Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories

Our People Podcast
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Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories

Our People is a podcast dedicated to the unique experiences within the Church of God In Christ Mennonite. Through heartfelt interviews, we spotlight the emotional and mental odysseys of current and former Holdeman members. We aim to provide a safe space for sharing the real impacts of life inside this high-control church, the challenging journey of questioning, and the transformative path to independence and emotional health. Listen to tales of survival, healing, and thriving beyond the church's confines, offering solace and encouragement to those on a similar journey.

  1. -4 J

    Rosina's Story of Leaving and Living Fully: A Voice From Crooked Creek

    In this heartfelt episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, we sit down with Rosina Friesen, who offers a candid and inspiring account of her life’s journey. Born in 1950 in Crooked Creek, Alberta, Rosina grew up as the third of nine children in a bustling, hardworking family. Now living in Peace River, Alberta, she reflects on her early years in a traditional, close-knit community, shaped by the teachings of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Rosina’s story takes us through her career as a licensed practical nurse, a path she pursued with determination and compassion. She speaks about the joys and challenges of working in healthcare, especially as she balanced her professional aspirations with the church's strict gender roles and expectations. Her nursing career became a place where she could channel her innate drive to help others, but it also highlighted the tensions she felt between her evolving personal values and the constraints of her faith. As Rosina began questioning the church’s teachings, particularly its emphasis on conformity and control, she faced an inner battle that ultimately led to her decision to leave. She reflects on the courage it took to walk away from the only community she had ever known, and the profound personal growth she experienced in doing so. Leaving the church was not just about stepping into a new chapter but about rebuilding her sense of identity and autonomy. While it came with heartbreak—especially in navigating relationships with loved ones still in the church—it also brought new opportunities for self-discovery. One of the most striking anecdotes Rosina shares is how, later in life, she took up running as a way to challenge herself and embrace her independence. She humorously recounts the struggles and triumphs of starting to run as an elderly woman, defying expectations and finding joy in surprising new ways. This anecdote reflects a recurring theme in her story: the resilience to embrace change, the courage to try something new, and the determination to live life on her own terms. Rosina’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, seek freedom, and carve out a life that reflects who you truly are. With warmth, humility, and a spark of humor, she invites listeners to reflect on their own paths and the strength it takes to walk toward authenticity. Follow us on Facebook: https://rb.gy/cj55td Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045 Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcast@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

    1 h

  2. 4 NOV.

    Herman's Story of The Challenges of Freedom and Building A Life Outside: A Voice From Crooked Creek

    In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, Amanda is joined by Herman Friesen, who shares his deeply personal story of growing up in a Holdeman Mennonite family and his life after leaving the church. Herman begins by recounting his early years, including his father’s role as a preacher and the significant moment when his father was "benched" from preaching when Herman was only four years old. He shares how he was converted at age 10 and baptized at 11, reflecting on the strong spiritual framework that shaped his childhood. As the conversation progresses, Herman dives into his experience of leaving the Holdeman church and navigating life beyond its strict boundaries. He talks about the struggles of breaking away from a high-control religious community, including the feelings of isolation, confusion, and loss. Herman opens up about how hard it was to reconcile the faith he was raised in with the new beliefs he was beginning to form. He shares the emotional toll of distancing himself from family and friends who remained in the church, highlighting the personal costs of leaving. Herman also discusses the sense of freedom he found after leaving, including the opportunities to explore different ways of thinking and living. He talks about building a new life, developing new friendships, and finding a different sense of purpose outside of the Holdeman church. His story is one of resilience, as he found ways to balance his respect for his roots with his desire for independence and personal growth. This episode provides an intimate, detailed look at what it’s like to grow up in and eventually leave a high-control religious environment. Herman’s honesty and vulnerability make this episode a powerful exploration of faith, identity, and the challenges of starting over. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in the human side of religious transitions and personal transformation. Follow us on Facebook: https://rb.gy/cj55td Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045 Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcast@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

    2 h 11 min

  3. 27 OCT.

    Tyson's Story of Struggle and Recovery: A Voice from Edberg

    This episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories features Tyson, a guest who joins Amanda to discuss his journey of personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. Tyson starts off nervously but quickly opens up, sharing how he envisioned a podcast like this two years ago as a way for people with similar experiences to connect and heal. Surprisingly, Tyson discovered the podcast only a few months prior, making his appearance feel almost serendipitous. In the episode, Tyson dives into his background, touching on the struggles and turning points he encountered while grappling with his faith, identity, and community expectations. He candidly reflects on moments of self-doubt and the process of unlearning some of the restrictive beliefs he grew up with. Tyson emphasizes the importance of acknowledging pain and past traumas as steps toward finding peace. He and Amanda discuss the broader themes of community, acceptance, and what it means to find freedom while staying true to one’s values. Listeners will hear Tyson’s reflections on family and friendship, especially how relationships change when one's belief system evolves. His honesty offers an insightful look into how leaving or questioning a high-control church affects not only one's spiritual path but also personal relationships and self-worth. This episode is a heartfelt and raw conversation, encouraging those who may feel isolated in their journey to find connection and support through shared stories. Tyson’s words will resonate with anyone who has experienced a period of questioning and transformation, particularly within tight-knit religious communities. If you would like to reach out to Tyson, he can be reached at +17802818686. Follow us on Facebook: https://rb.gy/cj55td Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045 Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcast@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

    2 h 10 min

  4. 20 OCT.

    Nolan's Story of Questioning Tradition and Leaving the Fold: A Voice From Kidron

    In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, Weylin Unruh sits down with Nolan Raber to discuss his life growing up in the Church of God in Christ Mennonite community and his journey of leaving the church. Nolan starts by sharing his early years in Kidron, Ohio, where he spent the first eight years of his life. He reflects on the close-knit nature of the Holdeman community and the strong emphasis on conformity, which played a significant role in shaping his upbringing. Nolan opens up about the expectations and pressures he faced as a young member of the church, touching on the social norms that guided everyday life and the ways in which questioning or deviating from the established beliefs was often met with resistance. He describes how the church’s teachings permeated all aspects of life, from schooling to social interactions, creating an environment where adhering to the group's standards was seen as crucial for spiritual well-being. As the conversation unfolds, Nolan recounts the internal struggle he experienced when his personal beliefs began to diverge from those of the church. He discusses moments of doubt, the fear of disappointing loved ones, and the difficulties of reconciling his own questions with the teachings he was raised to accept without hesitation. These conflicts eventually led him to step away from the Holdeman faith, a decision that came with both loss and newfound freedom. Nolan also shares the challenges of adjusting to life outside the church, where navigating a world with different social norms, customs, and even dress codes was unfamiliar. He reflects on the process of building a new identity and forming relationships beyond the Holdeman community. Throughout the episode, Nolan's story is filled with moments of vulnerability, humor, and resilience, as he candidly talks about the ups and downs of transitioning from a life of rigid expectations to one of self-discovery. This episode not only provides a window into Nolan's personal journey but also explores broader themes of cultural conditioning, faith, and the search for meaning. It’s a compelling look at how leaving a tightly controlled religious environment can affect one's sense of self and worldview, and what it means to find one’s own path in life. Follow us on Facebook: https://rb.gy/cj55td Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045 Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcast@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

    56 min

  5. 13 OCT.

    Spiral Dynamics and Religious Growth - Part 1

    The episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories features Amanda as the host and Waylon as the guest. The discussion dives into the concept of spiral dynamics, a psychological model used to explain human development and behavior, especially in the context of religion. Waylon introduces spiral dynamics as a tool that has helped him understand why people react in different ways depending on their stage of psychological development. He emphasizes that the model is not hierarchical, meaning no level is inherently superior to another. Instead, each stage represents a necessary step in a person's journey. Waylon describes spiral dynamics as particularly useful in explaining behaviors within religious communities, such as the Holdeman Mennonites. He talks about how his understanding of this model has influenced his view of human interaction and the ways people respond to religious teachings and authority. The conversation touches on the nuances of how spiral dynamics can shed light on the conflicts and challenges people face when trying to engage with or leave high-control religious environments. Waylon provides examples of how people within these communities are often at different psychological stages, which can lead to misunderstandings or friction, especially for those who are questioning or evolving beyond the traditional teachings of the church. Amanda guides the conversation, asking questions to clarify the model and its applications. The episode offers listeners insights into the complexities of human psychology within the context of faith and the Holdeman Mennonite experience. Follow us on Facebook: https://rb.gy/cj55td Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045 Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcast@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

    1 h 28 min

  6. 6 OCT.

    Avoidance Kills: A Discussion with Mary Byler

    In this episode, titled "Avoidance Kills: A Discussion With Mary Byler," Amanda and Billy explore the impact of avoidance, a term used within the Church of God in Christ Mennonite for shunning. Mary Byler, founder of The Misfit Amish, discusses how the practice of avoidance, or shunning, within high-control Anabaptist communities perpetuates harm by isolating individuals and suppressing important conversations about abuse, trauma, and healing. Mary shares her personal journey of leaving a plain-dressing community and the work she now does to support others through her organization. She emphasizes how avoidance not only affects those who are shunned but also creates a culture where the most vulnerable are silenced. Throughout the episode, Mary discusses her advocacy work, which includes educating professionals like child advocacy centers on how to better serve survivors of abuse from these insular communities. This conversation sheds light on the psychological and emotional toll of avoidance, illustrating how it can cause lasting damage to individuals and communities. By tackling this issue head-on, Mary provides crucial insights into why addressing, rather than avoiding, these issues is vital for healing and justice. Follow us on Facebook: https://rb.gy/cj55td Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045 Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcast@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

    1 h 46 min

  7. 30 SEPT.

    Amanda's Story of Moving On: A Voice From Phoenix

    In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, our very own Amanda Esau takes the spotlight to share her personal journey, while being interviewed by Starla and Jordie. Born in Phoenix to a mixed-race family, Amanda opens up about the challenges she faced growing up with a Hispanic mother and a Caucasian father. She recalls how the cultural and racial differences were met with resistance within the Holdeman church, sharing a painful moment when her father was told, "I guess somebody has to marry them," a reference to their interracial relationship. Amanda walks listeners through her early years in Phoenix before moving at age 10. Her childhood story is a powerful reflection on navigating a rigid religious community as someone with a biracial background. Throughout the episode, she discusses how the church's racial biases and conservative values shaped her family dynamics and personal development. As the conversation progresses, Amanda reflects on her eventual departure from the Holdeman church. Her story touches on deep issues such as family loyalty, the challenge of questioning long-held beliefs, and the courage it took to break away from a restrictive environment. Her journey reveals the difficulties of reconciling faith with personal identity, and the often-overlooked experiences of people of color within such a homogenous church community. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with Amanda reflecting on the growth and freedom she found after leaving the church, and how her past shaped who she is today. Starla and Jordie offer thoughtful questions, making this episode an intimate and heartfelt exploration of identity, faith, and resilience. Follow us on Facebook: https://rb.gy/cj55td Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045 Are you or is someone you know interested in sharing a story on the podcast? Reach out to OurPeoplePodcast@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. We would love to hear from you. Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

    1 h 24 min

  8. 22 SEPT.

    Jaclyn's Story of Searching and Discovery: A Voice From Kidron

    In this episode of Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories, hosts Weylin and Amanda sit down with Jaclyn (Jackie) Peachey to discuss her life journey, growing up within the Holdeman community and eventually finding her way out. Jackie opens up about her early life in Moundridge, Kansas, where her father left the family when she was just nine months old. She reflects on the strength of her mother, who went to nursing school and raised Jackie and her siblings on her own, becoming one of Jackie’s greatest role models. Jackie talks about her family’s move to Kidron, Ohio, when she was six years old, describing the community as somewhat closed off, rooted in an Amish-Mennonite background. However, her family ties in the area helped ease the transition, and Jackie shares her fondness for the close-knit environment, even though it could be isolating. The conversation turns more introspective as Jackie recounts her spiritual journey, including her struggles to fit in within the Holdeman church. She recalls feeling like an outsider, never quite connecting with the Holdeman way of life or understanding concepts like the Holy Spirit. This led to internal conflict, particularly after her baptism, when she initially felt a sense of joy but quickly slipped back into old behaviors, leaving her feeling guilty and disconnected. One pivotal moment in Jackie’s story came when, at the age of 15, she and a close friend began to question whether the Holdeman church was truly the "one true church" as they had been taught. Their exposure to conservative Mennonites and Amish communities sparked deeper questions about faith, belonging, and the truth of their religious upbringing. Jackie shares the challenges of navigating these doubts in a community where questioning was discouraged, and how it impacted her sense of identity. Throughout the episode, Jackie reflects on the difficulty of feeling like she had to present a false version of herself to fit in, and the relief and eventual growth that came with leaving the Holdeman church. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to question long-held beliefs in the search for personal truth. Follow us on Facebook: https://rb.gy/cj55td Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KwYkbtbIswUN3z6JSrqz5?si=0913b1c334724490 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPeoplePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-people-holdeman-mennonite-stories/id1740613045 Support Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/OurPeoplePodcast⁠

    1 h 2 min
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À propos

Our People is a podcast dedicated to the unique experiences within the Church of God In Christ Mennonite. Through heartfelt interviews, we spotlight the emotional and mental odysseys of current and former Holdeman members. We aim to provide a safe space for sharing the real impacts of life inside this high-control church, the challenging journey of questioning, and the transformative path to independence and emotional health. Listen to tales of survival, healing, and thriving beyond the church's confines, offering solace and encouragement to those on a similar journey.

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