The Union Podcast

The Union
  • 4.9 (33)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Union Podcast brings gospel-centred conversations that will help you find wholeness in the areas of sexuality, identity, and relationships.

  1. APR 7

    Episode #111- Jay Stringer On Deciphering Desire: How We Love, Grow & Heal

    In this episode of The Union Podcast, Bryan and Bonnie Pue sit down with therapist and author Jay Stringer to explore the heart behind his powerful new book, Desire. Building on the groundbreaking insights of his previous work, Unwanted, Jay invites us to move beyond behaviour management and into a deeper, more honest engagement with the stories shaping our longings. For many, the conversation around desire—especially within Christian spaces—has been reduced to avoidance, suppression, or shame. But what if desire is not the enemy? What if, instead, it is a doorway into healing? Together, we explore why desire has been so widely misunderstood, how curiosity can become a pathway toward freedom, and what it looks like to hold both personal responsibility and compassion in tension. Jay unpacks how our sexual and relational patterns are often rooted in past wounds, and how paying attention to them—rather than numbing or controlling them—can lead to deeper transformation. Bryan and Bonnie also engage Jay in a thoughtful reflection on the life of King David, asking how we might understand even profound moral failure through the lens of desire, formation, and unmet longing. Whether you’re wrestling with shame, confusion, or fear around your desires, this conversation offers a hopeful and grounded invitation: your story matters, and healing begins with curiosity, not condemnation. In this episode, we cover: • What led Jay to write Desire and how it expands on Unwanted • Why desire has been misunderstood in the Church • The limits of behaviour management and the invitation to deeper self-understanding • How curiosity helps heal what shame has distorted • Holding together repentance, responsibility, and compassionate self-examination • A fresh lens on King David’s story • Practical first steps toward healing for those feeling stuck in shame. Learn more about Jay’s work and find Desire wherever books are sold. https://jay-stringer.com @jay_stringer_ Dont miss out on The Called Conference on April 10th & 11th in Abbotsford, BC Register Here

    1h 14m

  2. MAR 2

    Episode #110- Kyla Gillespie: From Transition To Transformation

    We’re honored to welcome Kyla Gillespie from Renewed & Transformed Ministries back to The Union Podcast for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. In this episode, we get to talk with Kyla about her new book “Transformed” which documents her journey of physically transitioning, living as a male named “Bryson” for six years, and the life-altering moment when she encountered Jesus and began the path of de-transitioning. With honesty and courage, she opens up about her upbringing in a Christian home, the ache of her father’s absence, the strain on her family relationships, and the deeper identity questions that shaped her story. Bryan and Bonnie thoughtfully explore themes of identity, sexuality, and faith, creating space for a conversation marked by both compassion and conviction. Kyla reflects on what it meant to lay down one name and reclaim another—embracing “Kyla” not just as a name, but as a testimony to redemption, belonging, and the healing power of love expressed through community. The episode also highlights the heart behind the upcoming Called Conference, centered on sexual discipleship and spiritual formation—an initiative closely aligned with Kyla’s mission to equip churches and individuals navigating questions of gender and identity. This conversation is honest, hope-filled, and deeply relevant for church leaders, parents, and anyone seeking to hold truth and grace together. Kyla’s story is ultimately one of surrender, restoration, and a call for the Church to become a place where transformation is met with unwavering love. Register For The Called Conference 2026 For more info on Kylas work visit- www.kylgillespie.com Follow Kyla on Social Media- @kylagillespie.14 Pre Order Your Copy of Transformed https://www.amazon.ca/TransFormed-Journey-Confusion-Reassignment-Detransitioning/dp/B0FCL13CD7

    1h 18m

  3. FEB 2

    Episode #109: Gretchen Huizinga On Church Culture, AI and Human Relationships

    In this episode Bryan and Bonnie sit down with Gretchen Huizinga to explore the mysterious and, to some, controversial topic of AI. This episode dives deep into how artificial intelligence is not just a tool, but a mirror reflecting human flaws, spiritual dangers, and divine opportunities. Gretchen Huizinga, a Christian scholar at the intersection of AI ethics and theology, shares eye-opening insights on how AI threatens to replace human voice and voice, risk idolatry, and influence the fabric of church life and personal identity. She highlights startling realities—AI coaching into self-harm, monopolizing productivity, and subtly replacing our ability to wrestle with difficulty—pushing us toward dependence rather than dependence on Christ. You'll discover: -How AI's roots in secular humanism clash with biblical truths about human worth and divine image -The biblical principles that challenge us to steward technology responsibly instead of succumbing to idolatry -The dangers of outsourcing our moral, spiritual, and relational development to machines -Why the church must reclaim its voice and lead as countercultural stewards of authentic humanity in an AI-driven world -Practical guardrails rooted in the fruits of the Spirit, especially self-control, to resist the subtle seduction of ease and efficiency -This episode is perfect for church leaders, Christians navigating a tech-saturated culture, and anyone concerned about AI's influence on our souls and society. As Gretchen reminds us, in a world increasingly dependent on AI, the true voice and presence of God remain essential—our hope, our guide, our greatest treasure. Don't miss this urgent call to reflect, resist, and reclaim what it means to be fully human created in God's image. Activation begins in your heart and your stewardship—listen now and join the conversation shaping the future of faith and technology. To stay up to date with Gretchen's work visit- https://www.gretchenhuizinga.com For Gretchen's dissertation on Righteous AI - https://aiandfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/RIGHTEOUS-AI-THE-CHRISTIAN-VOICE-IN-THE-ETHICAL-AI-CONVERSATION.pdf

    51 min

  4. JAN 5

    Episode #108: Awkward Conversations For Parents

    In this episode of the Union Podcast, Bryan and Bonnie Pue reflect on 2025 and the cultural realities shaping families today before confronting one of the most urgent challenges parents face: talking honestly about sexuality, identity, and relationships. Introducing Bonnie's new book, Awkward: Conversations About Sex and Culture, they challenge the idea that silence protects children and instead call parents to lead with courage, clarity, and presence. The conversation moves from why these discussions matter to when and how to start them, addressing age-appropriate topics and the real barriers parents face—including shame, fear, and unresolved past experiences. The hosts also engage cultural pressures surrounding gender ideology, urging parents not to outsource formation to culture. The episode closes with a direct charge to parents: become students of your children, seek wisdom over comfort, and engage the hard conversations now—because formation is already happening. Get your Copy of Awkward 📖 Watch On YouTube Watch On Rumble

    45 min

  5. 2025-06-17

    Ep# 107- Tim Barnett On Deconstruction, Desire, and Truth

    What happens when cultural ideology reshapes how we read the Bible—especially when it comes to sexuality and identity?In this compelling conversation, Tim Barnett—apologist, speaker, and co-author (alongside Alisa Childers) of The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It’s Destructive, and How to Respond—joins us to unpack the growing trend of deconstruction today. Together, we explore how cultural ideology around identity, sexuality, and personal autonomy is shaping the way many believers approach Scripture, and why the biblical sexual ethic often becomes a flashpoint in the process of walking away from historic Christian faith. Tim thoughtfully addresses the rise of revisionist interpretations of Scripture, the philosophical undercurrents of deconstruction, and the ways in which church leaders can respond with both truth and grace. Whether you're wrestling with these questions yourself or leading others who are, this episode offers clarity, conviction, and hope for holding to a vibrant faith in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape. Tim Barnett is an apologist and speaker with Stand to Reason (STR), an apologetics ministry dedicated to training Christians to think more clearly about their faith. Tim travels across the US and Canada, speaking to thousands of people each year. He’s also a frequent guest on podcasts and YouTube channels. Before starting STR in 2015, Tim worked as a professional teacher, employed in both the private and public sector. He has earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from York University, a Bachelor of Education from Ontario Tech University, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Southern Evangelical Seminary. Between 2014 and 2022, Tim served on the pastoral staff at Cedarview Community Church. In 2020, Tim began Red Pen Logic with Mr. B, an online ministry that assesses bad thinking on social media by using good thinking. Across all social media platforms, Red Pen Logic (RPL) reaches millions of people every month. Get Your Copy Of “The Deconstruction Of Christianity: What it is, Why it’s destructive, and How to respond.” IG-@original_mrb & @redpenlogic Red Pen Logic YouTube Channel Stand To Reason Website

    1h 21m

  6. 2025-05-14

    Episode #106- Nick Stumbo On What To Do When You’re Leading & Struggling With Porn

    In this powerful episode of The Union Podcast, we sit down with Nick Stumbo, Executive Director of Pure Desire Ministries, for a candid and hope-filled conversation designed specifically for church leaders. As pastors, ministry leaders, and youth workers navigate the pressures of spiritual leadership, many also face private struggles with sexual brokenness — often in silence. Nick shares his own story of battling pornography addiction while in pastoral ministry, and how coming into the light became the starting point of healing, not the end of his calling. We also discuss the sobering results of “Beyond the Porn Phenomenon,” a Barna study conducted in partnership with Pure Desire, which highlights just how deeply pornography is affecting the Church — including its leaders. This episode is an invitation to move from isolation to integrity — and to rethink how churches can cultivate a culture of grace, transparency, and long-term restoration. Topics Covered: Nick’s personal journey through addiction and healing The role of Pure Desire Ministries in helping leaders find freedom The Church’s response to pornography and sexual shame How to create safe, accountable spaces for healing in leadership Practical next steps for pastors and church staff who feel stuck Whether you’re leading others or trying to lead yourself well, this conversation will encourage you: you’re not alone, and there’s a path toward wholeness. Pure Desire MinistriesWebsite: https://www.puredesire.orgGet Help: https://www.puredesire.org/get-help Leader Resources: https://www.puredesire.org/church-leaders Conquer Series: https://www.puredesire.org/conquer-series Barna Study – Beyond the Porn PhenomenonDownload the full report here: https://www.barna.com/research/beyond-the-porn-phenomenon Nick Stumbo’s Book"Setting Us Free: An Invitation to a Life of Freedom, Healing, and Hope"Available here Need confidential support?Reach out to Pure Desire's team: https://www.puredesire.org/contact

  7. 2025-04-28

    Ep #105- Robert Smith On The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Gender Identity

    In this compelling episode, Bryan sits down with Dr. Robert Smith, lecturer in Theology, Ethics, and Music at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, to discuss his new book The Body God Gives: Biblical Answers on Gender Identity. With clarity, wisdom, and pastoral care, Robert unpacks the biblical foundations for understanding gender and sexuality in a time of cultural confusion. We explore: Why this conversation is vital for the church today How pastors can begin engaging these topics with both truth and grace The tension between conviction and compassion in polarized times Scriptural responses to affirming interpretations of gender identity The debate around pronoun usage and what true hospitality looks like Practical steps for gospel-centered evangelism among transgender individuals How Christians can respond to pressure in schools, workplaces, and public life What the future of this conversation may look like—and how the church can prepare This episode offers thoughtful, theologically grounded insight for anyone navigating these conversations in ministry, discipleship, or daily life. Whether you're leading a church or having coffee with a friend, this conversation will help you engage with humility, courage, and biblical conviction. Get Your Copy Of “The Body God Gives”

    56 min

  8. 2025-04-14

    Episode #104- Glen Scrivener On Why Consent Is A Christian Invention

    In this episode of The Union Podcast, we’re joined by Glen Scrivener—author, evangelist, and CEO of SpeakLife—for a rich and thought-provoking conversation on how the gospel has shaped the way we understand sex, consent, and human dignity. Glen is well known for his work with SpeakLife, a UK-based ministry that uses creative storytelling, media, and digital content to engage hearts and minds with the truth and beauty of Jesus. Whether it’s through spoken word films, interviews, or cultural commentary, Glen and his team are passionate about helping people see how the gospel speaks into every area of life—including some of the most difficult and sensitive topics in our world today. In this episode, we dive into his book The Air We Breathe, exploring the surprising ways Christianity has influenced the moral foundations of Western culture. Focusing especially on the concept of consent, we look at how the Greco-Roman world understood sexuality—often marked by power, dominance, and inequality—and how the early church introduced a radically different ethic, one rooted in the worth and dignity of every person. We talk about what made the Christian view of sex so distinct in that cultural moment, how the gospel reframed relationships not just with rules but with reverence, and why this matters deeply in our modern conversations around consent and human value. Glen also shares how the early church's faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus told a better story—one that brought hope and healing then, and still has the power to do the same today. If you've ever wondered whether the gospel has anything meaningful to say about sex, relationships, and the deep wounds so many carry—this episode is for you. Get Your Copy Of- “The Air We Breathe” Speak Life Website 3-2-1 Course Speak Life YouTube Channel Speak Life Instagram

    56 min
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4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

The Union Podcast brings gospel-centred conversations that will help you find wholeness in the areas of sexuality, identity, and relationships.

Information

  • Creator
    The Union
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2018 All Rights Reserved- The Union
  • Show Website
    The Union Podcast

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