Embracing Our Scars with Pastor Josh Scott

In this conversation, Kendall  interviews Josh Scott, the lead pastor of GracePointe, a progressive Christian church in Nashville, TN. They discuss Josh's journey as a pastor whose faith has evolved right beside his congregations, and his efforts to create a safe and inclusive space for people who have been hurt by traditional church spaces. Josh shares his early memories of church and the fear and confusion he felt about God's love. He also talks about the importance of questioning and reimagining faith, and the need for a more expansive view of God's love and grace. The conversation highlights the power of community and the sacredness of human experiences and explores the themes of wonder, curiosity, and the process of renegotiating faith. Josh and Kendall delve into the losses and gains experienced in this journey, including the grief of lost relationships and the freedom to embrace difference and mystery. The scars of the risen Christ are seen as a reflection of commitment to not inflicting pain on others. The conversation also highlights the importance of self-compassion, self-acceptance, and the joy of being fully oneself. Josh's letter from Love emphasizes the gift of being alive and the reminder to be grateful and present in each moment.


Takeaways

Creating a safe and inclusive space in church is essential for people who have been hurt by traditional church spaces.
Questioning and reimagining faith is important for personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's love and grace.
The Bible is a guide, but it is not the ultimate authority. It should be interpreted in a way that promotes human flourishing and love for all.
Recognizing and embracing sacred moments in everyday life can lead to a deeper connection with God and a sense of wonder. Curiosity and wonder are essential qualities that should be nurtured and celebrated.
The process of renegotiating faith can involve losses, such as relationships, but also brings gains, such as freedom and curiosity.
Self-compassion and self-acceptance are crucial for personal growth and a healthy sense of identity.
The scars of the risen Christ symbolize a commitment to not inflicting pain on others.
Being fully oneself and embracing difference and mystery can lead to more meaningful relationships and a deeper understanding of the world.
The journey of faith is unique for each individual, and it is important to honor and respect diverse perspectives and experiences.

Links:

Josh's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh_a_scott/
Josh's Substack, Re:Imagining Faith: https://www.joshscott.online/
Bible Stories for Grown-ups: https://a.co/d/5tnyJ8t
Context: Putting Scripture in it's Place: https://a.co/d/73GxgxU
GracePointe Church Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gracepointe-church-nashville-tn/id966363890?app=podcast