Abbey Normal

Growing up in a strict Nigerian (+Southern Baptist) household, there were big expectations placed on little Kenny's shoulders. He tried his best to achieve every goal, and meet everyone's needs. But eventually, at Seminary, it all caught up with him and his dreams came crashing down. Was it possible to work in Church ministry... and be gay? 

Not The Same series:

Not all Christians are the same.

There’s an accelerating trend toward religious disaffiliation. But there are some Christians who simply don’t fit into a box- who take their own faith seriously, and actively question the beliefs and practices of the U.S. Evangelical church. Those who would like to attend church services but can’t find one that “fits” them, right where they’re at.

This series is their stories. Stories of harm at the hands of the church, disillusionment, and the journey to redeem themselves, and maybe, the church. 

Songs: Never Was In Love With You and Into The Sky by Kenny O

Tiffany was always the good church girl, singing in the choir, playing handbells, winning Sword Drills. Growing up with no "secular" television, movies or music. Then she watched Pretty Woman and everything went downhill. Just kidding! Actually, she went to Seminary and discovered that the Bible didn't say what she thought it did.

Not The Same series:

Not all Christians are the same.

There’s an accelerating trend toward religious disaffiliation. But there are some Christians who simply don’t fit into a box- who take their own faith seriously, and actively question the beliefs and practices of the U.S. Evangelical church. Those who would like to attend church services but can’t find one that “fits” them, right where they’re at.

This series is their stories. Stories of harm at the hands of the church, disillusionment, and the journey to redeem themselves, and maybe, the church. 

Song: Forgettable and Forever Too by Everybody Duck

Song: We Need Love by The Relatives

During the pandemic season Christian Worship Leader, Keith, was forced to sit with himself, and what he found was not pretty. Within the depths of depression, he realized he needed to focus on getting healthy, and his church work was not helping. Now he is reclaiming and integrating all the parts of himself. His heritage and culture mixtures, mental health, sexuality, and identity as a Christian and beloved son. 

Not The Same series:

Not all Christians are the same.

There’s an accelerating trend toward religious disaffiliation. But there are some Christians who simply don’t fit into a box- who take their own faith seriously, and actively question the beliefs and practices of the U.S. Evangelical church. Those who would like to attend church services but can’t find one that “fits” them, right where they’re at.

This series is their stories. Stories of harm at the hands of the church, disillusionment, and the journey to redeem themselves, and maybe, the church. 

Song: Come My Love by Jason Morrell

Song: Bedtime Prayers by Keith Watts

Growing up Southern Baptist in the South, Jason was super happy. Life was all about church, Jesus and family. Then a secret splintered his perfect family, leaving him feeling betrayed and confused. He ran toward his safe spaces: God, youth group, and then Liberty University. Could he stay curious while being indoctrinated? Did he want a future within the Church+Capitalism model?

Not The Same series:

Not all Christians are the same.

There’s an accelerating trend toward religious disaffiliation. But there are some Christians who simply don’t fit into a box- who take their own faith seriously, and actively question the beliefs and practices of the U.S. Evangelical church. Those who would like to attend church services but can’t find one that “fits” them, right where they’re at.

This series is their stories. Stories of harm at the hands of the church, disillusionment, and the journey to redeem themselves, and maybe, the church. 

Song: Song for Henri by Jason Morrell

Growing up in the Evangelical church, Emily had a "lingering sin issue". She tried her best to get rid of it, becoming a missionary, joining a Christian 12-step program, and finally, going to seminary. She wasn't going to give up on finding the truth, whatever that may be.

Not The Same series:

Not all Christians are the same.

There’s an accelerating trend toward religious disaffiliation. But there are some Christians who simply don’t fit into a box- who take their own faith seriously, and actively question the beliefs and practices of the U.S. Evangelical church. Those who would like to attend church services but can’t find one that “fits” them, right where they’re at.

This series is their stories. Stories of harm at the hands of the church, disillusionment, and the journey to redeem themselves, and maybe, the church.

Not all Christians are the same.

There’s an accelerating trend toward religious disaffiliation. But there are some Christians who simply don’t fit into a box- who take their own faith seriously, and actively question the beliefs and practices of the U.S. Evangelical church. Those who would like to attend church services but can’t find one that “fits” them, right where they’re at.

This series is their stories. Stories of harm at the hands of the church, disillusionment, and the journey to redeem themselves, and maybe, the church.

Part 1: The Rebel

What was it like to be raised in the U.S. Evangelical church? The Evangelical youth experience includes a lot of church, youth group, a very cool worship team, rock-n-roll Jesus concerts, Just Say No to Sex events, and “witnessing” all over the place. We talk about all the fun stuff and provide some insight into the core belief system that drives this culture.

As adults, these Evangelicals are not interested in the Sunday Morning Piousness Club. Abbey and Aaron detail their journey to find an authentic faith community. This is what happens when you stop being nice and start getting real.

 

Songs: Aisles by Jason Morrell,

What's Wrong with America by The Relatives, Live at the Bell House

 

As we roll into the holidays, the Abbey Normal Podcast is taking a break. No tears please, because we're getting ready to bring you something super weird in the new year. Tune in for a teaser of what's coming soon!

A top secret project at a Fortune 100 tech company, sure to revolutionize artificial intelligence? Sign me up!

Charlie and Jess follow their dreams, ditching tedious jobs for ambitions in the tech world. Did they help create the world's most advanced A.I.? Listen to find out. 

We have developed some unhealthy habits born of boredom and a longing for fun. Annie shares how she reset her relationship with alcohol and Abbey tries to figure out how to move her bod while working from home.

Our Apple Watches mock us.

U.S kids are Back to School! In Person! All Day! And even though most kids need it, parents need it, and the economy needs it, there are many kids that need a (safe) alternative option.