Episode Description Episode 200 is Michelle’s faith story from her upbringing in a faith-driven family to her tumultuous struggle with living up to religious standards. The raw testimony touches on her time at a Christian school, navigating conflicting perspectives, and ultimately finding her own path in faith. Ultimately, we’re all on an intersecting journey of growing and changing. One of the most poignant moments is Michelle’s reflection on her college years, where she embraced spiritual activities but also grappled with judgmental attitudes and numbers-oriented evangelism—expressing regret for her past mindset. Despite the challenges, she shares how her faith journey led […]

What does it really mean to belong in church? When do you know if you’ve found a church home? Michelle Rayburn discusses this and also briefly mentions a social media post from author and speaker Mary Demuth, who shared her own definition of a spiritual refugee, and the importance of finding a place where we can be vulnerable and truly belong in a church community. Michelle talks about the key factors that contribute to feeling at home in a church community, and how to overcome the barriers to connection in order to find belonging and build meaningful relationships. Whether you’re […]

Is critical thinking dead? It doesn’t have to be! In this episode of Life Repurposed, we’re diving into the world of critical thinking and its profound impact on life, culture, Bible study, faith, and spirituality. Host Michelle Rayburn unpacks the importance of engaging with scripture in a discerning way, exploring diverse perspectives, and understanding historical and cultural contexts to avoid misinterpretation. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. We’ll also explore the surprising link between critical thinking and resilience to doubt and uncertainty, as well as the misconception that it challenges deeply held beliefs. Join us as we embrace the complexity […]