Coming Out Christian's mini-season "Scandalous" continues as Siobhan Boyd-Nelson and the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp welcome back Bishop Tim Wolfe, who is transitioning from his role as Midwest Regional Bishop into a new role as a Senior Bishop, to talk about a legendary figure from his own faith formation: Reverend Clarence H. Cobbs.

Known simply as "Preacher," Cobbs founded Chicago's First Church of Deliverance in 1929 at just 21 years old, building it into a spiritual and cultural landmark of Bronzeville with a pioneering radio broadcast, a 200-voice choir, and a congregation that grew to more than 10,000 members. Though rumors about his sexual orientation swirled for decades, even prompting a 1939 newspaper investigation, Cobbs never confirmed or denied the speculation, choosing instead to be known simply as a follower of Jesus.

Bishop Wolfe, who knew Rev. Cobbs personally as a young man finding his spiritual home at First Church, shares vivid, moving reflections on Preacher's radical hospitality, his unbothered response to gossip and scandal, and his gift for reading the Gospels "at face value." The conversation explores what it means to build a church rooted in genuine sanctification rather than respectability politics, and why refusing to let others' opinions dictate your calling is its own kind of holy defiance.

Learn more about First Church of Deliverance at fcdchicago.org, and about the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries at wearetfam.org. Follow Bishop Wolfe on Instagram @tgwolfe91159.

Follow along at @comingoutchristian_podcast and @loveboldly, and find more at www.loveboldly.org.