This week, we explore the journeys of two remarkable women who have navigated the complexities of faith, community, and personal struggles. First, we’ll hear from Dr. Sarita Lyons, Director of Discipleship and Women’s Ministry at Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia. Sarita shares her deep love for Scripture, and how that juxtaposed with her personal, challenging experiences in a church setting. She attempts to shed light on the complexities of church relationships and the importance of healing and restoration within the faith community.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Lisa Victoria Fields, founder and president of the Jude 3 Project. Lisa went from an aspiring Wall Street financier to a passionate Christian apologist. She discusses the significance of wrestling with faith and how her work equips others to explore and affirm their own convictions.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Erwin McManus

Upcoming interview: Demi-Leigh Tebow

Dr. Sarita Lyons

Epiphany Fellowship Church

Pastor Mark Lyons

Pastor Eric Mason

www.saritalyons.com

Church Girl: A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women

Other Jesus Calling interviews about church hurt

Other Jesus Calling interviews about prayer

Lisa Victoria Fields

Jude 3 Project

John 6:67-69 NIV

When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe And What We Experience

Other Jesus Calling interviews about wrestling with questions

Interview Quotes:

“Before we decide to quickly leave [the church], I would say try to find a way to make connections with leaders to share what your experience was, to see if there's a path created for restoration. Give the house a chance to do the right thing before presuming and assuming that they would not.” - Dr. Sarita Lyons 

“Defining clearly what the situation is and getting help from the community and not isolating are really, really key in trying to make good choices and discern what to do next.” - Dr. Sarita Lyons 

“God is so good and He's so big that He can handle all of those different seasons of life that we are in as we are healing and working through church hurt. Sometimes the healing that we are looking for is literally one prayer away.” - Dr. Sarita Lyons 

“I think you need a space to wrestle with God so He can be the one to give you the answer to the questions you're facing.” - Lisa Victoria Fields

“A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.” - Lisa Victoria Fields

“Part of our healing comes from communicating our frustrations and our doubts and our pains to others, and then taking those in prayer to God.” - Lisa Victoria Fields 

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