In this final, heartfelt episode of The Becoming Project, Pastor Michael reflects on three transformative years at Dayspring United Methodist Church as he prepares for his next chapter as Lead Pastor at Saint Francis in the Foothills in Tucson.

Pastor Michael offers a vulnerable look back at his journey—from arriving as a "young kid from Oklahoma" to becoming a leader who found a true "oasis" in the desert. He discusses the ongoing nature of spiritual deconstruction, the dangers of Christian nationalism, and the deep, authentic love he experienced within the Dayspring community.

In this episode Pastor Michael Long returns with a timely, pastoral reflection on what it means to become who God calls us to be. Drawing on Luke 4:18–19 and Micah 6:6–8, Michael lays out a simple—yet urgent—framework for faithful living: do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.

He names the weariness of these times, the loudness of harmful voices, and the real harm facing marginalized communities. With pastoral honesty and spiritual hope, the episode explores how the Spirit invites each listener to a life of liberation, compassion, and courageous truth-telling. Expect grounding scripture, practical questions for personal reflection, and a challenge to live the Gospel in ways that bring sight to the blind and freedom to the oppressed.

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The Becoming Project – Episode Description
In this special episode of The Becoming Project, Pastor Michael Long takes time to catch up with listeners and reflect on two major milestones in his journey: being commissioned as a Provisional Elder in the United Methodist Church and graduating with a Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology.

With honesty and heart, Pastor Michael shares what it took to get here—the challenges, growth, and faith that carried him through—and what it means to look ahead to the road still unfolding. This episode is about more than personal achievement; it’s about vocation, calling, and the ongoing process of becoming.

Whether you’ve been on the journey with him from the beginning or are just tuning in, this is a powerful reflection on perseverance, transformation, and what it means to keep saying “yes” to God’s unfolding work in our lives.