In this episode… In this episode, we’re breaking down two churchy words that carry a lot of weight: grace and salvation. What do they really mean—and more importantly, what do they mean for your actual, everyday life? 

We explore these big ideas through the Episcopal lens, where grace is God's unconditional love, freely given, and salvation is about becoming whole—starting now, not just later.

Joining us is Fr. Ryan Williams, one of the newer priests in the Diocese of West Missouri and a behind-the-scenes worker bee on this very podcast. We talk about his journey into the “wonderfully weird and holy chaos” of the Episcopal Church, plus what grace has looked like in his life and ministry.

✨ Questions we’re asking:

• What even is grace?

• Is salvation just about the afterlife—or something more?

• How can we unpack these words in a way that actually helps, not harms?

Along the way, you'll hear stories, laughter, maybe a weird fact or two, and most importantly, a reminder that grace meets you exactly where you are.

About the Hosts

Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is a member of the laity and currently a college, youth, and children’s minister at a parish in Kansas City, MO and third-year seminarian at Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary and a candidate for Anglican Studies at Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She hopes of one day becoming an Episcopal priest and is discerning in the Diocese of Kansas. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old. 

Guest Bio: 

The Rev. Ryan Williams

 is the rector at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Joplin, MO.  In a previous life, he was an organic vegetable farmer and Baptist pastor.  In a previous life, he worked in student leadership and development at the university level.  He continues to have a passion for exploring the big questions of life and faith with people of all ages, but particularly students and young adults.  Ryan lives with his wife, Anna, their two kids, John Mark and Eleanor, and their dog, Scout.  When he isn’t taking Scout for runs or enjoying downtime with family, you can find Ryan rooting for the Milwaukee Bucks (basketball) and continually on the search for the perfect pizza dough recipe. 

Relevant links:

Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment. 

To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here

To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry  click here

All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. 

Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions

Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise