What happens when the church you’ve loved becomes too small for the faith you’ve grown into?

Former Anglican priest Brian E. Pearson joins host Martha Tatarnic on the Future Christian Podcast to discuss his book Talking to the Trees: A Journey Into Soul and his evolving spirituality after nearly forty years in ordained ministry.

In this deeply honest conversation, Brian reflects on his transition from parish life to life on the edges—where faith, doubt, nature, and imagination meet. Together, he and Martha explore what it means to live faith large rather than small, to follow curiosity and courage beyond institutional boundaries, and to discover the sacred in unexpected places.

They talk about:

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  Why the edges of faith are often where renewal begins

  
  


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  The cost and gift of leaving the institutional church

  
  


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  How nature, ritual, and imagination can nurture a living spirituality

  
  


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  Storytelling as a pathway to truth and healing

  
  


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  Courage, curiosity, and the call to live with openness instead of fear

  
  

Pearson’s journey invites pastors, seekers, and skeptics alike to consider: What if leaving the church isn’t an ending, but another way of following the Spirit into new life?

Mentioned Resources:

🌐 Website: https://www.brianepearson.ca/

📖 His Book: Talking to Trees

🎧 His Podcast: The Mystic Cave

Presenting Sponsor:

Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world. 

Supporting Sponsors:

Kokoro  Join in for heartfelt journeys that challenges the way we see ourselves, each other, and the world we share.

Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age. 

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Paul Romig–Leavitt – Associate Producer

Dennis Sanders – Producer

Alexander Lang - Production Assistant