hi hi, i know it’s been forever but i’m back on the mic to discuss something that’s been cooking in my noggin for a really long time: campus ministries and their uncanny commonalities with pyramid schemes & MLMs. you may be thinking, “huh?? explain yourself gorl” and i will! after this episode you’ll have a very hard time spotting the difference between these highly complex (and often problematic) groups. so let’s get into it!!

TW: religious trauma, mental health insensitivity, toxic christianity

note: if you are currently in a campus ministry, this is not meant to put you down or disparage you. this is my experience, and is meant to point out some of the many issues within evangelical christian culture. there very well could be ministries that are affirming, welcoming, and genuine, but i unfortunately have never experienced that. if you have, please share your experience in the comments! i would love to hear your thoughts :)

podcast instagram: @worthyofnotepod

lauryn’s Instagram: @laurynjcarlton

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - intro

03:01 - the musings that led to this episode

05:50 - what’s a campus ministry?

07:44 - the (slight) difference between pyramid schemes & MLMs

13:56 - there’s always a “pitch”

19:19 - what brand is that??

26:20 - the group dynamics STANK

47:45 - how ‘bout that isolation??

57:05 - it’s all in the language

1:05:47 - where does this leave us?