Native Exiles
Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at hello@alderwood.cc or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.
Native Exiles
Sexuality, Singleness, and Faith: Gregory Coles’ Story
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In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Coles, author, scholar, and speaker, to explore his deeply personal journey of faith, sexuality, and self-understanding. Gregory’s life story spans multiple cultures, academic disciplines, and spiritual landscapes — from growing up in Indonesia to earning a PhD in English and becoming a voice for nuanced conversations at the intersections of Christianity and sexual identity.
Gregory discusses the challenges and insights that shaped his path: wrestling with same-sex attraction within his Christian upbringing, the theological and emotional work of self-discovery, and his ongoing commitment to both his faith and personal integrity. We delve into what it means to live faithfully as a gay Christian committed to singleness, how church communities can meaningfully engage in compassionate dialogue, and the hope he finds in belonging both to Christ and to a broader community of seekers.
Listeners will gain a compelling blend of theological reflection, honest storytelling, and practical encouragement — whether they’re navigating questions of identity themselves or seeking to better understand the lives of others.
Resources from Gregory Coles:
- Book — Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity: https://www.gregorycoles.com/book-single-gay-christian/
- Greg’s Official Website: https://www.gregorycoles.com/
Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.
To view our full Position Paper, visit alderwood.cc/essentials