episode, Kade explores the connection between our love for dogs and the Christian understanding of grace, reflecting on the joy of everyday homecomings, the heartbreak of knowing our pets won't be with us forever, and the invitation to become people who make others feel at home. Whether you're a lifelong dog lover, exploring your faith, or searching for an inclusive Christian community, this episode is a reminder that you are loved, you belong, and God's arms are always open. Scripture: Luke 15:11–32, the Parable of the Prodigal Son. About The Inclusive Faith Podcast: Join Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal as they explore progressive Christianity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, biblical interpretation, and what it means to follow Jesus with love and grace. Find more episodes, articles, and resources at theinclusivefaith.com

What happens when we die, and how much of what we believe about heaven actually comes from the Bible? In this episode of The Inclusive Faith Podcast, Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal look beyond pearly gates, clouds, harps, and other popular images of heaven. They explore where those ideas came from, what Scripture says about resurrection and eternity, and why faith does not always require certainty about what comes next. Kade shares honestly about growing up without the assurance that heaven was real and how he eventually found peace in not knowing. Greg reflects on his belief that death does not have the final word, God’s love will not let us go, and heaven may be far more inclusive than many Christians have been taught. Along the way, they discuss universalism, whether our beloved pets will be with us, the lasting power of love, and what it means to bring heaven into the here and now. Perhaps heaven is not simply a reward waiting at the end of life. Perhaps eternity has already begun. Learn more, find resources, and join our newsletter at TheInclusiveFaith.com.

What does conversion therapy actually do to a person? In this deeply personal episode of Faith in 10, Dr. Gregory S. Neal shares his experience inside a religious conversion therapy program, where he was taught to repeat the words, “I am an abomination,” until shame became inseparable from his understanding of himself and God. Greg reflects on the lasting spiritual and emotional wounds of conversion therapy, the dangerous ways shame can be mistaken for the voice of God, and the truth that finally helped him begin to heal: he did not need to become someone else to be loved by God. Conversion therapy promised freedom through changing who he was. The gospel offered something infinitely better: the freedom to stand before God without disguise, apology, or fear. God’s grace is sufficient. For Greg, for us, and for you. Follow or subscribe to the Inclusive Faith Podcast for honest conversations about Scripture, faith, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Find more episodes, articles, and resources at theinclusivefaith.com. Content note: This episode includes personal accounts of conversion therapy, religious trauma, and anti-LGBTQ+ language.

Is hell really a place of eternal fire and punishment? Would a loving God condemn someone to endless torment, and is that actually what Jesus taught? In this episode of The Inclusive Faith Podcast, Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal ask a question many Christians are afraid to voice: What if everything we have been taught about hell is wrong? Together, they explore what the Bible actually says about hell, Jesus’ references to Gehenna, the influence of Dante’s Inferno, and the development of belief in eternal punishment. They also examine Christian annihilationism, universal salvation, and whether the limitless grace of God could ultimately include everyone. For many LGBTQ+ Christians, hell has been more than a theological idea. It has been used as a weapon to frighten, shame, and control them. Greg shares how the threat of hell was used against him growing up, while Kade reflects on why a Christianity centered on escaping punishment never made sense to him. Can a faith built on fear truly be faith? Does God’s grace end when we die? If God never gives up on us, could love and reconciliation remain possible beyond this life? Join us for an honest, theological, personal, and occasionally humorous conversation about hell, death, fear, LGBTQ+ inclusion, universal salvation, and the grace of a God who never gives up on us. The Inclusive Faith Podcast is hosted by Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal, a married gay Christian couple exploring faith, the Bible, church, marriage, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Learn more, contact us, and join our email community at theinclusivefaith.com.

Many Christians point to Matthew 19 as proof that Jesus defined marriage exclusively as between one man and one woman. But is that really what Jesus was saying? In this Faith in 10 episode, Dr. Greg Neal examines the question Jesus was actually answering, what Genesis says about human companionship, and why these passages may offer a strong biblical case for same-sex marriage. Rather than condemning LGBTQ+ relationships, Scripture calls us to take covenant, fidelity, mutual care, and self-giving love seriously. Jesus never condemned same-sex marriage. Perhaps the better question is not whether every marriage looks exactly like Adam and Eve, but whether two people have become faithful covenant partners who reflect the grace of God in their life together. Explore more episodes, articles, and resources from Inclusive Faith at https://www.theinclusivefaith.com.

What is it really like to be a gay pastor in the Christian church? In this episode of The Inclusive Faith Podcast, gay pastor Dr. Gregory S. Neal and his husband, Kade Rogers, share an honest conversation about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church, the challenges of being a gay Christian leader, and their experiences serving together in ministry. Greg and Kade discuss the pressure LGBTQ+ clergy face to represent an entire community, the criticism that often accompanies public advocacy, and the lasting impact of religious trauma and church rejection. They also reflect on what it means to lead an LGBTQ-affirming church, navigate disagreements within a congregation, and remain faithful to a calling when others question whether someone can be both gay and Christian. Beyond the pulpit, they offer a glimpse into their everyday lives as a married gay couple in ministry, including the self-doubt, vulnerability, humor, and hope that shape their journey. Whether you are an LGBTQ+ Christian, an affirming ally, someone healing from religious trauma, or simply curious about the experiences of queer people in the church, this conversation is for you. Listen to The Inclusive Faith Podcast for honest conversations about Christianity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, affirming theology, progressive faith, and finding belonging in the church. Learn more at theinclusivefaith.com.

What are you waiting for? Most of us live as though there will always be more time. We will make the phone call later, have the difficult conversation when the timing feels right, and tell people how much they mean to us the next time we see them. But tomorrow is not promised. In this personal Faith in 10 reflection, Kade considers what Psalm 90 means when it asks God to “teach us to number our days.” This is not an invitation to live in fear. It is an invitation to be present, love more intentionally, and say what matters while we still have the opportunity. We cannot control how much time we receive, but we can decide how honestly and lovingly we live the day in front of us. Visit theinclusivefaith.com to connect with us and subscribe to our newsletter, or email [email protected]. If this episode speaks to you, please share it with someone who may need it or leave a rating or review.

What does the New Testament actually say about homosexuality? In Part Two of our conversation about the Bible and homosexuality, Kade and Greg examine the three New Testament passages most often used to condemn LGBTQ+ people: 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, 1 Timothy 1:8–11, and Romans 1:20–27. Together, they explore the Greek words malakoi and arsenokoitai, the cultural world in which these passages were written, and the translation choices that have shaped how Christians understand them. They also discuss why the word “homosexual” did not appear in an English Bible until 1946 and why that modern term does not accurately reflect the language or relationships being addressed in these ancient texts. What did Paul mean by “natural” and “unnatural”? Does Romans 1 describe LGBTQ+ Christians today? And what does it mean that Jesus said nothing about homosexuality? These passages have been mistranslated, misinterpreted, and used as weapons against LGBTQ+ people for generations. This episode asks us to read them more carefully, confront the harm they have caused, and recognize the beautiful diversity of people made in the image of God. For additional resources, visit theinclusivefaith.com.

The Bible & Homosexuality: The Old Testament What does the Bible really say about homosexuality and LGBTQ+ people? For generations, a small group of Bible verses has been used to condemn, exclude, and harm LGBTQ+ people. Often called the “clobber passages,” these scriptures are frequently presented as clear proof that the Bible rejects same-sex relationships. But is that what they actually mean in their original context? In this episode of The Inclusive Faith Podcast, Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal examine the three Old Testament passages most often used in conversations about the Bible and homosexuality: Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, and Leviticus 20:13. Together, they discuss: What the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is actually aboutWhy sexual violence is not the same as a loving same-sex relationshipHow the historical and cultural context of Leviticus changes the conversationWhy the original Hebrew wording mattersHow Bible translations can shape Christian beliefs about homosexualityThe harm caused when Scripture is weaponized against LGBTQ+ peopleGreg’s experience of hearing these passages used during conversion therapy This episode does not ignore difficult Bible verses. It examines them closely, asks what they meant to their original audiences, and considers whether they can honestly be applied to loving, mutual, and committed LGBTQ+ relationships today. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on the Bible and homosexuality. Part 2 will examine the New Testament “clobber passages.” The Inclusive Faith Podcast explores LGBTQ+ Christianity, affirming theology, biblical interpretation, church inclusion, and what it means to build a faith where everyone truly belongs. Find community resources and more: TheInclusiveFaith.com

For generations, many Christians have been taught that faith is primarily about avoiding hell: believe the right doctrine, follow the right rules, never question religious authority, and do not step beyond the boundaries someone else has drawn. In this Faith in 10, Dr. Gregory S. Neal examines how fear is used as a tool of religious control and how self-appointed gatekeepers claim the authority to decide who belongs to Christ. But fear, threats, and exclusion are not the fruit of the Spirit. The gospel is not built on terror, shame, or perfect theology. It is built on grace. Jesus repeatedly crossed religious boundaries, welcomed those others excluded, and challenged leaders who burdened people while claiming to control access to God. Your questions do not scare God. Your doubts do not disqualify you. Your identity does not separate you from the love of Christ. The gatekeepers do not have the final word. Jesus does. The Inclusive Faith Podcast is hosted by Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal. Faith in 10 is our bonus series offering brief reflections on faith, Scripture, inclusion, and the church. To find community resources and more visit TheInclusiveFaith.com

What if everything you were taught about the rapture came from a much more recent interpretation than you realized? In this episode of The Inclusive Faith, Kade Rogers and Dr. Gregory S. Neal examine the popular belief that Christians will suddenly disappear while everyone else is left behind. They explore where modern rapture theology came from, whether it is actually supported by Scripture, and how fear about the end times has been used to control people, raise money, and determine who is supposedly saved. There is plenty of humor along the way, but beneath it is a serious question: What happens when Christianity becomes centered on fear? Rather than living in anxiety about missing the rapture, Kade and Greg invite us to return to the heart of the gospel: loving God, loving our neighbors, and living faithfully in the world here and now. Is the rapture biblical truth or a modern invention? Let’s talk about it. Connect with us, join our email list, or submit a question for a future episode at: theinclusivefaith.com

Why do some Christians seem unable to talk about LGBTQ relationships without immediately reducing them to sex? In this Faith in Ten episode, Greg reflects on the way queer love is often stripped of its humanity and reduced to sexual stereotypes. But the biblical story of companionship does not begin with sex. In Genesis 2, God identifies isolation as the first human problem: “It is not good that the human should be alone.” Marriage and committed relationships are about companionship, covenant, faithfulness, sacrifice, joy, grief, family, prayer, and choosing one another again and again. LGBTQ relationships contain that same ordinary and sacred love. Greg challenges Christians to examine whether their reaction to queer relationships truly comes from the Holy Spirit or from fear, inherited prejudice, tradition, and discomfort. Because discomfort is not automatically discernment, and cruelty does not become Christlike simply because it is wrapped in religious language. Faith in Ten is a bonus series from The Inclusive Faith Podcast featuring brief reflections on faith, inclusion, and life. Subscribe and join us as we continue creating space for honest conversations about Christianity, scripture, LGBTQ inclusion, and the love of God. theinclusivefaith.com