Best Merge Community Church Podcasts (2025)

1
Stand Firm, Stay Clear, Serve Others (Part Two) - Audio 40:11

2d ago40:11

40:11

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
Ben Reflects on Being Denied a Temple Recommend 48:06

3h ago48:06

48:06

This month on OPEN Up, Ben shares a deeply personal story about navigating the reactions of his local Church leadership after he performed a same-sex wedding. Ben and Charlie discuss the scrutiny that LGBTQ+ Latter-Day Saints often face and how others Church members can help them feel seen.By All Out in the Open, Questions from the Closet

1
How Gather Conference is Changing Lives 45:25

7d ago45:25

45:25

In this special episode of THE Exclusive, Ben Schilaty is joined by Emilee Cutler and Spencer David Smith to talk about the upcoming Gather Conference, taking place this June in Provo, Utah. Now in its third year, the conference creates a Christ-centered space where LGBTQ+ individuals and those who love them can connect, learn, and feel seen. Emile…

1
A Resurrection For The Broken - Easter Service 2025 44:21

9d ago44:21

44:21

By Dr. Bryan Hurlbutt

1
Seeing Beyond the Stereotype 1:12:11

14d ago1:12:11

1:12:11

This month on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton and Sean Nicholes—a gay Latter-day Saint, psychiatry resident, and member of the U.S. Air Force—explore Doctrine & Covenants 41-50. In these sections, the early Saints were dealing with rumors both inside and outside the Church. Clare and Sean discuss how these stories help us learn to challenge stereot…

1
Palm Sunday Communion Celebration - Audio 26:15

16d ago26:15

26:15

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
Merging Mexican Tradition with the Restored Gospel 1:02:38

21d ago1:02:38

1:02:38

In this month’s episode of OUT and About, Iese Wilson sits down with Liv Mendoza Haynes, a queer, Mexican Latter-Day Saint. Liv shares how her unique intersection of identities shapes her spiritual journey. Liv reflects on joining the Church and serving a full-time mission in Mexico—and the complex emotions of teaching people from her own cultural …

1
Stand Firm, Stay Clear, Serve Others - Audio 37:02

23d ago37:02

37:02

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
How to Love Your Neighbor 49:37

28d ago49:37

49:37

This week’s ALL Together guest Malissa Larson knows firsthand the power of community. A former homeless youth and first-generation college graduate, she worked her way through school and now serves as a Neighborhood Specialist for the City of Phoenix, helping to connect and uplift communities. In the episode, Malissa discuses with Liz Macdonald and…

1
We Need Allies More Than Ever (with Charlie & Ben) 49:09

1M ago49:09

49:09

OPEN Up: Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty tackle the overwhelming noise surrounding LGBTQ+ topics in the Church and society, sharing personal stories of feeling excluded, politicized or dehumanized. Those experiences can bring a lot of loneliness but also a deeper, more complex faith. Loving God and loving our neighbor go hand in hand—Ben and Charlie …

1
The Children Of Promise (Part Two) - Audio 39:01

1M ago39:01

39:01

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
What Would Past Me Think of Current Me? 1:02:13

1M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

This week on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton sits down with Ady and Cora Johnson—returned missionaries, newlyweds, adventurers and active members of the Church. They dive into Doctrine and Covenants 29-40, exploring how God asks us to leave parts of our old selves behind. As we change, we may grieve the life we thought we’d live, but there is also …

1
Children Of Promise (Part One) - Audio 43:47

1M ago43:47

43:47

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
From Slavery To Freedom! - Audio 43:58

2M ago43:58

43:58

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
Finding Belonging as a Gay Samoan 1:02:10

2M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

In this episode of OUT and About, Iese Wilson interviews Wallace Pelesasa—a fellow Samoan and gay Latter-Day Saint. Growing up in a large family, Wallace attended church mainly to appease his father. His testimony didn’t truly ignite until his military service, where he met people whose faith inspired him. As he built a relationship with God, Walla…

1
Sons, Heirs, Jesus, God and You! - Audio 43:47

2M ago43:47

43:47

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
Ally Nights: Creating Community in Your Own Home 55:51

2M ago55:51

55:51

This week on ALL Together, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Clare Dalton, host of IN the Scriptures and curator of the Gatherings curriculum, and Jen Dille, project manager at the Center for Action and Contemplation. Together Jen and Clare started monthly Ally Nights—safe spaces for learning, connection and support for LGBTQ+ individual…

1
Remembering Ben's Mom - Grief in Real Time 49:06

2M ago49:06

49:06

In this week’s OPEN Up episode, Ben Schilaty shares his experiences with grief after recently losing his mother to her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He reflects on the incredible life she lived, the challenges she overcame, and the profound impact she had on those who loved her. Ben also reveals what has been helpful in the mourning process…

1
The Promise, The Law, The Savior and You! - Audio 40:42

2M ago40:42

40:42

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
The Life Pleasing To God 1:00:43

2M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 1 Timothy 2:1-7By Pastor Stephen Blue

1
The Invitation That Holds All the Answers 53:29

2M ago53:29

53:29

This week on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton and Becca Shumway dive into Doctrine and Covenants 18-28. These revelations shaped the early structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Clare and Becca explore how structure can be both a help and a hindrance to personal growth. In the episode, Becca shares her insights on faith, t…

1
Christ, the Spirit, Abraham, Faith and You! - Audio 35:26

2M ago35:26

35:26

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
From Teen Convert to Branch President in Thailand 55:48

3M ago55:48

55:48

In this week’s OUT and About episode, Iese Wilson interviews Max Maneekam, a gay Latter-day Saint from Thailand now living in South Carolina with his husband. Max shares his journey of faith, from discovering the Church at age 12 to serving a mission in Ogden, Utah, to becoming the branch president of his Thai congregation at age 21 to attending BY…

1
Living In Line With The Gospel (Part Two) - Audio 38:17

3M ago38:17

38:17

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Merge Community Church

1
The Value of Love 49:08

3M ago49:08

49:08

The Value of Love Mark 10:17-22 Pastor Rob AllesBy Pastor Rob Alles

1
Seeing LGBTQ+ Individuals Through a Christlike Lens 1:09:10

3M ago1:09:10

1:09:10

In this ALL Together episode, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Pastor Stan Mitchell, a Christian pastor with a powerful journey of faith and inclusion. Growing up in a fear-based, exclusivist Christian tradition, he gradually expanded his understanding of God’s love and eventually played a role in his Nashville church’s decision to full…

1
Living In Step WIth The Gospel - Audio 37:34

3M ago37:34

37:34

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
Grieving the Life You Thought You Would Have 1:09:15

3M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

This month on OPEN Up, Ben Schilaty and Charlie Bird sit down with Lisa Valentine Clark. Lisa is a mother of five and host of the podcasts “The Lisa Show” and “Council of Moms.” Lisa shares her experience with grief following the death of her husband. She discusses navigating life when it doesn’t go as planned, including finding connection and livi…

1
Gospel Unity - Audio 40:34

3M ago40:34

40:34

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
Lifeline 20th Anniversary and Elder Discussion 1:00:40

3M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

By Dr. Bryan Hurlbutt

1
Giving Ourself and Others Space to Grow 1:13:15

3M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

This week on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton talks with Dan and Terri Pratt, parents of six neurodivergent children, some of whom are LGBTQ+. They share their journey of supporting their kids, overcoming internalized beliefs, and building a more inclusive faith. Drawing on Joseph Smith’s First Vision, they discuss the importance of family support a…

1
Paul And The Gospel - Audio 38:00

3M ago38:00

38:00

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Mark Hard

1
Job and the Sanctity of Life 42:10

3M ago42:10

42:10

By Dr. Bryan Hurlbutt

1
Converting in Hong Kong... To Become Straight? 49:04

4M ago49:04

49:04

From Hong Kong to Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Uri shares his journey as a gay member of the Church—finding God’s love, self-acceptance, and community along the way. Tune in to this heartfelt OUT and About episode with host Iese Wilson as Uri reflects on his path, the challenges he’s faced, and his message of hope for LGBTQ+ individuals: You’re…

1
One Gospel - Audio 39:11

4M ago39:11

39:11

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
Creating social safety for lgbtq+ loved-ones 1:10:08

4M ago1:10:08

1:10:08

Kick off the new year with an inspiring ALL Together episode! Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto interview Dr. Lisa Diamond, professor of psychology and gender studies at the University of Utah, and her research assistants Julia Decker and Jay Christensen. The trio discusses their important research on social safety for LGBTQ+ members of The Church of …

1
The New Way of Being a Parent 57:50

4M ago57:50

57:50

By Dr. Bryan Hurlbutt

1
Exploring Body Image and Eating Through an LGBTQ+ Lens (with Sydney Williams, LCSW) 57:07

4M ago57:07

57:07

In the new OPEN Up episode, Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty sit down with Sydney Williams, LCSW, a therapist and eating disorder specialist, to explore the complex relationship between body image and the LGBTQ+ community. They share insights into the cultural and historical factors shaping body ideals and offer practical advice on loving and trusting…

1
Spanish Episode: Compartiendo Nuestras Experiencias como Miembros Gays en la Iglesia 57:14

4M ago57:14

57:14

Don’t miss the first episode of All Out in the Open in Spanish! In this special episode of THE Exclusive, Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty share their experiences as gay members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and answer frequently asked questions. We hope this episode can be a resource to support Hispanic individuals and families o…

1
O Holy Night - Audio 32:45

4M ago32:45

32:45

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
Learning to Wait from a Widow 43:49

4M ago43:49

43:49

By Dr. Bryan Hurlbutt

1
Asking Questions is the Answer: JS-H and D&C 1-2 (with Austin Peterson) 1:00:53

4M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

This week Clare Dalton is joined by Austin Peterson, her collaborator on the Gatherings curriculum—Come Follow Me study groups designed for LGBTQ+ Church members and allies. Together, they dive into the early sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, exploring how asking questions can deepen our connection to God, ourselves, and others.…

1
Here Comes Heaven - Audio 30:36

4M ago30:36

30:36

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
Sons Because of the Son 47:42

5M ago47:42

47:42

By Dr. Bryan Hurlbutt

1
Pioneering A Path in Mexico 50:12

5M ago50:12

50:12

In this episode of OUT and About, Iese Wilson sits down with André Pérez to discuss his journey as an LGBTQ+ member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints growing up in Mexico City. André saw a need for connection among Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ members and allies, and created a virtual community that continues to thrive with monthly meet…

1
Then I Will! - Audio 35:04

5M ago35:04

35:04

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
A Reverend's Calling to Strengthen LGBTQ+ Belonging (with Dr. Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen) 41:14

5M ago41:14

41:14

For this week’s ALL Together episode, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen, an ordained pastor and executive director of Parity, a nonprofit in New York City addressing the intersection of LGBTQ+ and faith communities. From starting her ministry as a single mom of four to advocating for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, M…

1
Merge All Family Thanksgiving Communion Celebration - Audio 24:51

5M ago24:51

24:51

Messages from Merge Community Church in Azle, Tx.By Brandon Geary

1
Owning Your Choices When Others Disagree (with Ben & Charlie) 1:01:01

5M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

OPEN Up: Ben Schilaty and Charlie Bird dive into the challenges of making authentic, personal decisions—especially when those choices are misunderstood or rejected by others. They discuss the pain of breaking the status quo and share personal stories about navigating loneliness, rejection, and the weight of following personal revelation as LGBTQ+ m…