New Kinship

David Frank and TJ Espinoza
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Welcome to New Kinship, where we are exploring and renewing ideas of belonging, desire, and being a neighbor in the Kingdom of Jesus. Together we are pursuing the communion and shalom of the church and the world. Pull up a chair and join the conversation! newkinship.substack.com

  1. 1 day ago

    #84 - Finding Space in the Anglican Church: Jon-Michael Shelley on Side B, Vocation, and Leadership

    Jon-Michael Shelley, a youth pastor in Atlanta, joins David and TJ to share about his journey as a Side B Christian from a Southern Baptist upbringing into the Anglican tradition. He discussed how liturgy, community, and pastoral care shaped his healing and vocation, and how he has come to understand sexuality as an integrated part of faithful discipleship and ministry. Jon-Michael also reflected on calling, celibacy, church leadership, and why he believes Side B Christians have meaningful gifts to offer the church. 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 Jon-Michael Shelley is a youth pastor and preacher in the Anglican Church of North America. He’s mentored and discipled young people in church and parachurch ministries for ten years. He has a passion for fostering rich conversations about the deep truths of Christian life among young people and inviting them into relationship with the God who made them. He can be reached via email: jonmichael@immanuelatl.org or on Instagram: @jonmichaelshelley — ★ Timestamps (00:00) #84 - Finding Space in the Anglican Church: Jon-Michael Shelley on Side B, Vocation, and Leadership (01:28) Jon-Michael’s story (10:07) How I ended up Anglican (15:27) Sexuality growing up: Going under the radar (24:09) Youth pastoring and parent perception in liberal secular environments (28:38) Why are you Side B? (40:28) Unique gifts in ministry as a gay man (44:55) How did you change your take on getting married? (50:13) Ordination in the ACNA? (58:50) Hopes for the Anglican church on faith/sexuality topics — ★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support || Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship — ★ Credits || Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza, Tyler Parker | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. ★ Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 7min
  2. Kinship Lab #04 - Are Two Better than One? | Celibate Partnership Review

    29 Jun

    Kinship Lab #04 - Are Two Better than One? | Celibate Partnership Review

    What's the big deal about celibate partnerships?! Pieter Valk wrote an article in 2023 with a significant critique on celibate partnerships, but in 2026 he made significant revisions with an expanded imagination for the possibility and goodness that these kinds of relationships can play for Christians who are looking to live chaste lives within relationships of belonging and mutual care. If you are new to the conversation, here is a brief description: celibate partnerships are long-term committed relationships between two people (typically of the same sex) who regard each other as their primary life partner, yet, unlike marriage, their relationship is not open to sexual activity. The validity and shape of these relationships have been a prominent conversation and debate within the Side B community, so we’re grateful for the opportunity to read Pieter Valk’s thoughts and offer some of our own. We’d love to hear what you think after you give a listen! Here’s a few questions to stir your thinking: Do you think conservative churches can embrace the possibility of celibate partnerships based on Pieter’s accommodation argument? or would they be better suited to develop an expanded imagination for friendship and spiritual siblinghood? How do you think different forms of partnerships compete or complement investments into serving community or other facets of pursuing God? What are the practical needs that people have, regardless of whether they are celibate or not, that need to be seriously considered? References: A thoughtful article by our friend Pieter Valk: https://equipyourcommunity.org/celibate-partnerships/ Time Stamps: 00:00 Kinship Lab #4 - Celibate Partnerships 01:19 Revoice Buzz 02:38 Why This Episode 07:08 Defining Celibate Partnership 10:29 Valk’s Argument Overview 15:43 Tapestry of Kinship 19:32 Strengths of the Article 24:17 Core Critiques 33:18 Romance and Vocation Boundaries 36:49 Biblical Examples and Categories 42:33 (Mis)Using Love Bible Verses and Inspiration for Partnership 46:35 Not Marriage Lite 55:00 Hot Take on Growth 01:00:28 Why Marriage Is Unique 01:05:23 Explaining Celibate Partnerships Publicly 01:10:36 Distinctions, Research, and Pastoral Anxiety 01:16:16 Constructive Feedback Wishlist Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 25min

  3. 17 Jun

    #83 - “Being Gay Is Like...” The Metaphors We Use for Homosexuality

    How do the comparisons we use for queer sexuality shape the way we think, believe, and respond to one another? TJ and podcast manager Elena explore—with new and previous guests—some metaphors Christians use to understand “being gay.” We talked strengths and limitations of each metaphor and how it can impact the lives of LGBTQ+ people. Take a listen, and then join the conversation on Substack! Note: This episode uses the term “Side B” as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out Communion & Shalom episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠ — ★ Timestamps (00:00) #83 - “Being Gay Is Like...” The Metaphors We Use for Homosexuality (00:38) Our metaphors shape our thinking (07:53) “Being gay is like a disease” (22:42) “Being gay is a curse...or worse...” (33:40) “Being gay is like being an alcoholic” (43:44) “Being gay is... an abomination...” (56:21) “Being gay is like...an appetite [for food]” (01:12:14) “Being gay is like being heterosexual” — ★ Links and References Other episodes we referred to in this podcast: #21 - Tate’s Story: Growing Up Gay in Texas #24 - African Voices: Mwendia Shares on Same-Sex Attraction in Kenya #52 - Affectionate towards Christ: A Journey of Faith with Pastor Shalom #54 - Side B & Side X in Dialogue: With Jason Thompson from Portland Fellowship #34 - Interview with a Longstanding Side B Ally, Misty Irons Quoted: Catholic Answers Tract on “Homosexuality”: www.catholic.com/tract/homosexuality — ★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, or support: Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship — ★ Credits Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza, Tyler Parker | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. ★ Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 26min

  4. 27 May

    #82 - African Voices: Akwasi on Same-Sex Attraction in Ghana

    David and TJ talked with Akwasi in Ghana about growing up Pentecostal while wrestling with same-sex attraction (SSA). Akwasi shares candidly about the cultural and church pressures surrounding sexuality and marriage in Ghana, and his commitment to pursuing holiness and discipleship even as his attractions remain. He also reflects on the challenges SSA Christians face in his context and his hope to support others through discipleship and community. Note: This episode includes some comments suitable for adult audiences; listener discretion is advised. About Our Guest: Akwasi is a Ghanaian Christian leader, creative strategist, and youth mentor passionate about discipling the next generation through faith and leadership. He is involved in building impactful initiatives that blend spiritual formation, mentorship, creativity, and community transformation, with a strong focus on young people in Ghana. He is committed to raising holistic believers and leaders who live boldly, think deeply, and influence society with conviction and excellence. One of those initiatives is FOUND: Foundafric.org — 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 — ★ Timestamps (00:00) #82 - African Voices: Akwasi on Same-Sex Attraction in Ghana (04:10) About Akwasi: Growing up in Pentecostal Africa (06:39) Role playing mothers and fathers, other early history (16:21) How does the church (and wider culture) in Ghana handle men “being gay” or being effeminate? (35:27) SSA in Ghana: “Not many people name it” (42:37) Friendships between men in U.S. compared to Ghana (49:24) Do you pray for God to take away SSA (as a pentecostal)? (51:38) What options does a SSA man in Ghana have? Celibacy, priest, only marriage? (55:44) How do you think about dating (in some African culture)? (01:03:03) Is having a best friend outside your marriage “emotional cheating”? (01:15:59) Does Ghana have Side A? Why aren’t you Side A? (01:22:51) Final Thoughts: Prayers for SSA men in the African Church — ★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support || Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship — ★ Credits || Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza, Tyler Parker | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. ★ Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 28min
  5. Kinship Lab #03 - Facets and Goals of the Side B Project

    25 May

    Kinship Lab #03 - Facets and Goals of the Side B Project

    Following up on our earlier conversations, we engage the Side B project. Yes, project. Side B is often thought of as a community of queer/SSA Christians committed to the traditional, Christian sexual ethic. But the Side B project is much bigger than just being honest about not being straight and being steadfast in our theological ethics. We review and riff of Grant Hartley’s article on this very topic. Questions for those who listen (and actually listen, because Side B has enough online trolls who don’t engage in real dialogue and just think we’re some new edge of whatever the gay agenda is): Are there any other aspects of the Side B project that you think we forgot mention? Which aspect of the the Side B project most resonates with your own passions? References: A well-written article by our friend Grant Hartley: Grant's Substack What Exactly Is the Side B Project? Okay, what follows is a fairly niche reflection on the nature of the so-called Side B community (sexual and gender minorities who submit to what is often called a “traditional sexual ethic”), but before some of my readers who are not Side B (particularly my Side A friends) check out, let me say: I do honestly believe th… Read more 10 months ago · 32 likes · 4 comments · Grant Hartley Time Stamps: 00:00 Good morning!01:10 Why Discuss Side B03:13 Hartley’s Essay Summary06:27 Tyler Reacts: Missing "Desire"16:51 David Frank’s Goal: Prophetic Witness23:07 Boundaries, Labels, Therapy25:49 Trans/Gender Minority Questions37:23 Worth Discussing, eh?39:47 Side B Diversity44:16 Unity Beyond Movements49:11 Prophetic Schools and Boundaries54:24 Love over Ideology, Goods before Critiques01:03:27 We can have unity on paths of celibacy, right?01:08:49 Wrap Up and Community Plug01:13:10 After-show thoughts on new Google Icons Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 15min

  6. 18 May

    BONUS - Found in Christ, Flourish in Community | Mwendia's Side B Ministry in Africa

    We are glad to have Mwendia Steve Kiengu back on the podcast to hear about his ministry in Kenya and across Africa. Found is a ministry to build a Christ-centered community walking alongside believers experiencing same-sex orientation and gender dysphoria, guiding them toward truth, love, and belonging. This is the only Side B ministry in the entire continent of Africa (Side B integrates experiences of same-sex attraction within a historic biblical sexual ethic), with an estimated 7-25 million Christians on the continent experiencing same-sex attraction. It’s a vital ministry for the African church. __________ Links and social media platforms: Found Ministry: https://foundafric.org/ Facebook: FoundAfrica Instagram: @foundafrika TikTok: @foundafrika1 Giving Link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/supportfound Steve’s Story Episode on New Kinship: #24 Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe

    25 min
  7. BONUS #14 - Update on Revoice with Nate Collins

    11 May

    BONUS #14 - Update on Revoice with Nate Collins

    Have you heard of Revoice? If not, then maybe that’s because you’ve been living in the woods… or in the closet. Come tune in and hear an update on what’s going on at the Revoice Conference and beyond from Revoice's founder and President, Nate Collins. TJ, Tyler, and David get to hear from Nate about the changes in the ministry over the years, including the change in the scope of the ministry as it relates to gender minorities. Towards the end they each share about what’s special about Revoice Conference and why they keep coming back. https://www.revoice.org/ Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe

    32 min

  8. 6 May

    #81 - Hope for All Our Intimate Relationships, with Erin Moniz

    The whole gang talked with Erin Moniz—Baylor University chaplain, Anglican deacon, and author of the excellent book Knowing and Being Known—about developing a Christian theology of intimacy. Erin’s approach to intimacy offers as a valuable critique for our culture’s obsession with romance and sex. Even more importantly, she offers a positive theological vision, exploring how friendships, family, and community relationships can become primary places where we are known, loved, and formed in Christ—with specific thoughts for queer/same-sex-attracted Side B Christians. We hope you’ll give this episode, and Erin’s book, a listen! About Our Guest Rev. Erin F. Moniz (DMin, Trinity School for Ministry) is a deacon in the Anglican Church in North America and Associate Chaplain and Director for Chapel at Baylor University, where she disciples emerging adults and journeys with them toward healthy, gospel-centered relationships. You can find her at erinfmoniz.com. — Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” as shorthand for specific Christian perspectives on gay/queer sexuality. 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 — ★ Timestamps (00:00) #81 - Hope for All Our Intimate Relationships, with Erin Moniz (03:11) Erin’s background, serving emerging adults, Side B connections (07:32) “We lack a robust theology of intimacy” (15:03) “I can live without sex, but I cannot live without intimacy” (18:53) Romance idolatry leads to hypersexualization (22:57) What’s the difference: “Romance” vs. “Intimacy”? (28:22) When values conflict: autonomy vs. vulnerability (33:29) How AI bots could shape our intimacy (37:12) Can intimate relationships be “economic” also? (47:03) Are queer Christians better at healthy relationships? (52:36) Your advice to: “I’m falling in love with my friends” (01:01:15) Encouragement: You were made for intimacy on purpose by God — ★ Links and References Knowing and Being Known: Hope for All Our Intimate Relationships (IVP ): www.ivpress.com/knowing-and-being-known — ★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support || Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship — ★ Credits || Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza, Tyler Parker | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. ★ Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 5min
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About

Welcome to New Kinship, where we are exploring and renewing ideas of belonging, desire, and being a neighbor in the Kingdom of Jesus. Together we are pursuing the communion and shalom of the church and the world. Pull up a chair and join the conversation! newkinship.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    David Frank and TJ Espinoza
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © New Kinship
  • Show Website
    New Kinship

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