Colby Martin remains obstinately hopeful that the church can change the world.
Having experienced his fair share of pain and rejection from mainstream Christianity, Colby is awake to the flaws, tragic missteps, and misplaced earnestness that too often define the direction of the church. But God’s vision for creation as revealed in Jesus still compels him – a window into a way of being human that fosters wholeness, and can move communities away from shame into vulnerable, flourishing connection.
As author of the bestselling “UnClobber: Rethinking our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality” and Co-Founder of Sojourn Grace Collective in San Diego, CA, Colby has emerged as one of the leading voices of the Progressive Christian movement. Together with his Co-Pastor and wife, Kate, and their four sons, he is carving out a space for followers of Jesus that includes:
- a whole-heartedly affirming posture toward LGBTQ individuals,
- a broader acceptance of other spiritual practices and religious perspectives,
- an agreeableness toward science,
- and a commitment to always growing, transforming, and trusting that the best days are yet to come.
Colby is currently partnering with other progressive Christian churches as a co-director for RENOVATE, an organization committed to planting and resourcing similar faith communities all across the country.
It is Colby’s deeply held belief that when people are reminded they are loved children of God, wholly and exactly as they are, they begin to live from a place of freedom. His work as author and pastor aims to point us toward that freedom, stubbornly, hopefully, until we believe in it. Until we can live in it, that the church – fully loved, liberated, and empowered – may continue the long work of changing the world.
IF you enjoyed this podcast or have questions for myself or Colby please let me know you can reach me at 860-576-9393 or email inclusiveactivism@cox.net