Destruction vs. deconstruction?
- S2E13
- 54:45
- February 2nd 2022
"The sexy thing in the #exvangelical world right now is destruction. That's the easiest path, just shoot flaming arrows at the thing, tear it apart, poke holes in it.
Destroying something is deeply satisfying the moment, especially when there is a lot of hurt.
Deconstruction has a lot more intention behind it, it's much more careful in its exploration."
Today I'm joined with my personal friend John Emery. John is a former evangelical worship pastor who made the decision to walk away from his role in the church in order to search for a more inclusive and affirming path forward for himself, his family, and for all people.
John is on his own personal journey of deconstruction where he is learning to grow into spaces that encourage him to be more vulnerable, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous in his relationship with God and how he defines church.
John is a strong LGBTQ+ ally who lives with his wife and three kids in Freeport Maine where he is the founder of branding agency Emery. Emery works to help bring clarity and confidence to brands and they believe that every "good idea" deserves a great reputation. John's overall life goal in everything that he does is to help grow fruit on other people's trees.
What's your hope for the church? Where do you find your intentions?
Are you fighting to keep things the same?
Do you want to return to someplace from the past?
Do you want to destroy something that has caused pain?
Or are you focused on deconstruction so that we can open up space where you can co-create something new?
This Little Light of Mine - Leading Yourself Through the Fire of Religious Trauma
This Little Light of Mine is no longer just about healing—it’s about leading yourself through the fires of religious trauma and reclaiming your life, your voice, and your worth.
Join me, James Powell—leadership coach, speaker, and survivor of religious and cultural shame—as we explore the hard-won leadership lessons forged in the crucible of spiritual rejection and identity erasure. Together, we’ll unpack how surviving deep wounds becomes the foundation for courageous self-leadership, radical self-acceptance, and living a life rooted in purpose and power.
If these episodes speak to you and you’re ready to grow forward and lead the way you were created to lead, visit humankind.work. Your next chapter starts here.