The Changes Ahead Podcast

What does it feel like to experience religious trauma? Why is it so hard to put the experience into words? What do we need to be aware of in the church when it comes to how people experience our spaces, our teachings, our behaviour? In this episode, Anna brings some reflections from her own journey, and recent research into the phenomenon of religious trauma. A challenging but important conversation for us to wrestle with in the church.

In this episode, we hear from Hanna Massad, once a Baptist pastor in Gaza, who shares with raw honesty the agony of the unfolding situation in Palestine. Yet his voice is not one of bitterness, but of humility, mercy, and a deep longing for justice. Hanna invites us to see beyond headlines into the human and spiritual reality of life in Gaza, and to consider what it means to hold onto grace in the face of unimaginable suffering.

We talk a lot about change in this podcast series, and it seems that where change is imminent, often anxiety presents itself – both personally and institutionally. Becky expertly guides us through this dynamic, giving us some helpful re-framing and offering grace as we seek the best for our church communities.

In this episode, we talk with the husband of a Baptist pastor who isn’t afraid to challenge expectations. He shares honest reflections on navigating faith, identity, and community in a role often overlooked. Nigel pushes against cultural, gender, and church norms, inviting us to rethink leadership, partnership, and belonging in the life of the church today.

We are regularly asked about what we think about various things, including what changes ahead we see are necessary. Earlier this year, Cathy and Steven were interviewed on another podcast, Down To Earth Conversations. In case you didn't catch it over there, have a listen to some more of our story and our hopes for The Changes Ahead.