Bodies Behind The Bus

In this Just Calling episode, the hosts talk about empire, power, and how faith communities are being influenced by political systems. The conversation unpacks a recent government filing showing efforts to target U.S. churches through digital campaigns and explores what faithful resistance looks like today.FARA filingAcross The Divide PodcastThe Justice of JesusSupport the show

In this episode, Cameron shares his powerful story of serving for sixteen years at one of Arizona’s largest megachurches, a place where faith, control, and fear collided. From witnessing the enforcement of “alignment” policies to experiencing personal retaliation and deep spiritual betrayal, Cameron opens up about what it meant to lose his community while finding his voice. His courage sheds light on how systems of power can twist spiritual language to maintain control and how healing begins with truth.Support the show

Introducing Just Calling — In this first episode of the series, Bodies Behind the Bus sits down with author and advocate Rev. Joash Thomas to talk about his new book The Justice of Jesus. Together, we explore what it means to move from diagnosis to a hopeful prognosis for the church, diving into themes of justice, decolonization, and the everyday choices that shape faithful living.www.joashpthomas.comPick Up "The Justice of Jesus" By Rev. Joash P. Thomas HERESupport the show

David Bronson, analyst of theonomy and survivor advocate, and Margaret Bronson, founder of Deconstruction Doulas who supports people leaving high-control faiths. They trace the roots and modern reach of theonomy and Christian Reconstructionism. They describe how these ideas shape churches, politics, gender roles, and survivor harm. They outline survivor-centered responses and the work of Deconstruction Doulas.

In this episode of Bodies Behind the Bus, we sit down with Dr. Camden Morgante, a licensed psychologist, author, and speaker. Dr. Camden is the author of Recovering from Purity Culture, a book that helps individuals move beyond harmful teachings and begin the journey of healing. She shares insights from her work with clients, her own experiences, and her research into purity culture, offering a compassionate perspective on how people can begin to reconnect with themselves and their faith.Instagram - drcamdenWebsite - drcamden.comBook - Recovering from Purity CultureSupport the show

https://julieroys.com/alleged-victim-worship-pastor-aaron-ivey-speaks-out-megachurchs-prior-statement/Support the show

In this episode of the Bodies Behind the Bus podcast, Kenny shares his experience in the worship residency program at The Austin Stone. He recounts his initial passion for ministry, his transition from law school ambitions to church work, and the realities of support-raising, manual labor, and lack of mentorship during his time in the program. Kenny also reflects on his concerns with the church’s culture of celebrity and financial practices, the exploitation he witnessed, and the broader systemic failures he observed.Support the show

James shares his experience with the Austin Stone church, including his early motivations for moving to Austin, the challenges he faced as a Mexican American in a predominantly white evangelical institution, and the barriers to leadership he encountered despite his qualifications. He discusses his experience raising support, internal cultural tensions, tokenism, health struggles tied to workplace stress, and the events that led to his departure from staff. The conversation highlights systemic issues within church leadership structures, particularly around race, power, and access.*Correction: James references reading through MLK’s “I have a Dream” speech and wanted to clarify it was actually “Letter from Birmingham Jail”Support the show

Kelley joins the podcast to share her experience as both a former member of the Austin Stone church and staff member of its affiliated nonprofit, For the City. She discusses the church’s culture, internal power dynamics, financial mismanagement, and the challenges of working within a complementarian system. Kelley reflects on her personal story of spiritual and emotional harm, organizational dysfunction, and the long-term impact of abusive structures masked by ministry language. Her story highlights broader patterns of spiritual and institutional abuse within the Austin Stone and similar evangelical networks.Support the show

Ben joins the Bodies Behind the Bus podcast to share his experience at Austin Stone Church, a large SBC-affiliated church in Austin, Texas. He reflects on his decade-long involvement, including leadership roles and the creation of a ministry for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The conversation explores church culture, leadership dynamics, personal transformation, and the challenges of reconciling faith with identity. Ben also discusses his departure from the church and the emotional and relational costs of stepping away from evangelical expectations.Support the show