An Episcopal priest shares their unique experience of playing in a piano rock band and transitioning to being a professional Christian. They discuss the financial struggles of musicians and the dangers of avoiding medication for mental illness. The speaker also talks about creating music while balancing parenthood and their desire to form a band of religious professionals who play non-religious music.
The speaker discusses the intersection of music and ministry in her life, blending piano rock with electronic elements in her current EP project.
Becoming a parent has shifted the speaker's priorities, with a strong desire to prioritize spending time with her baby over everything else.
Once ordained, a priest always carries the responsibilities and moral compass of a priest, highlighting the importance of obeying their bishops and maintaining a good relationship with them.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Music and Ministry
The priest, who used to be a rock musician, discusses how music and ministry intersect in her life. She shares that she is currently working on an EP with a friend, blending piano rock with electronic elements. She expresses her excitement about combining her passion for music with her role as a priest. She also reflects on the subversion of expectations when it comes to female priests and the importance of challenging traditional stereotypes.
Navigating Parenthood as a Priest
The speaker talks about how becoming a parent has shifted her orientation in life. She shares that she now prioritizes spending time with her baby over everything else. Despite being a busy and career-driven person, she feels a strong desire to be present with her child. She acknowledges the hormonal influence on her new perspectives and admits that leaving the house for anything else feels like an inconvenience.
The Commitment and Obedience of Being a Priest
The priest explains that once ordained, one doesn't stop being a priest, even if they leave their current position. They always carry the responsibilities and moral compass of a priest, regardless of their job or location. She emphasizes the vow of obedience to bishops, which means that if a bishop were to say she should work elsewhere or take a different job, she would have to obey. She highlights the importance of having a good relationship with her bishops and the trust she places in them.
Combining Music and Faith
The podcast episode explores the speaker's transition from being a musician to becoming a clergy member. They discuss their experience performing at different venues and feeling uneasy about the treatment of their fans. The speaker reflects on their hunger for a musical career compared to their desire to pursue further religious studies. They also touch on the perception of religious identity and their personal journey in understanding and embracing their role as a religious figure.
Activism and the Role of a Priest
The podcast delves into the importance of activism within the role of a priest. The speaker emphasizes the need for priests to be active in their communities and engage in public witness. They discuss their efforts to encourage their church to participate in social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and gun violence prevention. The speaker also reflects on the challenges and backlash they face from opposing viewpoints within their community, highlighting the fine line between religious duty and personal activism.
Our second Episcopal priest calls in, but this “professional Christian” has a totally different vibe. She talks about playing in a piano rock band, trying not to flip off other drivers on the road, and all the places we can find community–in and out of church.
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