In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Coles, author, scholar, and speaker, to explore his deeply personal journey of faith, sexuality, and self-understanding. Gregory’s life story spans multiple cultures, academic disciplines, and spiritual landscapes — from growing up in Indonesia to earning a PhD in English and becoming a voice for nuanced conversations at the intersections of Christianity and sexual identity.

Gregory discusses the challenges and insights that shaped his path: wrestling with same-sex attraction within his Christian upbringing, the theological and emotional work of self-discovery, and his ongoing commitment to both his faith and personal integrity. We delve into what it means to live faithfully as a gay Christian committed to singleness, how church communities can meaningfully engage in compassionate dialogue, and the hope he finds in belonging both to Christ and to a broader community of seekers.

Listeners will gain a compelling blend of theological reflection, honest storytelling, and practical encouragement — whether they’re navigating questions of identity themselves or seeking to better understand the lives of others.

Resources from Gregory Coles:

• Book — Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity: https://www.gregorycoles.com/book-single-gay-christian/
• Greg’s Official Website: https://www.gregorycoles.com/

Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.

To view our full Position Paper, visit alderwood.cc/essentials

How does the biblical vision of human sexuality offer a more beautiful and life-giving path than the narratives of our modern world? In this episode of Native Exiles, Steve and Wyatt engage with one of the most pressing and complex topics facing the church today: the theology and practice of human sexuality. Rather than simply reacting to cultural shifts, they seek to ground the conversation in the goodness of God’s creative intent, exploring how our bodies and desires point toward a deeper gospel reality.

In the first half of the conversation, Steve and Wyatt look closely at the witness of Scripture, tracing the biblical framework for sexuality from Genesis to the New Testament. They explore how the Bible’s teaching is not merely a list of prohibitions, but a coherent vision of holiness, dignity, and flourishing. In the second half, they pivot to the practical implications for the local church. They discuss how a formal position paper translates into the messiness of everyday ministry—addressing how the church can be a community that upholds biblical truth while remaining a place of radical hospitality and grace for those navigating questions of identity and desire.

This episode is designed for those seeking clarity amidst the noise of contemporary debates and for anyone longing to see the church embody a faithful, counter-cultural presence. Whether you are seeking to understand the "why" behind the church’s convictions or looking for guidance on how to love your neighbor well, this conversation offers a thoughtful and hopeful roadmap for following Jesus in the tension of our current cultural moment.

Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.

As we prepare for a season in our church where we are tackling difficult conversations, we wanted to reshare one of our favorite episodes from Season 2!

Dr. Gerry Breshears from Western Seminary came to our church to talk about Genesis. This episode highlights his conversation with our Lead Pastor Wyatt Martin regarding handling disagreements in the church. He gives us a model to decipher which topics are worth debating, dividing over, or dying for.

To learn more about Dr. Gerry Breshears, visit https://breshears.net/

Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus.

For more questions and inquiries, reach us at reachus@amcc.org or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.