The Daring Grace Podcast

In this episode of The Daring Grace Podcast, Rev. Lora Andrews shares about her work as pastor of Roots Church in the Kansas City area and her commitment to creating space for LGBTQ+ voices within the church. She talks honestly about the courage it takes to lead boldly, challenge existing structures, and create communities where people can experience belonging.

But meaningful work comes with a cost. Lora and Brittany also reflect on what it takes to remain resilient while doing work that matters. Together, they explore the importance of rest, sustainable leadership, community, and learning how to stay committed for the long haul without losing themselves along the way.

This is a conversation about pioneer boldness, courageous ministry leadership, making space for the marginalized, and discovering that rest isn't a departure from the work— it sustains it healthily.

The audacity it takes say yes — and what do you gain from it?

Host Brittany Bethel sits down with staff alum Adam Foster and Allison Dunn to reflect on what it meant to step into something uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and completely worth it - Summer Staff with Cross Connection.

Ten years out, they're still drawing on what they learned — about leadership, patience, building bridges across cultures, and showing up fully even when the plan falls apart.

This one's dedicated to our hundreds of audacious alumni who throughout Cross Connection's history have said 'yes' to learning and leading on how to love our neighbors well.

"Embrace the uncomfortable. Sit in it. You're going to come out of this so much better than you ever thought." Adam Foster

This conversation is honest and vulnerable. From church hurt and separation to communal, fun Christmas plays, “Through the Conflict” is about choosing grace when God's people are divided and discovering that He still shows up in the midst of hard, confusing times.

In this episode of the Daring Grace Podcast, Brittany sits down with Taylor Bodenheimer, Cross Connection's staff alum and church leader, to talk about what it looks like to move through conflict without losing kindness, seeking faith, and building community.

What does it really look like to follow Jesus's teachings about the marginalized?

In this episode, Brittany Bethel sits down with Makena Bellamy and Rev. Justis Mitchell to talk about community and the messy, sacred work of loving people well.

From meeting neighbors through a meal at Parkview Community Center to walking alongside people in therapy and church spaces, this episode explores:
• Why stories matter more than labels
• How real change happens through relationships that set aside assumptions
• What it means to create accountable spaces
• And how doing this work transforms us too

Welcome to our first episode of 2026! In this deeply honest conversation, The Daring Grace Podcast host Brittany Bethel sits down with Cross Connection Director of Engagement Juanfer Rodriguez to revisit the heart of Daring Grace— where it came from, why it matters, and how it continues to stretch and shape both our ministry and our faith.

Together, they explore:

* What inspired the launch of the Daring Grace Podcast

* How faith, inclusion, and leadership intersect in real and costly ways* Why grace is often uncomfortable — and why it’s worth it

* How the church and our communities can learn to hold difficult conversations with humility, courage, and love

* What it means to follow Jesus in a divided world

This episode is a reflection on identity, belonging, accountability, and the kind of love that risks everything to make space for others. Whether you’re deeply connected to Cross Connection or discovering us for the first time, we invite you into this evolving conversation.

In this episode of The Daring Grace Podcast, host Brittany Bethel sits down with Brittany Ingold, a Cross Connection alum who has lived out the ministry’s mission long after her summers on staff. Together, they reflect on what it means to build legacy through care and belonging—the kind of legacy that doesn’t end when the summer does.

From stories of bubbles and kindness to conversations about inclusion, faith, and staying connected, this episode captures how alumni continue to embody Daring Grace: a grace that moves, acts, and dares to love boldly.

Whether you’ve served with Cross Connection, attended as a camper, or simply believe in the power of community, Legacy in Real Time is a reminder that our stories—and our impact—are still being written.

In this episode of Daring Grace, host Brittany Bethel sits down with two summer staff members from different points on their Cross Connection journey. Anna, a seasoned third-year, and Riley, a first-year staffer, share their honest reflections after wrapping up their very first week of camp this summer.

Together we talk about:

• Highlights and surprises: The moments that made them laugh, think, or feel God’s presence in unexpected ways.

• Growth in action: How Anna’s experience shaped her leadership this year, and how Riley’s first week challenged and encouraged her.

• The heartbeat of camp: Building relationships, serving communities, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.

Whether you’ve been following Cross Connection’s story for decades or are just discovering the joy of camp ministry, this conversation captures the energy, faith, and life-changing connections that happen when people show up ready to serve.

Join host Brittany Bethel in a new episode of Daring Grace as she welcomes two 2025 summer staff members, Greta and Allie. This week, we sit down with two summer staff members—we hear their training experience and the anticipation for their first week of camp.

We explore:

• Behind-the-scenes preparation: What did training look like? Which practices or insights are they carrying into their roles?

• Camp day excitement: What are they most looking forward to—whether it’s leading activities, connecting with campers, or experiencing the camaraderie of a summer team?

• Personal hopes & reflections: What does serving at camp mean to them personally? How does their role tie into Cross Connection’s mission of community, and seeing abundance in overlooked places?

In this episode of Daring Grace, the full-time Cross Connection staff sits down to reflect on the book Having Nothing, Possessing Everything by Michael Mather and how its message is shaping the heart of our summer programming. We talk about what it means to see abundance in overlooked places, how Asset-Based Community Development informs our mission, and how the book’s themes are challenging and inspiring us as leaders. Join us for a conversation about shifting narratives, embracing unexpected grace, and preparing for a summer that dares to see God’s goodness in every neighbor and every moment.

In this episode of Daring Grace, we dive into the inspiring journey of the Parkview Community Center. I sit down with Makena, Ratavis, and Nina to explore how this vision became a reality—from its early beginnings to the challenges overcome along the way. We discuss the heart behind Parkview, the lives already being impacted, and our hopes for the future as we create a space for connection, support, and transformation. Join us for a powerful conversation about building community, fostering belonging, and dreaming big for what’s next.