Misfits Position – Co-Founder, Facilitator, Podcast Host, and Part-Time Blogger
Meyers Briggs – ENTP (same as The Joker and Captain Jack Sparrow).
Favorite Book -The Bible Tells Me So by Peter Enns.
Why I Joined Misfits – I joined Misfits because I needed a safe place to be accepted even when I was disagreed with.
Favorite Quote(s) – “You have to accept the difficulties of changing the status quo, but you have to believe that this can be done” – Ha-Joon Chang // “Culture, one’s place in time, affects how we talk about God”. – Peter Enns // “The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better.” Richard Rohr
Theological Passions – The Nature of the Bible, Biblical Studies, The Logos Of God, Organic Church, Historical Theology, Church Fathers, Essential Kenosis, Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy.
Hobbies – Backpacking (which I never get to do), drinking good craft beer and coffee, and traveling
Love Language: Theology (talk some good theology with me and my love tank will fill right up
Denomination/Tradition – Theologically Trans-Denominational, Episcopalian member of the Anglican Communion
Meyers Briggs – ENFP (Same as Robert Downey Jr, and Will Smith)
Favorite Book – Saturate: Being Disciples Of Jesus In The Everyday Stuff Of Life
Why I Joined Misfits – I believe it’s incredibly important to be able to engage in theological discussions in an amicable way, and what Misfits is doing is providing one such avenue to do just that.
Inspirational Quote – “Preach the gospel to yourself every day.” – Jeff Vanderstelt
Theological Passions – I’m passionate about applying theology to missional living. I believe that God is more concerned with how theology affects our hearts and hands than how it affects our mind.
Hobbies – Reading, Writing, Sports, Pizza
Darrian Broom
Misfits Position – Full-time Blogger and Director of Social Media
Meyers Briggs – ENFJ (same as Barack Obama, and Ben Affleck)
Favorite Book – The Shack
Why I Joined Misfits – I joined Misfits to be a part of community and safe haven from my former faith and newfound unwelcome beliefs.
Inspirational Quote – “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Theological Passions – Christ’s teachings and practices on love and his resurrection.
Hobbies – Research, reading, playing video games, and going to the movies.
Denomination/Tradition – Episcopal/Anglican
Sabra Martin
Misfits Position – Part-time Blogger
Myers-Brigg – ESFJ/ISFJ (Same as Bill Clinton and Taylor Swift
Favorite Book – Generous Justice & The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
Why I Joined Misfits – To be welcomed and accepted in a community surrounded by other believers from different backgrounds and walks of life. To explore my christianity further and what it means to be a servant of Christ.
Inspirational quote(s) – “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” -Audrey Hepburn
Theological Passions – Social Justice & evangelism
Hobbies – vlogging, gaming, and being a mama.
Denomination/Tradition – interdenominational
Tyler Martin
Misfits Position – Full-time Blogger
Myers-Brigg – INFP (Same as J.R.R Tolkein, and Julia Roberts)
Favorite Book – Probably, Mere Christianity
Why I Joined Misfits – I’m tired of seeing Christians, brothers and sisters in Christ, tearing each other apart over nonessential differences in theology. I believe it’s time to start cooperating, learning from each other, and working together on behalf of God’s kingdom. We each come from different backgrounds and we each read the Bible a little bit differently. We need each other to come to a fuller understanding of who we are as humans and, more importantly, who our God is.
Inspirational quote(s) – “A story-formed community…will not be so sure it has all the answers. Such a community will listen for surprises, for strangers, and for imaginative new ideas which it cannot control.” Philip S. Keane
Theological Passions – Biblical theology / Old Testament in the New Testament / Imaginative hermeneutics
Hobbies – Writing, photography, web development
Denomination/Tradition – Church Of God (Anderson, IN)
Chris Thrutchley
Misfits Position – Co-Founder, and Full–time blogger
Myers-Brigg – INFJ (?) Feels like it depends on the day I take it the test.
Favorite Book – One of my favorite books is Catholicism: A Journey Heart of the Faith (Robert Barron). It was recommended to me at an early stage in the process of my conversion to Catholicism, and so it has some sentimental value for me. It’s a great introduction to Christianity in general, covering the life of Christ, Trinitarian theism, Catholic Mariology, the sacraments, prayer, and eschatology.
Why I Joined Misfits – To help create a safe space for people to explore their religious doubts and questions.
Inspirational quote(s) – “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”
Theological Interests – Thomism, history of Western philosophy, ecclesiology, church history, Natural Law, virtue ethics, eschatology, lay movements in Christianity, etc.
Hobbies – Philosophical and theological reading, video games, and music.
Denomination/Tradition – Catholicism
Tori Thrutchley
Misfits Position – Full-time blogger
Myers-Brigg – INFJ
Favorite Book – “Four Witnesses: The Early Church in Her Own Words” by Rod Bennett, “The World’s First Love” Fulton J. Sheen
Why I Joined Misfits – I joined Misfits because of the opportunity to engage with people with diverse approaches to faith.
Inspirational quote(s) – “Don’t let yourself forget that God’s grace rewards not only those who never slip, but also those who bend and fall. So sing! The song of rejoicing softens hard hearts. It makes tears of godly sorrow flow from them. Singing summons the Holy Spirit. Happy praises offered in simplicity and love lead the faithful to complete harmony, without discord. Don’t stop singing.” – Hildegard of Bingen
Theological Passions – Patristics, Mariology
Hobbies – Camping, playing music, reading
Denomination/Tradition – Roman Catholicism
Matt Baker
Misfits Position – Technical Assistance (Literally the most important job) Myers-Brigg – INTP (Same as Bill Gates, and Albert Einstein) Favorite Book – Brisingr By Christopher Paolini Why I Joined Misfits – I am one of Gabe’s best friends and he needed someone to manage the website, which I gladly agreed to.
Inspirational quote(s) – “Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” – Vincent Van Gogh
Theological Passions – Doing everything through love.
Hobbies – Reading, writing, video games, coffee, and camping
Favorite Book – Inner Voice of Love By Henri Nouwen, The Iron Ring By Lloyd Alexander, Crime And Punishment By Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Why I joined Misfits – I like looking at things from various angles and enjoy discovering different perspective on Biblical studies and Theology and believe Misfits is a perfect place for me to do that.
Inspirational Quote – “God has me do some really crazy stuff to remind me of who I am.” – Bob Pagelow
Theological Passions – Building up of the Church, Women in Ministry
Hobbies – World Building, building fake genealogies
Denomination/Tradition – Baptist
Garrett Shrouder
Misfits Position – Full-Time Blogger
Myers-Briggs – ENFJ (Sporadically insane)
Favorite Book– The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
Why I joined– It’s important to show the world around us the differing views between believers and how they engage with one another in that. We are marked by our love for our neighbors.
Inspirational quote– “Anxiety is characteristic of the Gentiles, for they rely on their own strength and work instead of relying on God.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer (from The Cost of Discipleship)
Theological Passions– I am intensely passionate about authentic Christianity (do ask and I’d be glad to explain) and studying Church History.
Hobbies– Mountain biking, and Army stuff (that last part isn’t a hobby, it just takes up a considerable portion of my time)
Denomination/Tradition– Missionary Baptist (American Baptist Association) in service, non-denominational in mindset
Brad Jersak
Misfits Position – Guest Blogger
Myers-Brigg – borderline INFP, Enneagram 9
Favorite Book – Simone Weil, Awaiting God
Why I Joined Misfits – I’m an outlier / distruptor
Favorite quote(s) – “If you would not beseech Christ day and night [for the redemption of all], then your heart is of iron—but there is no need for iron in paradise.” St. Silouan the Athonite
Theological Passions – Patristic Christology, The Cross as Christus Victor and Anti-theodicy, Hopeful Inclusivism
Hobbies – Mountain Hiking (non-practicing) and Reading
Denomination/Tradition – Eastern Orthodox permeated with Anabaptism.
Father Everett Lees
Misfits Position – Part-Time Blogger
Myers-Brigg – ISFJ (Same as Neville Longbottom and Barbara Bush)
Favorite Book – Suprised by Hope By N.T. Wright, For The Life of The World By Alexander Schmemann
Why I Joined Misfits – Its the only place that would take me.
Favorite quote(s) – “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” Sirius Black
Theological Passions – Evangelism, Discipleship, and Avoiding Heresy
Hobbies – Reading, coffee, beer.
Denomination/Tradition – Episopal/Anglican
Rob Christ
Misfits Position – Part-time, please
Myers-Brigg – ENFJ
Favorite Book – The Bible: A Biography by Karen Armstrong; Water from an Ancient Well by Kenneth McIntosh; Christianity: The First 3000 Years by Diarmaid MacCulloch
Why I Joined Misfits – Gabe asked me
Favorite quote(s) – “In my experience Joy and Sadness are the same – my being feels embraced and alive” – Margaret Wheatley // “I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.” – James Baldwin
Theological Passions – Celtic Saints and Christianity before the Synod of Whitby. Understanding Arianism and its role in the formation of the Eastern Churches and Islam. The equal role of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity and expression in Centering Prayer.
Hobbies – All consuming Seminary. Hiking and travel. Family and grandkids.
Denomination/Tradition – Presbyterian Church USA
Joanne Guarnieri Hagemeyer
Misfits Position – Part-time blogger
Myers-Brigg – INTJ (Same as C.S. Lewis and Jane Austen)
Favorite Book – I’d rather say favorite authors—Ursula Le Guin, Gilbert Bilezikian, A.W. Tozer, but even there, each time I write down a name, ten more appear in my mind’s eye, of people who have changed my life through their books. I do keep returning to two seminal works: “ReJesus: A Wild Messiah for a Missional Church” (Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost) and “The Practice of the Presence of God” (Brother Lawrence). I am not the same person after having read those books.
Why I Joined Misfits – I used to be a moderator on Theologica (a now defunct forum) and really miss the deep discussions we had there, among the diverse Body of Christ, running the gamut of all three branches of Christendom. God’s book is written in story, poetry, plays, axioms, autobiography, letters, comedy, allegory, and song. It is a conversation piece, and I’m eager to learn from everyone here.
Inspirational quote(s) – “’Don’t know,’ said Button Bright.’” (The Road to Oz)
Theological Interests – ecology, gender, mental illness, organic church
Hobbies – Reading, making music, writing, archaeology
Denomination/Tradition – Trans-Denominational, with Organic Leanings
Linda Marousek
Misfits Position – Part-time blogger!
Meyers Briggs – ISTJ, in partial remission due to retirement.
Favorite Book – Life of the Beloved – Henri J. M. Nouwen. Anything by Marcus Borg. Anything by Rowan Williams. Almost anything about the Christian contemplative tradition. A whole bunch of Martin Luther, extreme as he is. Anything written or spoken by Nadia Bolz-Weber.
Why I Joined Misfits – We have so much to learn from each other; I want to participate in the process.
Inspirational Quote – “Abba Lot went to see Abba Joseph and said to him, ‘Abba as far as I can I say my little office, I fast a little, I pray and meditate, I live in peace and as far as I can, I purify my thoughts. What else can I do?’ then the old man stood up and stretched his hands towards heaven. His fingers became like ten lamps of fire and he said to him, ‘If you will, you can become all flame.’” From the Sayings of the Desert Fathers // And along the same lines: “This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness, not health, but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not yet finished, but it is going on, this is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.” ― Martin Luther
Theological Passions – In the inner world, the Christian contemplative tradition. In the outer world, learning to be church post-Christendom.
Hobbies – Gardening, hiking, horses, dabbling in lots of stuff.
Denomination/Tradition – seriously Lutheran – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Jordan Davis
Misfits Position – Part-time blogger
Meyers Briggs – INFJ
Favorite Book – East of Eden
Why I Joined Misfits – I believe that theology is best done in the manner Jesus taught us to live–in love. No person owns the rights to theology. We all participate in it’s ongoing conversation as we make sense of the God revealed in the world. Misfits are people seeking to do just that; they recognize that there are multiple sides to the conversation, but instead of pushing others away, each person is kept at arm’s length. In humility, I seek to share my perspective of God while showing others’ perspectives to refine my own.
Inspirational Quote – “Like most theologians, I believe that Christian theology is language about God. But it’s more than that, and it’s the ‘more’ that makes theology Christian. Christian theology is language about the liberating character of God’s presence in Jesus Christ as he calls his people into being for freedom in the world. The task of the theologian, as a member of the people of God, is to clarify what the Church believes and does in relation to its participation in God’s liberating work in the world.” – James H. Cone, God of the Oppressed
Favorite Book – “The Divine Conspiracy” by Dallas Willard and “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss
Why I joined Misfits – I’m confident that whether learning or doing theology, both are best done with others.
Inspirational Quote – “The task has ended. Go in pieces. Our faith has been rear-ended, certainty amended, and something might be mended that we didn’t know was torn. And we are fire, bright, burning fire, turning from the higher places from which we fell, emptying ourselves into the hell in which we’ll find our loving and beloved brother, mother, sister, father, friend. And so friends, the task has ended. Go in pieces to see and feel your world.” – Pádraig Ó Tuama // “Following Jesus isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.” – A friend
Favorite Book – The Bible Tells Me So by Peter Enns
Why I Joined Misfits – I joined Misfits because I needed a diverse place to debate theologically
Favorite quote(s) – “Into the hands of every individual is given a marvelous power for good or evil-the silent, unconscious, unseen influence of his life. This is simply the constant radiation of what man really is, not what he pretends to be.” William George Jordan
Theological Passions – Church History, Church in America, Kingdom of God
Hobbies – Hanging with my kids, laughing, hanging with my wife, making people smile
Love Language – Gifts (I like to give them)
Denomination/Tradition – misfit, I have experience in many denominations because I am looking for my tribe
Darcy Hansen
Misfits Position – Part-time blogger
Myers Briggs – ISTJ, Enneagram 2
Favorite Book – Harry Potter Series, Tolkien’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings series, Leighton Ford’s The Attentive Life, Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard, and so many others!
Why I joined Misfits – While in seminary, many of my theological constructs have been deconstructed. As that process continues, I have became aware that I no longer fit into a specific religious box. This prompted me to leave the evangelical church I had attended for 7 years. As I wander in the wilderness, I long for a community where I can both contribute and grow in my understanding of what it means to be part of the Church outside of religious structures. The Misfits Theology Club is a safe place to do that.
Favorite quote(s) – “When you’re going through hell, keep going.” Winston Churchill // “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein // “God allows the shattering of lesser dreams to give us Himself.” MaryBeth Burton
Hobbies – Running slow and steady, coffee dates with good friends, collecting books I hope to one day read, micro-blogging on social media
Love Language – Acts of service or words of affirmation
Denomination/Tradition – to be determined
Charity Kemper Sandstrom
Misfits Position – Part-time blogger
Meyers Briggs -INFJ (Kind of, it varies. I’m always IN)
Favorite Books – Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
Why I joined Misfits – I love talking about life and faith. Diversity in expression of Christian faith is healthy. When we can reason together across theological differences it makes us all stronger. Creating spaces where we can express our thoughts openly and honestly without fear of rejection has potential to bring healing
Favorite quote(s) -“When it stops hurting, it’ll feel a whole lot better.” Mr. Drowatzky, High School Biology Teacher
Enneagram – Probably a 9, if you’re into categories
Favorite Book(s) – I don’t generally do favorites. But Spirituality of the Road by David Bosch is a recent book I’ve read. In a lot of ways I felt like it captures my transformation of thought.
Why I joined Misfits – I handed the right guy the right beer in the right brewery at the right time.
Favorite quote – “Let there be light.” -God
Hobbies – Smoking a pipe, changing diapers and climbing
Theological Passions – the concept of Pilgrim-Witness, the role of the church in the world and its relationship to the world, anything that helps me better operate in the world as a more faithful witness to God’s revelation of God-self to the world, theology as peacemaking
Denomination/Tradition – I am a Baptist
Jessica Anders
Misfits Position – Part-time blogger
Meyers Briggs – INFJ (Carrie Fisher/Oprah!!!)
Favorite Book – “Bread and Wine” by Ignazio Silone, “Midaq Alley” by Naguib Mahfouz
Why I joined Misfits – I think that one of the best ways to be a witness to the world is to love those who disagree with us. It is a learning process, but it is the best way to do community.
Favorite Quote – We regard falling from God’s friendship as the only thing dreadful and we consider becoming God’s friend the only thing worthy of honor and desire. This…is the only perfection of life. -Gregory of Nyssa
Hobbies – Pallet knife painting, playing and performing music, hiking, gardening, volunteering with local non-profits.
Denomination/Tradition – I grew up Foursquare. As an adult, I do not claim a denomination. At the moment…
Adam D’Achille
Misfits Position: Part Time Blogger
Myers-Briggs/Enneagram: INFJ / Four
Favorite Books:Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis (the entire series), The Great Divorce – C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters – C.S. Lewis, Perelandra – C.S. Lewis, Life Together – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Underground Church – Brian Sanders, The Last Lecture – Randy Pausch, The Pastor – Eugene Peterson, The Way of the Heart – Henri Nouwen, Practice of the Presence of God – Brother Lawrence, The Seven Storey Mountain – Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation – Thomas Merton, The Cloud of Unknowing – Anonymous, Surprised by Hope – N.T. Wright, The Day the Revolution Began – N.T. Wright, The Book Thief – Markus Zusak, Lord of the Flies – William Golding
Favorite Quotes: “Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence…” – Max Ehrmann, Desiderata “There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun… If only they could all see themselves as they really are. If only we could see each other that way all the time. There would be no more war, no more hatred, no more cruelty, no more greed…” – Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander “What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.” – C.S. Lewis, The Magician’s Nephew
Why I Joined Misfits: I didn’t want to wait until my death for the thoughts contained in my leather-bound journals to be published…. But for real, it seems like a great community here on the Island of Misfit Theologians, and I wanted to be a part of it.
Theological Passions: The Christian mystics and their theologies, contemplative prayer and practices, organic/underground/unique church forms in church planting
Hobbies: Reading, hiking/backpacking, acoustic guitar, charcoal/pen art, staying up too late listening to post/instrumental rock and thinking about the universe
Denomination/Tradition: “I’ve got no strings…” – Pinocchio. Currently in a home-grown, organic apartment church with no affiliation.
Will Retherford
Misfits Position – part-time blogger
Myers-Brigg – ENFP
Favorite Book – New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton
Why I Joined Misfits – This place a wonderful space to converse about the shared Christian faith and grow convictions. I am here to take a part in the conversation.
Favorite quote “My humanity is bound up in yours for we can only be human together. We are different precisely in order to realize our need of one another.” – Desmond Tutu
Theological Passions – My theological passion boils down to understanding people and the history of where we all come from so we can get a better understanding of how to keep moving into the future together.
Denomination/Tradition – Anglican
Kathy Brainard
Misfits Position – Part-time blogger
Myers-Brigg – INFJ-A – Advocate
Favorite Book – The Lord of the Rings – Tolkien – and right now – I enjoy Nadia Bolz-Weber and books by James Allison and Anthony DeMello.
Why I Joined Misfits – Community and an outlet for writing that helps me process.
Favorite quote(s) – God speaks to each of us as he makes us, then walks with us silently out of the night. These are the words we dimly hear: You sent out beyond your recall, go to the limits of your longing. Embody me. Flare up like a flame and make big shadows I can move in. Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final. Don’t let yourself lose me. Nearby is the country they call life. You will know it by its seriousness. Give me your hand. Raner Maria Rilke
Theological Passions – Communion and mystics.
Hobbies – Piano, Voice – Reading, Hiking, Camping
Love Language: As an extrovert, my love language includes any dialogue pertaining to history and/or theology. It feeds me.
Denomination/Tradition – Evolving – the great mystery
Eric Blessing
Misfits Position – part-time blogger
Myers-Brigg – INFJ
Favorite Book – The Challenge of Jesus by N.T. Wright, Jesus the Lord According to Paul the Apostle by Gordon Fee, and The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis<
Why I Joined Misfits – This place a wonderful space to converse about the shared Christian faith and grow convictions. I am here to take a part in the conversation.
Favorite quote(s) – “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”< – Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird) “There is good in him, I felt it.” – Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)
Theological Passions – Historical Jesus and Christological studies
Hobbies – Writing, playing music, and Pokemon.
Denomination/Tradition – I am part of a house church movement
Jessica Marie Yoder
Misfits Position – Blogger
Myers-Brigg – ENFP
Favorite Book – Swimmy by Leo Lionni. I have it in three languages.
Why I Joined Misfits – I am often a misfit in the academic world of Biblical and religious studies. I need a place where I feel welcomed to be myself. In a world where people are so quick to divide and tear each other down, we need more places of encouragement and friendly discussion.
Favorite quote(s) – “Nails were not enough to hold God-and-Man nailed and fasted to the cross had not love held him there.” St. Catherine of Siena.
Theological Passions – Dominican (Order of Preachers), Passion/Eucharist, Spiritual Warfare, New Testament, Amish, and more.
Hobbies – a wide variety of arts & crafts, cooking, pets, writing, backpack camping, Doctor Who fandom, and building Minecraft structures with my son.
Love Language: As an extrovert, my love language includes any dialogue pertaining to history and/or theology. It feeds me.
Denomination/Tradition – Roman Catholic, Dominican Laity
Jesse Heath
Misfits Position – Part-Time Blogger
Myers-Brigg – ENTJ(-T) (same as Dr. Strange and Geordi LaForge)
Favorite Book – I do not have favorite books. Some of my favorite authors include, but are not limited to John Wesley, Roger Olson, Robert Webber, Rachel Held Evans, John Grisham, and Ted Dekker (not in any particular order).
Why I Joined Misfits – I joined Misfits because 1) I am a theological mutt (see below) so that automatically classifies me as a misfit and 2) I wanted to be part of creating a safe space for people with questions to discover and experience God’s grace and love.
Favorite quote(s) – “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, ESV). // “This is the sum of Christian perfection: It is all comprised in that one word, Love. The first branch of it is the love of God: And as he that loves God loves his brother also, it is inseparably connected with the second: ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’” (John Wesley, On Perfection).
Theological Passions – I want to help individuals 1) discover the triune God and his grace in their lives and 2) develop into mature people of faith contributing to whatever context in which they may find themselves. Spiritual maturity does not eliminate deep or lingering questions. Spiritual maturity allows us to be comfortable in our questions. It also allows us to be responsible and respectful with the plethora of potential solutions. As a historical theologian, I strive to foster this by exploring Church history (in general), Anglican theology, Pentecostal theology, and Wesleyan theology (in particular) in the college classroom, the local church, a coffee shop, or in someone’s living room.
Hobbies – As a PhD student and historical theologian, my hobbies are primarily Church history and theology. Yet, when time permits, I love to read historical fiction and watch historical dramas, Marvel, M*A*S*H, and NCIS. I recently started experimenting with woodworking. I love to travel with my wife and kids.
Love Language: As an extrovert, my love language includes any dialogue pertaining to history and/or theology. It feeds me.
Denomination/Tradition – I am part of something known as the Convergence Movement. I grew up in one Pentecostal denomination as a pastor’s kid. I was a credentialed minister in a different (Wesleyan) Pentecostal denomination for 15 years. My graduate and doctoral studies have been in Baptist seminaries. I recently entered into holy orders with the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. So the convergence movement allows me to embrace 1) the sacramental/liturgical, 2) the evangelical, and 3) the charismatic.
Bryan Overbaugh
Misfits Position – Part-Time Blogger
Myers-Brigg – Constant vacillation between ENFJ and INFJ
Favorite Book – The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggmann, Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbra Brown. Taylor, and Christianity After Religion by Diana Butler Bass
Why I Joined Misfits – My life’s work has been dedicated to creating communities of inclusion, providing space for honest and benevolent inquiry that crosses bridges and scales walls. Misfits and I are kindred spirits.
Favorite quote(s) – “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi
Theological Passions – Open and Relational Theology and Contextual Theology
Hobbies – Exploring the world of IPA’s (Indian Pale Ales) and drawing (preferably at the same time)
Denomination/Tradition – Wandering Aramean
Cody Stauffer
Misfits Position: Part-time Blogger (w/ more in the works)
Myers-Brigg Type: ENFP (Same as Mark Twain, Will Rogers, & Dr. Seuss)
Favorite Book: Silence, by Shusaku Endo
Why I Joined the Misfits: I haven’t blogged about my theological explorations and other musings for a while now, and like any good ENFP I am following the urge to do something new! I have categorized myself as a spiritual & theological mutt for over a decade now, because I find so much of beauty and value in the many rich traditions and streams that make up the roaring river of spirituality (and not just exclusive to Christianity, either! Though that is most definitely my home). I was promised a safe place on the information superhighway to set up a booth and showcase my meanderings. I took it.
Favorite Quote(s): “Never accept and be content with unanalyzed assumptions, assumptions about the work, about the people, about the church or Christianity. Never be afraid to ask questions about the work we have inherited or the work we are doing. There is no question that should not be asked or that is outlawed. The day we are completely satisfied with what we have been doing; the day we have found the perfect, unchangeable system of work, the perfect answer, never in need of being corrected again, on that day we will know that we are wrong, that we have made the greatest mistake of all.” – Vincent J. Donovan// “Jesus didn’t come to change God’s mind about us; Jesus came to change our minds about God.” – Richard Rohr// “The moment God is figured out with nice neat lines and definitions, we are no longer dealing with God.” – Rob Bell
Theological Passions: Process Theology, Open & Relational Theology, Wesleyan Theology, Theopoetics, the Bible, Church History, Essential Kenosis
Hobbies: Baseball (Toronto Blue Jays in particular), reading, writing, movies/television, community theater (participating AND watching), speaking
Love Language: a mix of time together/acts of service/physical touch. And arguing (but in a constructive way!)
Denomination/Tradition: As mentioned above, a spiritual mutt. Raised in a non-denominational Evangelical church; studied in Restoration Movement schools and Wesleyan Schools; currently serving in the United Methodist Church as a pastor.
Stephen Steininger
Misfits Position – Part-time Blogger
Myers-Brigg – ESFP (same as Magic Johnson and Ronald Reagan)
Favorite Book – Love Does: by Bob Goff and Return of the Prodigal Son: by Henri Nouwen.
Why I Joined Misfits – I joined Misfits because I am passionate about seeing the Body of Christ experience the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17. Since unity requires diversity I wanted to be with people who love Jesus and yet have distinctions from me. So stoked to be here with this group of believers and seek to bring the kingdom goodness to our present reality.
Favorite quote – “I used to want to fix people, but now I just want to be with them.” ― Bob Goff, Love Does:
Theological Passions – Kingdom establishment, Church unity, Church History and Gospel Transformation.
Hobbies – Hiking, Fishing, Disc Golf, Grilling, Playing Games with Friends, and Talking Jesus.
Love Language: Quality time spent in activity and hugs!
Denomination/Tradition – Definitely a misfit, I find myself agreeing with large parts of the Dutch Reformed Tradition.
Carolyn Joy Simpson
Misfits Position – Full-Time Blogger Myers-Brigg – 2•9•6 combo Favorite Books – So many! … anything by these guys (no particular order): Rob Bell, Richard Rohr, Greg Boyd, Dan Kent, Thomas J. Oord, N.T. Wright, Doug Pagitt, Alexander Shaia, Tony Campolo, Shane Claiborne, Pete Enns, Kent Dobson, Aaron Niequist, Jonathan Merritt, Jonathan Martin, Brian Zahnd, Desmond Tutu, John Pavlovitz, Brian McLaren & lots of others — check them out! (Yes, I realize they are all men … shout out to Krista Tippett) Why I Joined Misfits – I have always been a misfit, so it’s been a natural progression … Favorite quotes – “Work out your salvation…” (Paul the Apostle) & “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.” (Rainer Maria Rilke) Theological Passions – Theology + Philosophy + Humanities, intersecting with science. Hobbies – I remember hobbies — they were fun. Thanks for asking! Love Language — Kindness goes a long way with me. Denomination/Tradition — Grew up in a close-knit Pentecostal environment in eastern🇨🇦 (church/school/college) and now, embracing some meaningful traditions that resonate, from a variety of faith traditions. I am literally “working out my salvation”, one day a time, while developing my blog “Deliver Us From Bad Theology”.
Shane Ash
Misfits Position – Part Time Blogger
Myers-Brigg – INFP and an Enneagram 9w1
Favorite Book(s) – I’m a big fan of the WB’s: Walter Brueggemann’s Prophetic Imagination is a longtime favorite, and anything written by the hand of Wendell Berry.
Why I Joined Misfits – I reckon every misfit eventually finds a place to belong.
Favorite quote(s) – “I will purge my mind of the airy claims of church and state. I will serve the earth and not pretend my life could better serve.” – Wendell Berry
Theological Passions – Neighbor and Neighborhood. Incarnation and Trinity. Truth and Hope. When my hands are dirty with Soil, my feet dancing with Joy, and my heart open to All Things…I’m theologically pleased.
Hobbies – Homesteading, ideas, and juggling unfinished projects.
Denomination/Tradition – Raised Wesleyan, ordained Nazarene, and now live in a big tent.
Caley Hargrove
Myers-Brigg – INTP
Favorite Book – Nonfiction: The Lost World of Genesis 1 by John H. Walton; Fiction: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Why I Joined Misfits – I joined Misfits to have a place to express questions about faith and life, as well as find perspectives outside of my own experience.
Favorite quote(s) – “”What makes the Gospel offensive isn’t who it keeps out, but who it lets in.” – Rachel Held Evans
Theological Passions – Old Testament, Social Justice, Ancient Near East History, and Philosophy.
Hobbies – Hiking, home-brewing, reading, Star Wars, and exploring food from around the world.
Love Language: Words of Affirmation
Denomination/Tradition – Restoration movement background, but not currently committed to any tradition.
Kevin Nye
Misfits Position – Part-Time Blogger
Enneagram – 5w4
Favorite Books – God of the Oppressed by James Cone, Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day
Why I Joined Misfits – A safe outlet for writing and practicing theology, since my day job, while theologically informed, is the wrong space for that part of me.
Favorite quote(s) – (1) “I believe that appreciation is a holy thing—that when we look for what’s best in a person we happen to be with at the moment, we’re doing what God does all the time. So in loving and appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something sacred.” –Fred Rogers (2) ““Let us not tire of preaching love; it is the force that will overcome the world.” – Oscar Romero
Theological Passions – Narrative theology over “systematic” theology, and where theology intersects culture both high (film, art) and low (poverty, marginalization.)
Hobbies – not really a “hobby”, but to know me you have to know I work in homeless services in Los Angeles as my career. Theological writing is the hobby, as well as playing basketball, cooking, and watching movies.
Denomination/Tradition – formerly licensed minister in the Church of the Nazarene, still involved with the denomination, but have progressive leanings.
Misfits Position – part-time blogger and unlicensed theologist
Myers-Brigg – ENFP-T
Favorite Books – The Uncontrolling Love of God, By Thomas Jay Oord
Work – Med Tech and Nursing student
Why I Joined Misfits – I joined misfits to share what I have learned from many different traditions
Favorite quote(s) – “Justice is taking care of those who cannot care for themselves” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Theological Passions – Process Theology. I am passionate about how our theology impacts our ontology and our relations with others.
Hobbies – Surfing, fishing and beach combing, and golf. I love to be outside with my three small daughters.
Denomination/Tradition – Currently attend a southern Baptist church and how theology affects people is my passion
Jaclyn Tarrant
Misfits Position – Part-Time Blogger
Myers-Brigg – INFJ (same as Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa and Captain America)
Favorite Book(s) – “Breathing Space” by Heidi Neumark; “God Can’t” by Thomas Jay Oord; “Theology of Luck” by Rob A. Fringer and Jeff K. Lane
Why I Joined Misfits – I joined Misfits because I want to be at the table, sharing in conversations and life with fellow Jesus-followers.
Favorite quote(s) – “The creation of breathing space is an act of conspiracy. Like most people, I associated the word with its political meaning: to conspire in the sense of formulating secret strategies to overthrow some public power, person, or nation. But the word ‘conspiracy’ is rooted in deeper soil. It means, literally, conspiritus, to breathe together. To be of one spirit, one breath. Con-spiritus. Conspire. To be of one breath is to pray and to labour as one.” -Heidi Neumark, Breathing Space
Theological Passions – Holy Saturday, Table fellowship, ministry of presence
Hobbies – watching Marvel films, singing, getting tattoos, imagining with my 5-year-old, playing Killer Bunnies (my vegan self has no problem with this), reading copious amounts of books, growing and cooking food, connecting outdoors with nature, learning other languages
Love Language: food (especially Chinese food) and tattoos
Denomination/Tradition – I’m an eclectic Jesus-follower. I’m currently living out my faith in partnership with the Church of the Nazarene, and anyone else who wants to share the journey with me!
Ryan Scott
Misfits Position – Full-time blogger
Myers-Briggs – INTJ (pretty close to P, though); Enneagram 5 all the way!
Favorite Book – Either Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut or A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Why I Joined Misfits – The opportunity to write in and support a community of people committed to making space for love and banishing fear.
Favorite Quote – “Fulfill your dreams, so you can realize the abject horror of their impotence.” –Peter Rollins
Hobbies – Board games, pop culture, NCAA Division III basketball, highpointing, driving all 48 contiguous US states in under four days.
Denomination/Tradition – I am an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, a global, Wesleyan-Holiness collective
Nabil Habiby
Misfits Position – part-time blogger
Myers-Brigg – Mediator INFP-T (same as Frodo Baggins, Johnny Depp, and William Shakespeare)
Favorite Book – Harry Potter (all 7 of them)
Why I Joined Misfits – I joined Misfits because I love looking at today’s events from a theological point of view, and because I want a safe place to do so.
Favorite quote(s) – “Do not go gentle into that good night./ Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” Dylan Thomas
Theological Passions – Biblical studies, literary criticism, practical theology, theology and politics, post modernity, youth ministry, church history, Christian-Muslim relations.
Hobbies – Reading, gaming (Age of Empires 2 – Definitive Edition), board games (Catan), Netflix, football (your soccer), local politics.
Denomination/Tradition – Church of the Nazarene
Gary Thomas
Misfits Position – part-time blogger
Myers/Briggs and Enneagram – INFP, 9w1
Favorite book – Falling Upward by Richard Rohr; Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen; The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard.
Why I Joined – I was really started to feel alone. I found a place where I can belong.
Hobbies – art-making (drawing and printmaking), reading, writing, poetry
Denomination/Tradition – I’m an Assembly of God pastor, but I identify as a Ortho-cathli-metho-bapti–costal-quake! Basically I’m a spiritual mutt!
Fr. Dn. Thom Crowe
Misfits Position – part-time blogger
Myers/Briggs and Enneagram – ENFJ (same as Lincoln, Obama, & Kristin Wiig) & 8w7 (like FDR, Gorbachv, and Hemmingway)
Favorite book – The Mountain of Silence by Kyriacos C. Markides, The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky, and the Harry Potter series.
Why I Joined – I met Gordan at a coffee shop, we talked, he invited me, I joined.
Favorite Quote(s) – “No amount of thought will ever result in any greater formulation than the three words, ‘Love one another,’ so long as it is love to the end and without exceptions.” – St Maria of Paris
Theological Passions – Prayer, theosis/soteriology, Biblical studies, Church history, patristics, Mariology, and a whole lot more
Hobbies – Writing, podcasting, and spending time with my daughter
Favorite book -The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
Why I Joined –I joined Misfits because it is a place where Christians can argue while knowing we’re always going to be family.
Favorite Quote(s) –”The Eucharist affects bodies externally and not just internally. It arranges people into a new social order.” -Dr. William Cavanaugh; “Gathering is salvation.” -Gerhard Lohfink
Theological Passions – Credal Orthodoxy, Historical Theology, Liturgical Theology, Theological Aesthetics, Sacramental Theology, Soteriology (Atonement), Eschatology and its effect on daily life.
Hobbies – Coffee, craft beer, Crossfit, reading, and watching stand up comedy.
Love Languages– Words of affirmation and memes
Denomination/Tradition – Episcopalian with some Pentecostal and Orthodox sprinkles.
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