Greg Johnson is the lead pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri and is the only senior pastor in his entire denomination who is publicly celibate and same-sex attracted. Though Greg grew up in an atheist family, that didn't spare him from the shame and embarrassment that so many LGBTQ+ people experience, especially in their y…

Brain Zahnd is the founding pastor of Word of Life Church in Saint Joseph, Missouri and an author of multiple books. In this interview, Brian talked with us about his Christian journey so far, from finding faith in the Jesus Movement to his involvement in the Charismatic movement to the founding of Word of Life Church and then eventually to the rad…

Greg Coles is an author, speaker, and worship leader. His latest book is called "No Longer Strangers: Finding Belonging in a World of Alienation." Check out Greg's website for more of his books and speaking schedule. Greg grew up in the Philippines as the youngest son of missionaries. Whenever his youth group talked about sex and purity, Greg didn'…

Andy Mineo is a multi-talented hip hop artist, producer, and director. He's been making music since he was a teenager, and has been signed with Reach Records since 2011. His latest release is "Never Land II," and you can buy it or stream it anywhere music is sold. Andy grew up praying for his dad to come back into his life, but it never happened. H…

Dan Stringer is a pastor, author, and campus minister in Honolulu, Hawaii. You can get your own copy of "Struggling with Evangelicalism: Why I Want to Leave and What it Takes to Stay" anywhere books are sold. Dan is a missionary kid who never lived in the continental US until he went to Wheaton College. He realized quickly that, while he had picked…

Jennifer Knapp is a singer/songwriter, activist, author, and speaker. Learn more Jennifer on her website. Most people say Jennifer grew up in a non-religious home, but she disagrees. While she didn't consider herself an Evangelical until she was in college, she had a lot of exposure to religion, both its good and bad. It wasn't long after Jennifer …

Taylor Schumann grew up in Virginia with a comfortable and easy life until she was shot by a stranger at her job in 2013. A lot of things changed for Taylor after that, and she began to speak publicly about her evolving views. Although Taylor has experienced enough cruelty to make her question her faith, she remains committed to speaking out about …

Bridget Eileen Rivera describes herself as a Christian, Lesbian, Sojourner. Like so many others, she grew up thinking all LGBTQ people were going to hell, but discovered she was a lesbian in college. Buy Bridget’s book “Heavy Burdens.” Bridget’s revelation was not comforting or easy for her. She felt dirty, unloveable, and damned. She had trouble g…

Lecrae is a rapper who came to fame with his 116 clique and unashamed rhymes. He was a darling of the young, restless reformed movement until he began to speak up about his experiences as a Black man in church. Lecrae has never been one to hold back, and his courage and clarity about race in America cost him dearly. His career suffered, his marriag…

Why I Stay is part of the Patheos Podcast Network. We will hear from guests like Lecrae, Bridget Eileen Rivera, Jennifer Knapp, Dr. Gregory Coles, Andy Mineo, and Pastor Greg Johnson.By Jennifer Knapp, Brian Zahnd, Lecrae, John Osburn