Ep. 19: The Power of Belonging with Darren Chittick

About The Guest(s):

Darren Chittick is the pastor of the Church Within, a progressive and inclusive spiritual community. He is also a massage therapist, retreat facilitator, and creator. Darren has a diverse spiritual background and is passionate about exploring different paths to the divine.

Summary:

Darren Chittick, the pastor of the Church Within, shares his perspective on queer spirituality. He believes that queer spirituality is about finding belonging in the world and embracing one's true self. Darren discusses his personal spiritual journey, from growing up in a rural area to exploring different spiritual paths. He also talks about the Church Within and its mission to provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals. Darren emphasizes the importance of practical spirituality and the need to bring spiritual experiences back into everyday life. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities of being a queer person in the spiritual community.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is about finding belonging in the world and embracing one's true self.
• Spiritual experiences can be found outside of traditional religious institutions.
• Practical spirituality is about bringing spiritual experiences into everyday life and making a positive impact on the world.
• LGBTQ+ individuals often have a unique perspective on spirituality due to their experiences of exclusion and discrimination.
• It is important to create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in the spiritual community.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is kind of a liberated spirituality at its maturity." - Darren Chittick
• "Our work is to open ourselves up to whatever healing looks like in that moment with the people we happen to be with." - Darren Chittick
• "Our liberation seems threatening to those who have not found that liberation." - Darren Chittick
• "We are here to be revolutionary, to be transformational." - Darren Chittick

Resources:
Darren's Website
Darren's Instagram