Mike Roth is the lead pastor and co-founder of Pearl Church, a faith community based in Portland, Oregon. Over the span of his time in ministry, he’s earned several degrees, including his recent PhD specializing in the effectiveness of biblical literary figures to hold attention and make meaning. Among the many shifts Pearl Church has seen over the last 20 years, one of the most controversial was the move to broaden their marriage practice to include the LGBTQ community. In part 2 of my interview with Mike and this finale episode of the podcast, we talk about that decision and everything that followed.

Mike Roth is the lead pastor and co-founder of Pearl Church, a faith community based in Portland, Oregon. Over the span of his time in ministry, he’s earned several degrees, including his recent PhD specializing in the effectiveness of biblical literary figures to hold attention and make meaning. Among the many shifts Pearl Church has seen over the last 20 years, one of the most controversial was the move to broaden their marriage practice to include the LGBTQ community. In this penultimate episode of season 1, we talk about the transitions that led up to that decision, including a move from dogma and doctrine to values, embracing women in leadership, and practicing infant baptism.

Matthias Roberts was forever changed when he discovered there were others who had integrated their faith and sexuality. Years later, he found there weren't many resources for queer people of faith, which led him to starting a podcast to address just that. Even more, he saw the need for work around healing in our bodies, which led him to becoming a therapist. We talk about coming out, relationships, sex, and more.

Dave Khalaf grew up Christian, which led to a war between his faith and sexuality. After six years of reparative therapy, he finally accepted that he wasn't changing, and it was better to lean into the mystery and risk being wrong than to live a life based on fear. Dave and I talk about growing up Christian, what to do with the Bible when it's hurt you, and much more.