Grown-Up Church Kids

Dwan Hill
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Christianity

Grown-Up Church Kids is a podcast for anyone who grew up in church and is still figuring out what to do with it. Hosted by Dwan Hill and Shama Mrema, the show blends honest conversation, humor, music, and storytelling as they unpack faith, culture, and the realities of growing up in and around the church. From choir stands to church politics, from deep belief to hard questions, nothing is off limits. It’s real, it’s reflective, and it’s for anyone who’s ever asked: What do I keep, what do I let go of, and where is God in all of it now?

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Gracie Binion Wrote “Goodbye Yesterday,” Heard God’s Voice, and Talks Fake Prophecy

    Gracie Binion sits down with Dwan and Shama to talk about writing “Goodbye Yesterday,” hearing the audible voice of God, navigating fake prophecy, and what it actually looks like to release secular music as a worship leader. She opens up about growing up in a ministry family, leaving a toxic relationship, receiving prophetic words at 13 that did not make sense until she got married, and why she still believes God speaks even when the prophetic movement has been misused. Grown Up Church Kids is where Sunday morning meets real life. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #graciebinion #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

    1h 10m

  2. May 17

    What If God Doesn’t Heal Me?

    Trip Lee was 19 years old when he was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. He has never fully recovered. And in that body he has pastored churches, raised a family, and written some of the most worshipful music in Christian hip hop. In this episode of Grown Up Church Kids, Dwan sits down with Trip to talk about what it costs to follow Jesus when your body won’t cooperate, what it felt like to grow up caught between two cultures, and what he believes about a God who hasn’t said yes yet. His new album For Your Glory is out now. This conversation will stay with you. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #triplee #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

    1h 9m

  3. May 10

    DOE Palmer: No Disney, No Dating, New Baby, and a Grammy

    Grammy-winning Christian artist DOE joins Grown Up Church Kids for a hilarious and honest conversation about growing up in church, and the rules a lot of church kids remember: no kissing, no Disney, no scary movies, no dating, and sometimes… no pants. From Pentecostal holiness culture and COGIC roots to Pokémon panic, purity culture, R-rated movies, dating, parenting, and spiritual conviction, this episode asks what protection was, what was fear, and what still matters now. DOE also shares how her bilingual church upbringing shaped her worship, how her family prayer times formed her songwriting, and what motherhood is teaching her about raising kids without trying to fix herself through them. If you grew up in church and are still sorting through the beauty, the baggage, and the funny rules that shaped you, this one is for you. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW 00:00 No Power Rangers in Church 01:29 Welcome to Grown Up Church Kids 02:21 Movies Church Kids Couldn’t Watch 08:58 Meet DOE 10:28 DOE’s COGIC Roots 14:32 Growing Up in a Bilingual Church 20:16 Multicultural Worship & Israel Houghton 25:57 Bible Games & Sword Drills 31:44 DOE on R-Rated Movies 32:45 “Demon in My Pocket” 35:37 Parenting, Pokémon & Conviction 39:31 Aladdin, Genies & Spiritual Sensitivity 42:47 Christian Content We Can Trust 45:53 Scary Movies & Fear 50:03 Dating as a Church Kid 53:50 Purity Culture and Marriage 59:09 The Testimony of Protection 1:04:47 Church Kids at House Parties 1:08:52 DOE’s Musical Influences 1:13:02 Songs Born in Prayer 1:14:19 Meet Baby Shiloh 1:15:44 Parenting Without Projecting 1:18:48 Final Thoughts & Songs More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #doe #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

    1h 20m

  4. May 3

    Catholic vs Protestant: What We Got Wrong About Each Other

    In this episode of Grown Up Church Kids, Matt Maher joins Dwan Hill and Shama Mrema for an honest, eye-opening conversation about Catholic vs Protestant beliefs, church unity, saints, the Eucharist, and what it really means to follow Jesus. If you’ve ever wondered “Are Catholics Christians?”, struggled with church hurt, or felt disconnected from faith after growing up in church, this conversation bridges the gap with clarity, humility, and depth. From misconceptions about praying to saints to the meaning of communion and the beauty of liturgy, this episode explores how different traditions can still point to the same gospel. It’s not about winning arguments. It’s about rediscovering faith, unity in the Church, and a deeper relationship with God beyond performance, denomination, or tradition. If you’re a grown-up church kid trying to make sense of faith today, this one’s for you. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #mattmaher #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid 00:00 One Church or Many? 01:06 Welcome to GCK 02:11 Catholic Curiosity Begins 05:48 Meet Matt Maher 06:14 Are Catholics Christians? 10:06 Do Catholics Worship Saints? 15:07 Is Heaven Closer Than We Think? 19:47 The Eucharist Explained 25:07 Why Catholics Believe This 30:31 “Catholic Then Saved?” 37:29 Why Church Kids Walk Away 41:35 Social Media & Faith 47:13 Is There Only One Church? 49:20 Why Young People Want Liturgy 57:04 The Problem with “New” Theology 01:01:11 How to Grow in Faith Daily 01:08:46 Unity Over Division 01:12:37 Final Thoughts & Music

    1h 15m

  5. Apr 26

    God Used a Muslim to Save Us And It Changed My Faith Forever

    What happens when you grow up in church but realize you don’t actually know Jesus? This episode of Grown Up Church Kids explores church hurt, faith journey, and the difference between religion and a real relationship with God. From surviving religious persecution in Nigeria to navigating American church culture, this conversation dives into spiritual burnout, authentic Christianity, and what it really means to follow Jesus beyond routines and inherited beliefs. We talk about growing up in church, losing faith in ministry, and rediscovering God through personal encounter—not performance. If you’ve experienced church trauma, questioned your faith, or felt disconnected from Christianity, this episode will resonate. You’ll hear powerful Christian testimony, honest conversations about doubt, and insight into how different cultures experience faith, worship, and Jesus. This is about moving from knowing about God to actually knowing Him—and why that changes everything. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX 00:00 “Come As You Are”… But Never Change? 02:07 Welcome to Church Kid Reality 04:00 Church Culture vs Real Faith 07:22 Why Worship Feels Different Now 10:02 Faith That Could Cost Your Life 13:21 The Power of Simple Kindness 16:00 “I Knew About God… Not God” 19:02 When Faith Becomes Personal 22:04 When Ministry Breaks Your Faith 25:02 When Church Doesn’t Hold Up 30:59 The Problem With American Christianity 33:10 What Other Cultures Get Right 36:04 Using God vs Actually Knowing Him 41:02 Comfort Is Killing Hunger for God 46:04 What Church Was Supposed To Be 49:16 Finishing Faith Well 54:42 Real Worship vs Performance 58:07 Why Authenticity Hits Harder 01:02:26 Why Imperfection Connects 01:05:07 Bible Bowl (But Make It Competitive) 01:12:35 Final Thoughts + What Faith Looks Like Now FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #calledout #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

    1h 14m

  6. Apr 19

    The Truth About Church Hurt, Suffering & Bad Theology with Ian Simkins

    “Everything happens for a reason.” It sounds comforting, but for many people it’s one of the reasons faith starts to fall apart. In this conversation, Ian Simkins calls out the church phrases and shallow theology that don’t hold up in real suffering, and why so many people who grew up in church feel disconnected, disappointed, and unsure what to believe. We talk about church hurt, leadership pressure, and what it looks like to rebuild an honest, grounded faith on the other side. If you’ve ever felt like church language didn’t match your real life, this conversation will put words to it. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #frannicash #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

    1h 22m

  7. Apr 12

    Confessing Addictions, Interracial Marriage, and Growing Up COGIC w/ nobigdyl

    In Episode 2 of Grown-Up Church Kids, Dwan Hill and Shama Mrema sit down with hip hop artist nobigdyl to talk about confessing sexual addictions, interracial marriage, and growing up COGIC. If you grew up in church, this episode will feel familiar and maybe a little too real. ABOUT THE SHOW: Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. There are more of us than you think. 🎟️ Live Show — Nashville (May 14) https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g 🎧 Listen on Audio https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 📚 Resources https://amzn.to/3PISqfX FOLLOW More from Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More from Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More from Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More from nobigdyl YouTube:  Instagram:  Website:  More from The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ CREDITS: Director & Editor: Kyle Whittaker Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistants: Sarah Bush, Abby Loomis Audio: Garrett Miller, Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo & Social: Jordan Rubino Management: Annie Cunningham #grownupchurchkids #dwanhill #shamamrema #frannicash #thechoirroom #faithjourney #churchkid

    1h 29m

  8. Apr 5

    Franni Cash - Finding Jesus After Growing Up In A Cult and What Church Looks Like Now

    Dwan Hill and Shama Mrema talk with Franni Cash about how she grew up in a cult, why she still chooses to be a part of the church, and what she thinks about women in ministry. Grown Up Church Kids is more than a show, it’s a full-circle moment where Sunday Morning Meets Real Life. Bringing together community, conversations, shared stories, and songs that shaped a generation, this is a space for Grown-Up Church Kids to reconnect with their roots, redefine their journeys, and celebrate the faith together. 5/14 Live Show in Nashville, TN Tickets: https://www.analognashville.com/events/grown-up-church-kids-live/ YouTube Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Audio Subscribe: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607662 Resource Link: https://amzn.to/3PISqfX More Dwan Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DwanHill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanhill Website: https://www.dwanhill.com/ More Shama Mrema YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AfterSchoolProgram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shama4realz Website: https://www.shamamrema.com/ More Grown-Up Church Kids YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9KOBazbPvWdcopb_dd1M5g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownup.churchkids/ Website: https://www.grownupchurchkids.com/ More Franni Cash YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkEIal9gPIFeRHFkt0yXIlg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frannicash Website: https://www.frannicash.com/ More of The Choir Room YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechoirroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.choirroom/?hl=en Website: https://www.choirisback.com/ Special thanks to our amazing crew! Director and Editor: Kyle Whittaker (https://www.whittaker.media/) Producer: Hannah Gifford (Open Hand Management) Production Assistant: Sarah Bush and Abby Loomis (Open Hand Management) Audio: Garrett Miller and Aaron Rochotte Video: Seth Scruggs Video, Photo, and Social Media: Jordan Rubino Shama Mrema Management: Annie Cunningham #dwanhill #shamamrema #grownupchurchkids #thechoirroom #frannicash

    1h 9m

  9. Apr 4

    There are more of us than you think.

    Coming Easter 2026!

    1 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Grown-Up Church Kids is a podcast for anyone who grew up in church and is still figuring out what to do with it. Hosted by Dwan Hill and Shama Mrema, the show blends honest conversation, humor, music, and storytelling as they unpack faith, culture, and the realities of growing up in and around the church. From choir stands to church politics, from deep belief to hard questions, nothing is off limits. It’s real, it’s reflective, and it’s for anyone who’s ever asked: What do I keep, what do I let go of, and where is God in all of it now?

Information

  • Creator
    Dwan Hill
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grown-Up Church Kids
  • Show Website
    Grown-Up Church Kids

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