You asked, we answered! It's the first ever Listener Q&A. We cover a variety of topics in this episode: common misconceptions about the Episcopal Church, a friendly "Prayer of Humble Access" debate, what Episcopalians "should" believe, and our favorite faith-related books. Don't miss the next Q&A! Follow us on Instagram @average.episcopalian.

If you haven't yet delved into the magic of this Advent season, it's not too late!! We're here to discuss the significance of waiting and preparation in what can feel like the busiest season of the year, and why it's important to listen to the call to "sit down and shut up". We share practical ways that we practice Advent, the meaning behind all those candles, and why Advent is technically good for your mental health.

In this episode, Kate & Annie are asking the same thing that those billboard signs on the highway ask you: "Are You Saved???" Salvation is a central focus in many denominations of Christianity, but how do Episcopalians see it? There are varying views in the church, and we're here to add to that mix. We discuss what it means to be "saved", why humans obsess over who goes to hell, and whether salvation is more like a warm fuzzy feeling or a pot of stew. Follow us on Instagram @average.episcopalian.

We have our first ever guest! Drew Crowson was an ordained Baptist minister when he realized that his church was like a pair of pants that just didn't fit anymore. His faith journey has led him around the world (literally… to Europe & the Middle East) and ultimately to his role of High School & Young Adults Minister at Annie's Episcopal church in Dallas, Texas. In today's episode, we cover everything from deconstruction, to different denominational views of the Bible, to theological splits in the evangelical church, to liturgy and ritual. We learned a lot from Drew's unique life path and his dry sense of humor, and we hope you laugh and learn too.

We're back! After a brief and unexpected hiatus, we're here with a glorified book review of one of our favorites: "Those Episkopols" by Dennis Maynard. Even if you haven't read it, you'll still want to listen! This book has guided us for many years on our spiritual journeys, and today we'll pontificate on 4 of our favorite quotes and their implications. Topics include: salvation, certainty, heaven, and hard-to-swallow pills.

The title says it all. While prayer might seem simple on the surface, it sometimes feels impossible to execute in our daily lives. In today's episode, we dive deep into the wisdom of the catechism to try and get over our struggles with prayer. Is prayer a means to a solution? Does yoga class count as prayer? What about the infuriating "thoughts & prayers" culture? Why should we thank God for our suffering? We do our best to discuss these questions and more.

The Pharisees: the ultimate New Testament "bad guys" and a cautionary tale for those of us pursuing ethical lives. In this episode, Annie & Kate pontificate on 4 "Pharisee Behaviors" and how easy it is to fall into each of them. What do lemons, donkeys, Star Wars and donuts teach us about leadership? You'll have to listen to find out.

In this episode, we're discussing the easy breezy topic of Incarnational Theology, inspired by a sermon by Rev. Dr. Dan Matthews. The incarnation is a central component of Christianity, and to Episcopalians it means something extra special. Annie & Kate attempt to define this mystical concept, involving rants and tangents on heaven, baptism, and Harry Potter. If you've ever heard Episcopalians described as "a Christmas people", this episode will explain why.

Annie & Kate dissect and debate modern day spiritual-ish TikTok wisdom. Is the idea of main character energy ruining our society? (Most likely not.) Do we owe our neighbors explanations for our behavior or emotions? (Maybe.) Does exercising self-love make me selfish? (It's complicated.) Join us for an honest spar/reflection on the pros and cons of trendy spirituality.

In Part 1, the focus was on reconciling with God (confession). In Part 2, the focus is on how to ask for forgiveness (repentance), how to forgive others (reconciliation), and how to forgive yourself (self love). Forgiveness is not a very popular value in our culture today, but Annie and Kate are here to sing its praises, bemoan its difficulties, and discuss practical ways to exercise forgiveness-- even when it's really hard. Buckle up; we're giggly in this episode. Forgive us!!