Mike Roth is the lead pastor and co-founder of Pearl Church, a faith community based in Portland, Oregon. Over the span of his time in ministry, he’s earned several degrees, including his recent PhD specializing in the effectiveness of biblical literary figures to hold attention and make meaning. Among the many shifts Pearl Church has seen over the last 20 years, one of the most controversial was the move to broaden their marriage practice to include the LGBTQ community. In this penultimate episode of season 1, we talk about the transitions that led up to that decision, including a move from dogma and doctrine to values, embracing women in leadership, and practicing infant baptism.

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