
Untangled Faith
A podcast for anyone who has found themself disillusioned or discouraged in their faith journey and who wants to hold on to their faith while untangling it from all that is not good or true.
Latest episodes

May 21, 2025 • 60min
139: Posture Over Position: Transforming How We Engage LGBTQ+ Folks in Our Congregations: Guest Bill Henson, Posture Shift Ministries
Bill Henson, founder and director of Posture Shift Ministries, joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to talk about cultivating a posture of radical love and hospitality toward LGBTQ+ individuals and families within the church, regardless of theological position. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we: Explore the difference between a church’s theological position and its posture toward LGBTQ+ individuals. Hear why Posture Shift was founded in the midst of the culture wars around LGBTQ+ rights and the church’s response. Discuss the importance of practical, missional skill sets for churches to truly love and include LGBTQ+ people, beyond merely good intentions. Address common language pitfalls and the impact of terminology like “lifestyle” on LGBTQ+ individuals seeking belonging in faith communities. Examine the need for clarity and transparency about church beliefs on sexuality—and the harm of ambiguity or “bait and switch” scenarios for LGBTQ+ congregants. Reflect on the dangers of treating LGBTQ+ presence in church as a threat, and instead view it as a missional opportunity. Consider best practices for using names and pronouns, and the principle of “pronoun hospitality,” especially in youth ministry and family settings. Learn about practical resources like the "Guiding Families" book and direct care coaching for families navigating these conversations. Featured Guest Bill Henson, Posture Shift Ministries Posture Shift | postureshift.com Resources mentioned This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled About - Posture Shift | postureshift.com Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

May 6, 2025 • 53min
138: Third-Party Investigations and Trauma Informed Practices. In Memory of Pete Singer
Pete Singer passed away on May 1, 2025. He is missed by his many family and friends. Make a donation to GRACE: https://netgrace.org/donate Pete Singer, executive director of GRACE, shares about grooming, hidden trauma, being "overly" sensitive to abuse, and the importance of third-party investigations. “Perpetrators put a lot of effort into being the kind of person who would never do that.” "Being more sensitive may be the product of having more knowledge." Pete Singer is the Executive Director of GRACE: Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment and an expert on third-party investigations, trauma, and trauma-informed practice. GRACE: Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment is a nonprofit organization that specializes in safeguarding initiatives to guard against church abuse, sexual abuse in the church. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. What misconceptions about perpetrators of abuse do people have, and how can we ensure we are more informed? 2. How does trauma-informed practice apply in churches, and why is it important? 3. How can churches protect possible victims and be transparent and trustworthy in their response to allegations of misconduct? Links: https://netgrace.org SAMHSA’s Six Principles of Trauma-Informed Care – Post-Secondary Peer Support Training Curriculum (opentextbc.ca)

Apr 29, 2025 • 57min
137: Life After Financial Peace University Rethinking Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Dan and Summer Watt & Melissa Hogan joined me for episode 39: The Problem with Financial Peace University and Dave Ramsey's Financial Rhetoric. This conversation we had was made possible by the fact that those of us involved in this episode have spent the last several years processing together our experiences with the ups and downs of Financial Peace University and the rhetoric coming from the Ramsey Show. While we all had different levels of understanding and adhering to the plan, each of us have found ourselves with serious questions. Some of these questions started before we broke ties with the organization and some of these realizations came later. We don’t claim to be unbiased observers. We all have had very painful and disappointing experiences with Ramsey Solutions, but we don’t think that negates the very real questions we raise. Links: D.L. Mayfield, The Myth of the American Dream Dan Watt- Why Write About Lampo? Dan Watt- Getting a Mortgage with no credit score American Gospel movie Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

Apr 23, 2025 • 6min
136: What Happens When You Have Conflicting Information About Someone's Character?
Amy Fritz shares a brief reflection on what it's like to reckon with there being two versions of someone. What would it cost to believe a person could be kind and generous sometimes and cruel and abusive other times? Are you allowed to consider that, and what does it mean if you aren’t? Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

Apr 15, 2025 • 51min
135: Explaining the Johnny Hunt v. Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Lawsuit. Guest: Melissa J. Hogan
Amy Fritz is joined by Melissa J. Hogan on the Untangled Faith podcast to discuss the lawsuit involving Johnny Hunt and the SBC, addressing misconceptions and the importance of the judge's resolution. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we: Explore the origins and developments of the Johnny Hunt lawsuit against the SBC. Unpack the significance of the Guidepost Report in uncovering abuse within the SBC. Clarify common misconceptions about defamation cases and the impact of public testimony. Reveal the judge's resolution and its implications for survivors and the SBC. Highlight the importance of understanding power dynamics and trauma-informed perspectives in cases of abuse. Featured Guest Melissa J. Hogan https://melissajhogan.substack.com Resources mentioned Dr. David Pooler Professor David Pooler: What is consent and power in clergy-laity relations? | Diana R. Garland School of Social Work | Baylor University Judge Rules Against Johnny Hunt in Defamation Suit over SBC Abuse Report - Christianity Today If you liked this episode you'll like these: 83: Dave Ramsey’s Legal Nightmare: Time Share Exit Team Class-Action Lawsuit Deep Dive with Melissa Hogan 94: Lawsuit Update: Hypocrisy and Double Standards at Ramsey Solutions Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

Apr 8, 2025 • 50min
134: Pushing Back Against Spiritual Anxiety. Guest: Tiffany Yecke Brooks
Tiffany Yecke Brooks joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to discuss her book Holy Ghosted and searching for a less anxious faith Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode, we: Explore the concept of spiritual anxiety as a trauma response and its impact on individuals raised in legalistic religious environments. Discuss the influence of religious teachings and cultural pressures on Gen X and millennials’ spiritual experiences. Examine how control and manipulation manifest in religious communities through various rhetorical techniques. Highlight the historical presence of spiritual anxiety among church figures and the recognition of healthier ways to engage with faith. Reflect on the notion of God’s will as a relationship rather than a specific path, encouraging a focus on making thoughtful and intentional decisions. Featured Guest Tiffany Yecke Brooks Resources mentioned Holy Ghosted https://amzn.to/4llmYPZ https://tiffanyyeckebrooks.com https://tiffanyyeckebrooks.substack.com Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

Apr 1, 2025 • 42min
133: Building Safe Sanctuaries. Guest: Dr. Diane Langberg
Dr. Diane Langberg joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to discuss her insights on abuse within the church and her latest book, "When the Church Harms God's People." Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode, we: Explore the evolution of understanding abuse and trauma over the past five decades with Dr. Langberg. Discuss the misconceptions surrounding abuse and domestic violence within Christian communities. Examine the bravery required for victims to speak up and how church leaders should respond to disclosures of abuse. Address the importance of protecting individuals over preserving institutions or marriages. Consider what true repentance looks like for perpetrators and how mercy and love can be extended to them responsibly. Look at the challenges faced by survivors and the need for vigilance and wisdom in church settings. Highlight the essential role of education and training for leaders in recognizing and responding to abuse situations. Featured Guest Dr. Diane Langberg Resources mentioned When The Church Harms God's People https://amzn.to/4lbpqsn Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

Mar 25, 2025 • 55min
Celebrities For Jesus. Guest: Katelyn Beaty (RERUN)
Katelyn Beaty joins Amy Fritz for a conversation about what Katelyn learned as she was writing her upcoming book, Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we talk about: How did Katelyn decide who to reach out to for endorsements for a book like this? Proximity as an antidote to implosion. An update on my former pastor who plagiarized most of his sermons and personal stories. Ghostwriting Plagiarism What is the role of the consumer? Featured Guest Katelyn Beaty https://katelybeaty.com Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Buy Katelyn's book: https://amzn.to/3AaCGaY Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 1min
132: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor. Guest: Caleb Campbell
Caleb Campbell joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to discuss his journey from pastoring to becoming an author, and how to engage lovingly with Christian nationalists. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we: Explore Caleb Campbell's background and transformation from a neo-Nazi skinhead to a church pastor. Discover the origins and motivations behind Caleb's book on Christian nationalism. Reflect on the challenges pastors face in navigating cultural and political divides, particularly within the past decade. Reframe the approach to Christian nationalism as a mission field rather than an enemy to combat. Consider practical steps for engaging in meaningful, compassionate conversations with those holding nationalist views. Featured Guest Caleb Campbell https://www.disarmingleviathan.com Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor https://amzn.to/4hEwCdi The Quiet Damage: QAnon and the Destruction of the American Family https://amzn.to/4hEwCdi Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

Mar 11, 2025 • 52min
131: Exploring Women's Historical Roles in Ministry. Guest: Dr. Beth Allison Barr
Dr. Beth Allison Barr joins Amy Fritz to talk about the how women's roles in church ministry have changed throughout history. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we: Dive into the origins and unexpected reactions to Barr's previous work, "The Making of Biblical Womanhood." Explore how Barr's experiences as both a historian and pastor's wife influenced her latest work. Unpack the historical context of ordination and the roles women played in early church leadership. Reveal how cultural forces and economics, rather than biblical mandates, have historically dictated views on women's roles. Discuss the Southern Baptist Convention's shifting stance on women's ordination in response to social and cultural changes. Shine a light on current issues within the SBC, including the connection between power dynamics and handling of abuse cases. Featured Guest Dr. Beth Allison Barr https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/598817 Resources mentioned Faithful Counseling- get 10% off here: BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today Beth's book: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/598817 Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky