Kinship isn’t build overnight. A tree doesn’t go from a sprout to a great oak in a day or two. Relationships need to be started, watered, cultivated, and maintained.

We discuss some theological turning points that have shaped our practice of friendship and community, particularly in contrast to the marriage-dominant narratives we grew up with. But we really try to get a little practical in this episode, on the actual skills that it takes to form friendships.

Timestamps:00:00 Kinship Lab #800:15 Why Friendship Matters01:41 Tyler on Spiritual Family05:44 TJ on Covenant Friendship09:54 David on One Body16:30 From Theology to Skills17:57 Friendship Tiers21:29 TJ’S Practical Friendship Tools24:15 David’s College lessons on How to Love Friends28:18 Celibacy and Unmet Longings34:45 Covenant Expectations and Testing41:47 Sustaining Relationships & Commitments

What do you think? Anything resonate with you?

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Our friend Joelle joined David and Tyler this week to talk about her unexpected journey from identifying as bisexual and spending time in queer (and Christian) spaces to experiencing what she describes as the disappearance of her same-sex attraction while exploring Eastern Orthodox Christianity. They talk about social media and dating apps, attraction and lust, marriage, and how Joelle’s relationship to Pride and the queer community continues to change.

Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠

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★ Timestamps

(00:00) #89 - From Queer to… Queer Ally: Joelle’s Story

(01:07) Joelle’s initial summary to David

(03:54) Growing up evangelical, finding women on dating apps

(12:21) Finding queer TikTok, coming out: “I think I’m bisexual”

(17:54) Recent encounters with faith and queer sexuality

(27:35) Where do you feel attraction in your body? Lust vs. attraction

(31:50) The nature of attraction (to my husband, to others)

(42:29) Is there a need for Pride? (Joelle’s straight coming out)

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★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, or support || Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship

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★ Credits || Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza, Tyler Parker | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson (on Spotify) | Podcast Manager: Elena F. ★

Laurie Krieg joins David, TJ, and Tyler for a practical conversation about how parents can respond when their child comes out as gay or trans. Drawing from her own story and work with parents navigating these moments, Laurie explores the fear and shame that can shape these moments and offers instead a posture of curiosity, listening, emotional steadiness, and continued conversation. We’re grateful for the way Laurie brings a lot of warmth and hard-won wisdom to the conversation.

Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠

★ About Our Guest

Laurie Krieg is the Director of Parenting & Discipleship at The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. Laurie has a master’s degree in evangelism and leadership from Wheaton Graduate School. She and her husband, Matt, co-host the Hole in My Heart Podcast, co-authored An Impossible Marriage (IVP 2020), and Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World (IVP 2026). Laurie and Matt live in West Michigan with their three kids.

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★ Timestamps

(00:00) #88 - “When Your Kid Comes Out to You” 101, with Laurie Krieg

(02:45) Laurie’s story: Faith and sexuality in conservative evangelical America

(06:45) We’re seeing shifts in how (religious) parents and kids approach same-sex attraction

(09:44) POV: When your kid comes out to you...

(12:39) Our cultural moment: Sexuality, gender, and school education

(15:51) Resources for panicking parents

(23:48) What if your child HAS been pursuing same-sex relationships?

(30:14) What about coming out re: pronouns and gender identities?

(37:28) When your child’s life looks different than you thought...

(50:20) How to contact the CenterforFaith.com

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★ Send feedback, questions, comments, support || Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship

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★ Credits || Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza, Tyler Parker | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson (on Spotify) | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Aogu Fujihashi ★