The Collective Table

What does it mean to make love the lens through which we understand God, scripture, justice, and the way of Jesus? In this episode of The Collective Table, Jason Coker sits down with pastor, activist, and author Trey Ferguson to discuss his new book, Love Is Good Religion. Trey shares how his own journey into ministry shaped his understanding of faith and explores what it might look like to reimagine familiar Christian stories through a theology rooted in love. The conversation dives into competing understandings of the gospel, penal substitutionary atonement, the human fingerprints found throughout scripture, the role of imagination in faith, and the difference between retributive and restorative justice. Jason and Trey also explore how love might challenge our assumptions about violence, power, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world that often treats cruelty as necessary. Along the way, Trey offers a compelling definition of love as a commitment to the wholeness and flourishing of another—and invites us to consider what changes when we take that definition seriously. Love Is Good Religion is more than a devotional; it is an invitation to read scripture differently, ask better questions, and imagine a more loving way of being in the world. The Collective Table Podcast is a production of the Oceanside Sanctuary, a progressive Christian community in Oceanside, California. Learn more about the Oceanside Sanctuary and our work at oceansidesanctuary.org.

This episode marks the final gathering in our TCT Book Club series. Jason, co-pastor at Oceanside Sanctuary, welcomes author, ordained Presbyterian minister, and mental-health chaplain Miriam McMillan to discuss her book, Sacred Balance: How Ancient Practices Can Restore Modern Minds. Together, they explore how ancient Christian practices can help us cultivate intentionality, connection with God, and self-compassion. Their conversation considers spiritual growth without shame; the relationship between acceptance and change; embodied practices such as breath prayer and pilgrimage; and making room for gratitude, wonder, and healing in everyday life. While this concludes the Book Club format, The Collective Table will continue with thoughtful conversations between our host and featured authors coming soon. Learn more about us and the work we do at oceansidesanctuary.org

Most parents don’t realize that the way they’ve been taught to parent—based on shame, punishment, and control—is actually deeply harmful. Wendy Snyder, a family coach and author of Fresh Start Your Family, reveals how shifting from power struggles to powerful connection transforms not just your child's behavior, but your entire family dynamic.This episode pulls back the curtain on why apologizing to your kids feels so uncomfortable and how even the most well-intentioned parents often avoid humility out of fear or pride. Wendy shares concrete, actionable strategies—like the four-step framework for respectful discipline—that help parents build trust, foster emotional safety, and cultivate neural pathways of compassion in children. You’ll discover the profound impact of owning your part, offering genuine apologies, and modeling humility—because regret and repair are acts of strength, not weakness.We break down: Why society’s punishment-based parenting models disrupt connection and how to rewrite that script The power of apology and the right timing to rebuild trust after a mistake How empathy and understanding create safer, more resilient children who are willing to grow and learn from missteps The significance of connection, even during difficult moments, and how it shapes lifelong self-worth and emotional intelligence How to shift your perspective from control to creating a foundation of unconditional love and relationship Skipping these lessons risks passing down cycles of shame, disconnection, and rebellion. But mastering these principles unlocks a new level of influence—not through force but through authentic love and respect. If you’re tired of power struggles and want your family to thrive in dignity and grace, this episode is your guide.Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or anyone invested in meaningful human connection, these insights will reshape your approach to family—not just for today, but for generations to come.Wendy Snyder is a certified family life coach, author, and host of The Fresh Start Family Show. Her work is rooted in faith, real-world science, and an unwavering commitment to restoring peace through connection.This is essential listening for anyone ready to give up control and embrace powerful parenting that heals, not harms. Learn More about the work we do at oceansidesanctuary.org Learn more about Wendy at freshstartfamilyonline.com dont forget to leave a review!

Welcome to The Collective Table Welcome to The Collective Table, a progressive and affirming Christian podcast produced by The Oceanside Sanctuary in Oceanside, California. We are a community dedicated to following Jesus, working for justice, and celebrating joy! Whether you are actively reconstructing your faith, seeking a spiritually safe and inclusive space, or simply exploring, there is a seat for you at our table. Healing from High Control Religious Systems: Insights with Dr. Hilary McBride In this episode, Dr. Hilary McBride shares her expertise on how high control religious environments impact psychological and spiritual development. She offers practical ways for communities and individuals to foster healing, embodiment, and genuine connection. Key topics The developmental harm caused by high control religious systems and how they stunt growth The importance of embodying spirituality through movement and physical connection How communities can create trauma-informed, body-honoring worship practices Strategies for churches to implement accountability and repair processes to prevent harm Navigating deconstruction: distinguishing between healthy growth and trauma responses Reconstructing a compassionate, non-coercive image of God beyond violent or guilt-based imagery How community spaces can foster belonging without coercion or pressure The role of spiritual remixing and cherry-picking beliefs in faith recovery Practical support for survivors of spiritual trauma and creating safe, supportive environments Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and overview of Dr. McBride's background 02:03 - Why the church community chose to explore Holy Hurt 05:26 - Impact of high control religious backgrounds on development 09:00 - The developmental purpose of lying and boundary testing in youth 13:24 - Reconceptualizing the biblical language of violence and coercion 15:53 - How cultural context influences perceptions of divine violence 17:43 - The importance of hermeneutics and interpretive flexibility in spirituality 20:13 - Differentiating healthy deconstruction from traumatic disengagement 23:01 - Movement and embodiment as pathways to spiritual connection 27:43 - Trauma-informed body-based worship practices 33:29 - Accountability structures in progressive faith communities 39:53 - Supporting survivors and avoiding re-traumatization 42:57 - Navigating trust and community re-entry after trauma 45:21 - The importance of agency, choice, and space to heal in faith communities 48:05 - Cherry-picking beliefs and creating remixing faith spaces 53:27 - Distinguishing empowerment from avoidance in spiritual choices 55:11 - Understanding and navigating spiritual bypassing 57:55 - Wrap-up and final thoughts from Dr. McBride Resources & Links Learn more/connect with Hillary Mcbride Buy "Holy Hurt" Book The Wisdom of Your Body: Practices for Embodied Living Holy Hurt Podcast Dr. Hilary McBride - Personal Website Tara Isabella Burton - Strange Rights Michelle Panchuk's work on hermeneutic injustice Learn More & Support The Collective Table is a production of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church. To learn more about our community, get involved, or support the work we do in building communities of love and liberation, visit us online at Oceanside Sanctuary.

Join the TCT Book Club for a live, insightful conversation with Reverend Brandon Robertson—acclaimed author, activist, public theologian, and the "TikTok Pastor." In this episode, we dive deep into Brandon's book, Queer and Christian, exploring how to celebrate queer faith, reclaim the Bible as a dynamic conversation partner, and fully embrace Jesus's radical message of unconditional inclusion. Brandon shares his personal journey from a fundamentalist background at Moody Bible Institute to becoming a progressive champion for LGBTQ+ rights. The group discusses the inherently transgressive nature of Jesus's ministry, the importance of reading scripture through liberationist and queer lenses, and how to shift from fear-based religious boundaries to value-centered, harm-reducing ethics. The episode concludes with a live Q&A with our book club members, tackling tough questions about staying in conservative spaces, navigating relationships with non-affirming loved ones, and reimagining historical assumptions about Jesus. Links & Resources: Find and join our next book club session: oceansidesanctuary.org/calendar Support our mission: The Collective Table is a production of the Oceanside Sanctuary. To help us keep building communities of love and liberation, please consider becoming a supporter at oceansidesanctuary.org/give.

In this week’s episode, Pastor Jenell Coker of Oceanside Sanctuary explores the story of Jesus's temptation in the wilderness from Matthew 4:1-11. As we journey through the third week of Lent, Pastor Jenell unpacks the significance of the "40 days and 40 nights," moving beyond the idea of Jesus as an untouchable superhero to examine his profound, relatable humanity. Join us as we reflect on what it means to willingly enter our own wilderness, face internal struggles, and find spiritual renewal in the midst of life's difficult tests. To learn more about our church and community, visit us at oceansidesanctuary.org.

In this episode of the TCT Book Club, Jason Coker welcomes Dr. David Gushee, one of the leading Christian ethicists of our time, to discuss his newest work, The Moral Teachings of Jesus: Radical Instruction in the Will of God. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond abstract doctrine and political identity to embrace the concrete moral transformation Jesus invites us into. The conversation takes a deep dive into the practice of prayer for those reconstructing their faith, the reclaiming of Kingdom of God language from Christian Nationalism, and how to approach Biblical interpretation not as a search for certainty, but as a pilgrimage of trust. Dr. Gushee shares insights on loving enemies, the Sermon on the Mount, and the importance of viewing the church as a community of journeyers. Dr. David Gushee is the Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University and Chair of Christian Social Ethics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He is the author or editor of more than 25 books, including Changing Our Mind and After Evangelicalism. As a scholar and activist, he has spent decades helping the church think with greater clarity, courage, and compassion about following Jesus in the modern world. Learn More: For more on Dr. Gushee’s work, visit davidpgushee.com. Get the book: The Moral Teachings of Jesus on Amazon Here The Collective Table is a production of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church in Oceanside California. To learn more about us, or to support the work we do, visit us online at www.oceansidesanctuary.org 

Since the essence of empathy is to understand people who are different than you are, it requires the willingness to cross borders of one kind or another. But what happens when the hardest borders to cross exist within ourselves—across competing desires, beliefs, and identities? In this episode, host Jason Coker introduces Tindo, a beloved member of the Oceanside Sanctuary community. Born intersex and assigned male at birth, Tindo was surgically reassigned as female at three months old and raised as "Cynthia." After living for five decades in a gender identity that never quite fit—including time as a debutante and women's auxiliary member—Tindo began a courageous journey of self-discovery to reclaim their authentic self. Tindo shares their powerful story of navigating the medical and societal trauma of being an intersex person in a binary world. They discuss the profound "empathy journey" required to forgive their parents for decisions made without consent, and how they found spiritual affirmation in the words of Jesus. This conversation is a testament to the power of self-compassion and the possibility of post-traumatic growth. The Intersex Reality: Understanding the biological reality of intersex bodies (1.7% of the population) and the history of non-consensual medical interventions. Living as Cynthia: Tindo’s experience growing up with a secret medical history and the pressure to perform hyper-femininity. The Empathy Journey: How Tindo moved from anger to understanding, using self-empathy to reconcile with their father and the memory of their mother. Biblical Validation: A deep dive into Matthew 19, where Jesus’s discussion of eunuchs offers a liberating theology for gender-liminal lives. Faith & Legislation: A look at current political efforts to erase intersex existence and why spiritual communities must stand for truth. Join us for a conversation about the borders we cross to find our true selves, and the grace we find on the other side. Mentioned in this Episode: Chicago Tribune Article (2018) by Nara Schoenberg profiling Tindo/Cynthia North County LGBTQ Resource Center & Pride by the Beach Post-Traumatic Growth research by Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun Self-Compassion research by Kristin Neff and Paul Gilbert Scripture: Matthew 19; Deuteronomy 24 Learn more about us at oceansidesanctuary.org Follow us on Instagram @thecollectivetable

What happens when empathy moves beyond individual compassion and becomes a tool for systemic change? In this episode, host Jenell Coker sits down with Dinora, the Executive Director of the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP), to explore how faith-based organizing builds power among the most vulnerable. As the oldest daughter of immigrant parents who fled civil war in El Salvador, Dinora became a "translator" early in life—navigating complex systems for her family in a language they didn’t speak. She shares a heart-wrenching childhood story of a brush with law enforcement that exposed the harsh realities of structural bias—a reality Jenell contrasts with her own experience to highlight the profound difference privilege makes. Together, they discuss: The Power of Faith-Based Organizing: How SDOP unites congregations to move from charity to justice, securing wins like the Immigrant Legal Defense Program and the Oceanside Police De-escalation Policy. The Challenge of Coalition: Why real solidarity isn't supposed to feel like "home," and the difficult work of building bridges across race, class, and faith. Intersectionality & Identity: Dinora’s experience leading as a queer, Latina, Catholic woman, and the tension of navigating spaces that don't always fully embrace her. Avoiding the "Oppression Olympics": How to honor distinct pains without letting them divide the movement for collective liberation. Join us for a conversation about living in the "in-between" and using that unique vantage point to build a more just and empathetic world. Mentioned in this Episode: San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) Coalition Politics by Bernice Johnson Reagon The "Oppression Olympics" (Elizabeth Martínez & Angela Davis) Learn more about us at Oceansidesanctuary.org Follow us on Instagram @Oceansidesanctuary

This special book club episode features a conversation with Peter Makari, co-editor of Rooted in Faith and Justice, about how Christian faith communities engage issues of Israel–Palestine, antisemitism, and human rights. Makari explains the long history of Christian denominations condemning antisemitism while still critiquing Israeli government policies, and he urges listeners to center the voices of Palestinian Christians in understanding the conflict. The discussion touches on misinformation in the West, the importance of decolonizing assumptions, and practical steps people of faith can take to support justice and peace. Guest Bio: Peter Makari is the Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe with the Common Global Ministries Board of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a role he has held since 2000. He is deeply engaged in national interfaith and policy work, serving as co-convener of both the National Council of Churches’ Interreligious Convening Table and the Faith Forum for Middle East Policy, while also representing his denominations on the boards of Churches for Middle East Peace and the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign. An Egyptian-American with extensive experience living and working in the Middle East, Peter previously served with the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services in Cairo and the Middle East Council of Churches in Cyprus. He holds advanced degrees in Middle East studies and politics from the American University in Cairo and New York University. He is co-editor of Rooted in Faith and Justice and Restoring Dignity, and author of Conflict and Cooperation. He is a member of West Park United Church of Christ in Cleveland, Ohio. Learn More About Us: The Collective Table is a Ministry of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church in Oceanside, CA Follow us on Instagram

When Kris spotted a flyer for Food Not Bombs on a Provo street corner, he didn’t hesitate—he called the number right away. He already knew what the group stood for: feeding people, not profit. What he didn’t know was that this moment would set the course for the rest of his life. In this episode of The Collective Table Podcast, host Jason Coker shares how Kris’s journey—from the punk rock shows of Provo, Utah to a two-year mission in Guatemala, to his work as a public librarian—reveals empathy as both a personal practice and a social force. Raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kris began asking hard questions about faith, justice, and belonging. Punk rock offered community. Activism gave those convictions purpose. And the library became the place where it all came together—a space of radical inclusion where everyone belongs. Through Kris’s story, Jason explores what sociologists call social infrastructure—the shared spaces that hold communities together—and how they mirror the very heart of empathy itself. Curious. Courageous. Deeply human. This is Kris’s story—and a testament to empathy as the quiet architecture of community. Learn more about us at Oceansidesanctuary.org Follow us on Instagram @Oceansidesanctuary  

When Victoria first walked into the Oceanside Sanctuary Food Pantry, she wasn’t looking for a new calling, or even a job—she was just dropping off donations. But a simple invitation to help unload boxes changed everything. In this moving episode of The Collective Table Podcast, host Jason Coker shares how a simple act of kindness became another chapter in Victoria’s lifelong journey of compassion—and what her story teaches us about the enduring power of empathy. From her parents’ immigrant journey from Costa Rica and Guatemala, to her own path through loss, burnout, and quiet resilience, Victoria embodies compassion in action. Along the way, Jason explores what science and scripture both teach us: that empathy is more than emotion—it’s the engine of compassion, courage, and community. Featuring reflections from pantry volunteers and deep dives into research and gospel stories, this episode invites us to ask: When does empathy call us to cross the boundaries of comfort, and when does it become the bridge that heals? Quiet. Sad. Hopeful. This is Victoria’s story—and the story of how empathy transforms us all.   PS: The Collective Table is a production of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church. Click here to learn more about us and our mission

Holy Disruption: Reimagining Church with Rev. Amy Butler Episode Description: What happens when the traditional model of church no longer fits the world we live in? In this thought-provoking conversation, Rev. Amy Butler, author of Holy Disruption, joins us to talk about what it means to courageously reimagine faith communities for our time. Drawing from her experiences as a pastor and leader, Rev. Butler explores how declining attendance and shifting cultural landscapes—while challenging—can actually open doors for creativity, innovation, and renewed mission. We talk about: Why “holy disruption” is essential for spiritual growth and institutional renewal Stories of communities breaking free from convention to embody God’s love in new ways How social enterprise can fuel sustainable ministry and healing in the world The personal courage it takes to lead change in faith spaces Whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or someone yearning for a faith that feels alive and relevant, this episode will leave you inspired to imagine what’s possible when we stop clinging to the past and start embracing the Spirit of disruption. Guest Bio: Rev. Amy Butler is the founder of Community Church of Honolulu and the former Senior Minister of The Riverside Church in New York City—the first woman to hold that position. Through her writing and leadership, she advocates for courageous faith, inclusive community, and creative expressions of God’s love in a rapidly changing world. Her latest book, Holy Disruption: Discovering Your Place in God’s Movement of Change, invites readers to see the decline of traditional structures not as loss, but as sacred opportunity. Learn More About Author: Book: Holy Disruption by Rev. Amy Butler  Follow Rev. Amy Butler: Website, Instagram Learn More About Us: The Collective Table is a Ministry of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church in Oceanside, CA Follow us on Instagram  

What happens when the faith you were handed no longer fits the world you live in? In this episode, Jenell sits down with David — a lifelong Christian, surfer, biologist, and father — whose story traces a journey from certainty to compassion. Raised in a Southern California Baptist church, David learned early that being a “good Christian” meant having the right answers. But through science, parenting, travel, and loss, he began to see faith less as a system to defend and more as a posture of love. From the cultural weight of purity culture and the fear of the rapture, to his daughter’s courageous questions and the painful beauty of walking alongside his son through cancer, David’s story is one of dismantling judgment and rediscovering Jesus’ radical empathy. This episode invites you to consider: What if the real work of faith isn’t about saving others — but about seeing them? Featuring reflective storytelling, honest conversation, and a few taco-loving moments of levity. Learn more or support our work: https://oceansidesanctuary.org Follow us on Instagram! OSC TCT

What happens when a sensitive child is told—again and again—to “stop making mountains out of molehills”? In our first story of Season 11, Caroline shares a life shaped by deep feeling: the loss of her mother at 13, the sudden shutdown of grief in a home that prized stoicism, and the long journey to reclaim her God-given empathy. Host Jenell Coker walks with Caroline through memories of a childhood spent raking shag carpet and hiding tears, a teenage faith shaken by grief, and the healing presence of a stepsister who affirmed that feeling deeply is not a flaw. Today, Caroline channels that hard-won empathy into her work with traumatized teens, embodying a quiet gospel of presence and love. Along the way, Jenell reflects on the roots of “making mountains out of molehills,” the medieval Christian practice of holy weeping, and the radical possibility that our tears can become a conduit to the divine. Listen as we explore how suppressed sensitivity can be transformed into a sacred strength—and why empathy just might be the most Christlike virtue of all.

Welcome to The Collective Table, the podcast of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church, where we celebrate the intersections of Jesus, justice, and joy. Each week we share a Sunday teaching that connects scripture to the bigger conversations happening in our community and beyond. This fall we launched a new series: “Unseen Witnesses.” The biblical narrative is often dominated by a few famous names, but what about the countless others whose stories are just as powerful? In this series, we uncover the lives of lesser-known biblical figures who lived on the margins—yet whose faith and actions inspire hope, compassion, and justice. Each episode explores the narratives of courageous women, marginalized outsiders, and quiet heroes who modeled compassion and fought for justice. These unseen witnesses challenge us to live more justly, love more deeply, and recognize God’s presence in unexpected places. This week’s message, “Old Rags and Worn-Out Clothes”,  taught by Jason from Jeremiah 38:7–13, 39:15–18, was recorded on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at The Oceanside Sanctuary (OSC) in Oceanside, CA. Listen now to discover how these overlooked stories invite us into a deeper experience of faith, hope, and justice. Support our Work Follow us on Instagram! ⬇️ OSC TCT

Welcome! You’re listening to The Collective Table, where we celebrate the intersections of Jesus, justice, and joy. Presented by The Oceanside Sanctuary Church, this monthly episode brings you inside our live book club conversations with today’s most thought-provoking authors of progressive Christian theology—diving deeper into their work and exploring the questions that move us forward. This month, we’re joined by David W. Congdon to discuss his book "Who is a True Christian?". Together we explore how polarized claims about “real” Christianity reveal deep anxiety over religious identity, the ways conservative movements have sought security through doctrine, culture, and politics, and how we might reimagine a more inclusive understanding of Christian faith today. This book club gathering was recorded on September 4th, 2025.   To learn more about our community—or to support the work we do—visit us at oceansidesanctuary.org. Learn more about David W. Congdon and Support his work: • Order "Who is a True Christian?" • Check out his Website

Welcome to The Collective Table, where we celebrate the intersections of Jesus, justice, and joy! This podcast is brought to you by The Oceanside Sanctuary Church. Each week, we bring our listeners a recording of our weekly Sunday teaching at Oceanside Sanctuary, which ties scripture into the larger conversations happening in our community, congregation and podcast. We’re glad you’re here—thanks for listening.    This week, Jason's lesson is entitled "So Moses Listened" and is based on the scripture found in Exodus 18:13-27.  This teaching was recorded on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at The Oceanside Sanctuary Church (OSC) in Oceanside, CA. To learn more about our community or to support the work we do, visit us at https://oceansidesanctuary.org.

The Collective Table is back! In this introduction episode, Jason & Jenell Coker are kicking off the Season 11 conversation in a way that couldn’t be more timely—or more provocative. In a moment when empathy itself seems to be “on trial,” they ask: Why is empathy worth defending? From recent evangelical critiques like Allie Beth Stuckey’s Toxic Empathy to Albert Mohler’s claim that empathy “elevates feelings above God’s truth,” the hosts explore why some Christian leaders are suspicious of our shared human capacity to feel and understand one another. Together, Jason and Jenell unpack what empathy really is—both the emotional and cognitive dimensions—and why research shows it’s essential for mental health, civic life, and a just society. Then, they take a theological turn: looking at Jesus’ tears in John 11, the God who weeps, and the incarnation as the ultimate act of divine empathy. Could it be that when we choose to empathize, we’re actually participating in the very nature of God—becoming more divine? This episode sets the stage for an entire season of powerful storytelling. Over the next six episodes, you’ll hear real-life journeys of people in our own community who embody empathy in transformative ways—challenging us to listen deeply, believe others’ experiences, and discover empathy as a radical expression of Christian faith. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts—and join us as we make the case for empathy as the way of Christ. PS: The Collective Table is a production of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church. Click here to learn more about us and our mission!

Welcome to The Collective Table, where we celebrate the intersections of Jesus, justice, and joy! This podcast is brought to you by The Oceanside Sanctuary Church. Each week, we bring our listeners a recording of our weekly Sunday teaching at Oceanside Sanctuary, which ties scripture into the larger conversations happening in our community, congregation and podcast. We’re glad you’re here—thanks for listening.    This week, Jason's lesson is entitled "A Little Cake" and is based on the scripture found in 1 Kings 17:8-16.    This teaching was recorded on Sunday, September 7th, 2025 at The Oceanside Sanctuary Church (OSC) in Oceanside, CA. To learn more about our community or to support the work we do, visit us at https://oceansidesanctuary.org.