What happens when the church asks Christians to embrace a historic Christian sexual ethic—but fails to build the kind of community that makes that calling sustainable?

In this episode of Teaology, Maya Wilson sits down with Pieter Valk, a licensed professional counselor, ministry leader, and founder of EQUIP, for an honest conversation about vocational singleness, sexuality, LGBT+ Christians, celibacy, Christian community, parenting, and belonging.

Pieter shares his own experience of navigating faith, sexuality, and church and explains why he believes churches have often elevated marriage and the nuclear family while overlooking the deep need for friendship, intimacy, and belonging among single Christians.

Together, Maya and Pieter explore what it means for Christians who hold a traditional or historic Christian sexual ethic to create communities where gay and trans Christians can experience genuine friendship, discipleship, and belonging rather than simply being handed a theological position and left to navigate the implications alone.

They discuss vocational singleness and celibacy, the difference between ordinary singleness and intentionally choosing singleness for the sake of Christian service, and why the church needs to rethink how it celebrates and materially supports single people.

The conversation also addresses how Christians can respond when someone discloses same-sex attraction, the importance of compassion and friendship, the role of parents in talking with children about bodies, sexuality, and gender, and what it can look like to approach these conversations proactively rather than through fear and avoidance.

Maya and Pieter also talk about church hurt, loneliness, Christian belonging, and returning to faith after painful experiences with the church.

At the heart of this conversation is a question that goes beyond sexuality: If following Jesus is costly, what kind of community are we willing to become for one another?

This episode is a conversation about Christian sexuality, LGBT+ Christians and the church, vocational singleness, celibacy, Christian community, loneliness, marriage and singleness, sexual ethics, discipleship, parenting, and creating churches where people can genuinely belong.

Follow Pieter here

Find more about his ministry EQUIP here

Here is the books Pieter discussed written by his partner for parents:

Ready to Talk: A Christian Parent's Guide to Gender & Sexuality

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

Find Maya's poetry here

Purchase Maya's Third Poetry Collection, Before I Was Your Mother

For more of Maya's writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement:

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term "fair use" refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

How can Christians engage politics without becoming captive to partisan tribalism?

In this episode of Teaology, Maya Wilson sits down with Vin A. Li for a conversation about Christianity, politics, political polarization, and what it looks like to put faith before party.

Vin shares his own political journey, including his movement from progressive and briefly communist politics toward a more moderate "Third Way" approach. Together, Maya and Vin explore how political communities on both the left and right can create echo chambers, reinforce blind spots, and turn political opponents into enemies.

They discuss what it means for Christian convictions to take precedence over political party loyalty, including difficult questions surrounding abortion, economic policy, support for mothers and families, foreign policy, and how Christians should treat people with whom they deeply disagree.

The conversation also goes beyond voting. Maya and Vin talk about civic engagement, holding elected officials accountable, protest, political dialogue, researching issues independently, and staying involved in your community after election season ends.

Finally, they discuss how Christians can stay informed about politics without becoming consumed by it—and why intellectual humility, diverse sources, healthy disagreement, community, and rest are essential for engaging our political moment faithfully.

This episode is a conversation about Christian political engagement, partisan tribalism, political polarization, civic responsibility, faith and politics, and following Jesus in a divided political culture.

Follow Vin here!

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

Find Maya's poetry here

Purchase Maya's Third Poetry Collection, Before I Was Your Mother

For more of Maya's writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement:

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term "fair use" refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

In this episode of Teaology, Maya sits down with author and spiritual director Bethaney Wilkinson for a conversation about contemplative spirituality, Christian formation, community, and the call to care for our neighbors and the world around us.

Bethaney explains what contemplative spirituality actually is and challenges the idea that contemplation is simply about becoming more peaceful or turning inward. Together, Maya and Bethaney explore how practices of presence, attention, and communion with God can form us to become more attentive to our neighbors, our communities, and the needs of creation.

Bethaney also shares about her own spiritual journey from New Age spirituality to orthodox Christianity, including what drew her toward Christian faith and how her understanding of spirituality has been transformed along the way.

The conversation also explores creation care and environmental stewardship, asking what it means for Christians to see caring for the earth as part of loving God and loving our neighbors.

This episode is a conversation about contemplative Christianity, spiritual formation, Christian community, spirituality, creation care, environmental stewardship, and learning to become people who are more present to God and more available to our neighbors.

Follow Bethaney here!

Order her book, A More Beautiful Way To Live

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

Find Maya's poetry here

Purchase Maya's Third Poetry Collection, Before I Was Your Mother

For more of Maya's writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement:

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term "fair use" refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

What if the rise of Christian deconstruction is connected to a deeper discipleship problem?

In this episode of Teaology, Maya sits down with theology student, consultant, and PK Abigail Covington to explore what healthy Christian discipleship actually looks like—and whether the church has done enough to help people develop a faith that can withstand questions, cultural change, disappointment, and doubt.

Drawing from Abigail's research on discipleship, they examine the legacy and pitfalls of the church growth movement and what can happen when churches prioritize attendance, expansion, and numerical growth without creating deep communities of spiritual formation.

Maya and Abigail also talk about why people leave the church, what churches can do to help people stay, and whether some experiences of Christian deconstruction point to gaps in theological formation and discipleship. They discuss the importance of passing the baton between generations, creating space for younger Christians to grow and lead, and building churches that form people for a lifelong faith rather than simply attracting them to a Sunday gathering.

This conversation asks an important question for the modern church: Are we actually making disciples, or have we become better at building churches than forming people?

If you're interested in Christian deconstruction, discipleship, church growth, spiritual formation, church leadership, generational faith, and the future of the church, this conversation is for you.

Follow Abigail here

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

Find Maya's poetry here

Purchase Maya's Third Poetry Collection, Before I Was Your Mother

For more of Maya's writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement:

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term "fair use" refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

In this episode, Maya sits down with writer, contemplative, and author Jenai Auman to discuss faith, belonging, church hurt, and the spiritual work of living from the margins.

Drawing from her book OTHERED, Jenai shares her experience as a Filipina American Christian navigating identity, belonging, and the pain of marginalization within faith spaces. Together, Maya and Jenai explore how experiences of exclusion shaped her spiritual formation and ultimately inspired her writing.

The conversation moves through themes of church hurt, grief, contemplative spirituality, the minor prophets, empire, social justice, and the ways systems of oppression can become internalized within us. They also discuss the dangers of hurry culture, optimization, and individualism, and why Christian formation requires community, lament, and hope.

This episode is for anyone wrestling with faith after disappointment, seeking a more holistic vision of spiritual formation, or learning how to remain hopeful while confronting injustice in the church and the world.

Follow Jenai here

Order her book, Othered.

Learn more about the PAX Fellowship where Jenai is a facilitator.

Purchase Maya's Third Poetry Collection, Before I Was Your Mother

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

Find Maya's poetry here

For more of Maya's writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement:

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term "fair use" refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

In this episode, Maya sits down with Ryan Murphy, lead pastor of The Table Boston, for a conversation about spiritual formation, the Holy Spirit, and following Jesus in a skeptical and distracted cultural moment.

Ryan pastors in downtown Boston, a deeply post-Christian context shaped by hurry, intellectual skepticism, and spiritual apathy. Together, Maya and Ryan discuss what it looks like to cultivate spaces where the Holy Spirit is welcomed and allowed to move — even in environments where people may feel hesitant, doubtful, or spiritually disconnected.

They also explore the relationship between spiritual formation and Spirit-filled Christianity, challenging the false divide between deep discipleship and the active work of the Holy Spirit. The conversation reflects on spiritual disciplines, prayer, creating room for God's presence in everyday life, and how Christians can become more attentive to the Spirit amid noise, busyness, and modern distractions.

Ryan also shares insights from his work with Restless Hearts, Resting Places, where he creates interactive prayer resources designed to help people slow down, pray, and encounter God more intentionally.

This episode is an invitation to reconsider what Spirit-filled faith can look like in everyday life — rooted, expectant, and formed by both scripture and the presence of God.

Follow Ryan here

Learn more about his church, The Table Boston

Read Ryan's writing and more of his ministry Restless Hearts, Resting Places

Purchase Maya's Third Poetry Collection, Before I Was Your Mother

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

Find Maya's poetry here

For more of Maya's writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement:

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term "fair use" refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

In this final episode of the Mental Health Series, Maya sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Artiana Singleton for an honest conversation about therapy and faith.

Artiana shares what it was like launching her therapy practice during COVID, while supporting youth, couples, and families navigating uncertainty, isolation, anxiety, and relational strain. Together, Maya and Artiana reflect on how lockdown forced many people to confront issues in their marriages, emotional health, and spiritual lives that had previously gone unaddressed.

They also discuss the role of small groups and community care in supporting mental health, the limitations of relying solely on spiritual spaces for deeper psychological struggles, and why therapy and faith do not have to exist in opposition to one another.

This episode explores the intersection of Christian faith, mental health, relationships, and healing, offering a grounded conversation for anyone trying to navigate emotional wellness while remaining rooted in spirituality and community.

Follow Artianna's practice here!

Purchase Maya's Third Poetry Collection, Before I Was Your Mother

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

Find Maya's poetry here

For more of Maya's writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement:

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term "fair use" refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

In this episode, Maya sits down with her friend and licensed marriage and family therapist Khalliah Bryant Tull for a thoughtful and practical conversation about healing, relationships, and the stories we carry from childhood into adulthood.

Together, they explore the impact of parent wounds and how early experiences shape our attachment styles, influencing how we connect, trust, and show up in relationships today. Khalliah breaks down what attachment styles are, how to identify your own, and what it looks like to move toward healing — even if you've experienced unhealthy or insecure attachment.

They also discuss how therapy can support major life transitions, the role of community in the healing process, and why we need more people committed to being "healers" in their everyday spaces. The conversation also addresses the impact of toxic media messaging and how internalizing harmful narratives can shape our identity, relationships, and emotional health.

If this episode resonates with you, Khalliah is also hosting a Mother Wound Workshop designed to help you process and begin healing the impact of your relationship with your mother.

Learn more and sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mother-wound-workshop-tickets-1987133251046

This episode offers both insight and encouragement for anyone navigating relational patterns, processing childhood wounds, or seeking practical steps toward emotional and spiritual healing.

Follow Khalliah here!

Follow her practice here!

Purchase Maya's Third Poetry Collection, Before I Was Your Mother

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

Find Maya's poetry here

For more of Maya's writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement:

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term "fair use" refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

To kick off Mental Health awareness month, Maya sits down with Symone Gerren, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, mother, and impact leader, to talk about what it really looks like to get the right mental health support.

In a world full of therapy language, self-diagnosing, and viral advice, this conversation cuts through the noise. Maya and Symone discuss the importance of seeking help from licensed professionals, the risks of relying too heavily on pop psychology and social media for mental health guidance, and why accurate support matters more than trendy terminology.

They also explore why healing cannot happen in isolation and the critical role that safe, healthy community plays in long-term growth and restoration.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by mental health content online, unsure where to start, or hesitant about getting real support, this episode offers clarity, wisdom, and a grounded path forward.

In this episode, Maya and Symone cover:

• How to find the right licensed mental health professional
• The dangers of pop psychology and self-diagnosing
• Why social media isn't a substitute for real care
• The role of community in healing and growth
• What it looks like to move from surviving to thriving

If this episode resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it.

Follow Symone here.

Book a consultion with her here.

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

Find Maya's poetry here

For more of Maya's writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement:

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term "fair use" refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.

In this episode, Maya sits down with author Charaia Rush to unpack the pressure to "bounce back" and what real, lasting healing actually looks like.

Drawing from her book, The Myth of Bouncing Back: Ditching the Lies of Resilience and Learning How to Rise for Real, Charaia challenges the cultural and church narratives that equate resilience with rushing past pain. Together, Maya and Charaia explore the dangers of performative healing, the ways both secular and Christian spaces can unintentionally discourage honesty, and why true healing requires more than appearances.

They also discuss the rise of commercialized self-care and how it can distract from deeper spiritual work — inviting listeners instead to consider what it means to allow God to search, refine, and restore us. This conversation highlights the importance of staying soft in the face of hardship, resisting the urge to harden our hearts, and developing a biblical understanding of healing, especially for women navigating trauma and faith.

This episode is for anyone who feels exhausted by the expectation to be "strong" and ready to embrace a more honest, faithful path toward healing.

Buy Charaia's new book here!

Her previous title here.

Follow her on Instagram.

Follow her on Substack.

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

Find Maya's poetry here

For more of Maya's writing, follow her on Substack

teaologypod.substack.com

Follow the podcast on socials!

Instagram: @teaologypodcast

Tiktok: @teaologypod

📌Copyright Statement:

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners. I or this channel does not claim any right over them.

Disclaimer of Copyright Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, "fair use" is permitted for activities like criticism, commentary, education, and research. The term "fair use" refers to the use that the copyright law permits but might otherwise be illegal.

Along with this channel, I make no claims to ownership of any of the graphics, images, or music used in this video. The respective copyright holders reserve all rights.