In this eleventh episode of Spiritual, Not Religious, Shawn, Mollie, and James explore why many young people say faith matters yet struggle to let it shape everyday choices. Drawing on campus ministry experience, Aramaic insights about wholeness and “shalom,” and the fruit of the Spirit, they contrast “looking spiritual” with actually loving people in concrete ways—kindness, courage, and integrity when it’s inconvenient. They unpack the tension between fitting in and standing out, the trap of compartmentalizing faith to Sundays, and how practices (do no harm, do good, and keep close to God) gradually ripen character. The episode lands with practical nudges—resist gossip, befriend “the other,” and carry grace into ordinary spaces—because you’re infinitely precious and made to live this love all week long.
In this tenth episode of Spiritual, Not Religious, hosts Shawn Winburn, James Henry, and Mollie June Miller Bachman welcome their very first guest, Bridget Williams, for a thoughtful conversation on the tension between following Jesus’ teachings and worshiping him. Bridget shares her spiritual journey from a Catholic upbringing to her current work with Appalachia Service Project in Kentucky, highlighting her exploration of diverse worship traditions. The group discusses how elevating Jesus too highly can make his example seem unattainable, whereas his life was meant to model a way of living accessible to all. Together they reflect on worship as more than weekly rituals—seeing it as awe, surrender, and alignment with God’s presence in daily life—and explore how spirituality can be lived out in community, service, and ordinary moments. The episode underscores the challenges and opportunities young adults face in reconciling faith, authenticity, and practice, while affirming that worship can take many forms grounded in love, presence, and action.
WE'RE BACK AND GLAD TO BE! In this thoughtful and spirited episode of Spiritual, Not Religious, hosts James, Mollie, and Shawn return after a springtime hiatus to explore the question that often confuses and overwhelms emerging adults: why are there so many Christian denominations, and do they help or hinder our spiritual growth? Reflecting on their own transitions—James’s move to a new church, Mollie’s recent marriage and upcoming travels—they dive into a heartfelt conversation about faith, identity, and the search for meaningful community. The trio examines the roots of denominational differences, the role of doctrine and tradition, and the importance of humility, compassion, and belonging in spiritual spaces. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to trust their spiritual instincts, seek out communities where they feel loved and challenged to grow, and embrace the beautiful diversity of ways people encounter God.
In this heartfelt and often humorous episode of Spiritual Not Religious, hosts James Henry, Mollie June Miller, and Shawn Winburn dive deep into the power and accessibility of contemplative spiritual practices—especially for young and emerging adults navigating chaotic transitions and soul-deep questions. From centering prayer to breath work, yoga, journaling, and sacred word meditation, the trio shares personal stories and practical tools for grounding in God’s presence amid the noise of daily life. They introduce the concepts of consolation and desolation, encouraging listeners to embrace both as part of the spiritual path, and remind us that there’s no one-size-fits-all practice—only a deep invitation to explore what anchors you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, curious, or spiritually stuck, this episode offers grace, guidance, and an open door into deeper connection with the Divine.
In this heartfelt and engaging episode, hosts James, Mollie, and Shawn explore the complexities facing young and emerging adults as they navigate the uncertain terrain of calling, purpose, and expectations. With honesty and humor, they reflect on cultural pressures around success, the challenges of student debt and cost of living, and the misconception that not having it all figured out by your 20s means you’ve somehow failed. Through storytelling, stats, and spiritual reflection, the trio reframes “failure to launch” as an invitation to redefine success, honor personal timing, and embrace the slow unfolding of one’s unique path. Whether you’re a young adult, a parent, or a mentor, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder: you are already enough—and nothing less than love can define you.
The podcast episode of Spiritual Not Religious explores the deep spiritual longings of young adults and their evolving relationship with faith and church. Hosts Shawn, Mollie, and James discuss a recent study from Faith for Exiles that identifies three key desires among emerging adults: a faith that connects with their world, a belief that God is more active outside traditional church walls, and a desire to live out their faith without withdrawing from society. They reflect on how Jesus modeled an engaged, mission-driven life and how many young adults resonate more with hands-on service, justice, and community action than institutional religion. The conversation touches on issues like authenticity, the need for tangible faith expression, and the church’s role in bridging divides rather than reinforcing them. Ultimately, the hosts encourage listeners to seek a faith rooted in love, action, and belonging, while inviting further discussion through social media and email.
In this episode of Spiritual Not Religious, hosts Shawn Winburn, Mollie June Miller, and James Henry dive into the roadblocks that hinder faith journeys, particularly for young adults navigating spirituality outside traditional religious spaces. They discuss how rigid theology, church hurt, and institutional barriers often push the spiritually curious away—and explore ways to reimagine faith communities as spaces of openness, belonging, and authentic conversation. Drawing from personal experiences, theological reflections, and insights from authors like Mark Matlock and Michael Beck, they challenge the church to shift from exclusionary practices to an invitational model of faith. Join the conversation as they unpack what it means to cultivate a spiritual “garden” where doubt, curiosity, and deep questions are embraced rather than dismissed.
In this episode of Spiritual, Not Religious, hosts Mollie June Miller, Shawn Winburn, and James Henry dive into one of the most foundational and complex topics in faith: Who is God? They explore how our understanding of God shapes every other relationship in our lives, drawing from a thought-provoking quote by Pastor Brian Erickson.
The hosts discuss the many ways people perceive God—from an authoritarian figure to a loving and creative force—and how these views impact our faith, decisions, and interactions with others. They emphasize the importance of moving beyond rigid definitions, acknowledging God’s presence in love, justice, and creation. They also explore gendered language around God, how historical and cultural contexts have influenced theological perspectives, and the necessity of holding an expansive and evolving view of the divine.
Through biblical stories, including the prodigal son and the parable of the lost sheep, they highlight God’s relentless love, creative nature, and desire for relationship with humanity. The episode encourages listeners to remain open to expanding their understanding of God, embracing both mystery and revelation.
Join the conversation as they challenge traditional frameworks, invite questions, and remind listeners that wherever love is present, so is God.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the question of whether God speaks—and if so, how to hear that voice amid life’s noise—this episode of Spiritual Not Religious is for you. Hosts Mollie June Miller, Shawn Winburn, and James Henry dive deep into the complexities of hearing God in a world filled with competing voices. They explore personal experiences, biblical stories, and practical spiritual practices—from silence and nature walks to music, service, and sacred reading. Whether you’ve longed for a clear sign from above or simply want to cultivate a deeper awareness of divine guidance in your daily life, this conversation offers insights and encouragement. Tune in and discover new ways to listen for God’s voice in the everyday moments of your journey.
We've said we're spiritual, not religious. But just what does "religious" mean? Are our differences irreconcilable?
Figuring out who we are is a lifelong journey. In this podcast, we share some thoughts about what identity is.
Hey, we hope you will join us for our twice monthly podcast that drops live at 8:00AM Eastern on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. This is a short teaser invite. See you there!
