316 – Rachael Peach – IFB Abuse Survivor

Last updated on: February 2, 2024 at 10:36 am By Karl J. Forehand

Rachael Peach – IFB Abuse Survivor Rachel is an abuse survivor who suffered abuse in the IFB church and eventually witnessed her abuser be incarcerated. She gave testimony / told her story in the Documentary, Let Us Prey. She did the hard work and now proclaims, “You can still be happy,” even after all that. Barbie Gets Revenge on Greg Locke Cultivated Ignorance – Evolving from Racism and Homophobia https://thedesertsanctuary.org/leaning-forward-2023/ Karl Forehand is a former pastor, podcaster, and award-winning author. His... Read more

God Treats Me Like a Christian

Last updated on: February 28, 2024 at 11:30 am By Karl J. Forehand

God Treats Me Like a Christian I had a rough day yesterday, and several people encouraged me to take care of myself, take some time off, and rest—So I did. As with most things, it got me thinking. In the back of my mind is always that thought that was implanted by Christianity that God must be punishing me, or blessing me, or trying to tell me something. On most days, I feel, that if God exists, he is ignoring... Read more

Returning Home to Heal Trauma

Last updated on: February 22, 2024 at 10:00 am By Karl J. Forehand

Returning Home to Heal Trauma What we are learning about trauma is not necessarily that the key person in our life didn’t prevent the harm. We all interpret what happens to us differently, and sometimes the person could not have stopped what happened even if they knew how. In normal situations, something happens, and someone who is supposed to care for us helps us regulate those traumatic situations. They care for us, stay with us, and help us navigate through... Read more

A Treasure Trove of Trauma Resources

Last updated on: February 2, 2024 at 11:18 am By Karl J. Forehand

A Treasure Trove of Trauma Resources Leaning Forward Conference https://thedesertsanctuary.org/leaning-forward-2023/ Recently, The Desert Sanctuary hosted the latest Leaning Forward Conference (<—click here for resources). This time, we decided to elevate women’s voices. It turned out great! And, we decided to preserve the videos on my YouTube Channel. A Treasure Trove of Trauma Resources In addition to the video, each speaker left behind links (<—click here for resources) to their specific specialty. https://thedesertsanctuary.org/leaning-forward-2023/ More Resources We are also continuing to add... Read more

What Happens When We Go on a Journey of Discovery

Last updated on: January 29, 2024 at 3:13 pm By Karl J. Forehand

When We Go on a Journey of Discovery Being at a funeral this week caused me to reflect on all the people I know and used to know. I wondered If any of them are on a similar journey as I am where I am asking questions about my previous faith, and I am discovering new things every day. I wonder if this is because most people do not speak up about things, especially if they are difficult or controversial.... Read more

314 – Unmasking Patriarchy: Diagnosing Narcissism & Abuse

Last updated on: February 1, 2024 at 9:29 am By Karl J. Forehand

Unmasking Patriarchy: Diagnosing Narcissism & Abuse David Hayward (from his Website) I am a pastor turned artist painting, drawing, and thinking about what it takes to be free to be you. If you’re interested in deconstruction, spiritual journeying, freedom of thought, or looking for your authentic self, you’re welcome to join me while I search too. In case you’re wondering, I’m not actually naked. The idea behind my name, NakedPastor, is to seek to tell the naked truth – no... Read more

Cultivated Ignorance – Evolving from Racism and Homophobia

Last updated on: January 23, 2024 at 8:16 am By Karl J. Forehand

Evolving from Racism and Homophobia (an excerpt from our book, Leaning Forward) After starting my deconstruction, I began writing about all the things I was discovering. but even though I was uncovering gaps in my understanding of racial issues and queer concerns, I hesitated to put pen to paper mainly because I realized my limited understanding. After I gained initial knowledge from some of the stories I heard, on our Desert Sanctuary podcast, I came out swinging, and I tried... Read more

Barbie Gets Revenge on Greg Locke

Last updated on: January 22, 2024 at 10:57 am By Karl J. Forehand

Barbie Gets Revenge on Greg Locke Photo from Freepik – AI- Generated The roof of Greg Locke’s Global Vision tent church collapsed Monday evening due to the weight of snow. Pastor Greg Locke took to social media to share the damage to the church, which worships underneath a tent in Wilson County, TN. Ironically, the most recent sermon short posted on his Facebook page was titled, “YOU CAN’T RUN FROM GOD’S JUDGMENT…” Of course, it’s all caps. I commented, “Saw... Read more

What’s Wrong with God’s Plan and Purpose?

Last updated on: January 22, 2024 at 10:59 am By Karl J. Forehand

There may not be a more popular thing to say in Christianity than, “God has a plan and purpose for your life.” As a former pastor, I remember the faces of people who were visiting for the first time. They were always a bit more attentive than the other members. They were a little more hesitant to be demonstrative, but they looked hopeful in a cautious sort of way. This always made me optimistic that they would be a new... Read more

What’s Wrong with Influencing?

Last updated on: January 22, 2024 at 11:11 am By Karl J. Forehand

What’s Wrong with Influencing? It is common, in certain branches of Christianity, for pastors to openly mobilize their congregants to “influence the influencers.” They cloak it in a gospel message, but their tactics are as old as Constantine (4th Century) and the early Christian church. The Roman Emperor made special concessions to the church and its leaders and even developed a new Christian city (Constantinople) which glorified mostly the leader. Eventually, Christians became comfortable fighting Rome’s battles instead of following... Read more