The RCM Podcast is for the curious, the cautious, and the unconvinced. We talk about faith without the jargon, Jesus without the performance, and church as it could be: open, inclusive, thoughtful, and real. Expect honest stories, fresh perspectives, and conversations that make space for doubt, hope, and belonging.
The conversation delves into the complexities of how the Bible has historically shaped and influenced women's roles and experiences. It emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of biblical texts, particularly in recognizing the voices and stories of women throughout history. The conversation explores the theological implications of women's roles in biblical narratives, emphasizing the need to revisit and reinterpret these stories. It highlights the importance of recognising overlooked figures like Hagar and the need for a more inclusive understanding of scripture.
Takeaways
Bible's impact on women
Need for diverse biblical perspectives Theological insights on women's roles
Revisiting biblical narratives
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Women's Perspectives in the Bible
02:38 Exploring Women's Experiences with the Bible
07:34 The Patriarchal Context of the Bible
11:21 Understanding Women's Power in Ancient Cultures
19:14 Distinguishing Between Description and Endorsement of Patriarchy
21:34 Highlighting Women's Stories in the Bible
23:44 The Significance of Mary and Hagar
30:54 The Good News for Hagar
32:11 Mary Magdalene: An Overlooked Figure
33:40 Jesus and His Relationships with Women
37:02 Performance Criticism of Biblical Stories
40:31 Challenging Inequality in Christianity
42:42 Navigating Difficult Biblical Texts
54:56 Finding Hope in the Scriptures
17 Sept 2026
Does Prayer actually work?
The conversation explores the concept of prayer and its effectiveness, delving into the meaning of prayer, personal experiences with prayer, and the impact of unanswered prayers. Anthea and Matt discuss the different perspectives on prayer, the evolution of prayer in their lives, and the role of disappointment in shaping one's faith. The conversation explores the nature of prayer, its purpose, and its impact on individuals. Anthea shares insights on the relational aspect of prayer, the role of listening, and the significance of the Lord's Prayer.
Takeaways
Perspectives on Prayer
Evolution of Prayer
Impact of Unanswered Prayers Prayer is about relationship and interaction with God.
The practice of prayer can have an inner healing property and can bring peace and resilience.
Chapters
00:00 The Meaning of Prayer
03:01 Personal Experiences with Prayer
10:21 The Evolution of Prayer
14:35 The Impact of Unanswered Prayers
16:58 The Nature of Prayer
18:02 The Purpose of Prayer
21:13 Healthy Prayer Practices
24:35 Listening in Prayer
29:04 The Lord's Prayer
33:28 Final Thoughts and Prayer
7 Sept 2026
Can you actually "experience" God?
The episode explores the topic of experiencing God and the challenges of defining and understanding such experiences. Anthea and Matt discuss the nature of these experiences, their personal encounters with God, and the importance of discernment in interpreting and sharing these experiences. The conversation explores the complexities of experiencing and expressing spirituality within a church environment, addressing the performative elements, pressure for spiritual experiences, and the diversity of individual experiences. It also delves into the challenges of feeling God's presence, the role of spiritual practices, and the balance between attributing experiences to God and being realistic.
Takeaways
Experiencing God is often a personal and subjective encounter.
Discernment and caution are essential when interpreting and sharing experiences of God. Diverse Experiences
Spiritual Practices
Chapters
00:00 Can We Really Experience God?
01:12 Defining the Experience of God
03:26 The Nature of God's Presence
07:36 Ordinary vs. Spectacular Experiences
17:27 Discernment and Sharing Experiences
21:58 Performative Elements and Pressure
22:54 Diverse Experiences of God
25:11 Challenges of Feeling God's Presence
29:18 Role of Spiritual Practices
32:44 Attributing Experiences to God
18 Aug 2026
What happens when the Bible has been used to hurt people - and can it still become good news?
What do you do when the Bible has been used against you or to hurt people? In this episode, with our special guest Matt Hyam, we talk honestly about bad readings of scripture, why some passages feel difficult, and whether it is possible to take the Bible seriously without reading it harshly or simplistically. A conversation about Jesus, interpretation, context, and how the Bible can still become a source of life rather than harm.
11 Aug 2026
The Story So Far: Church, Doubt, Belonging… and What Comes Next
In this short mini-episode, Matt looks back at the conversations that have shaped the RCM Podcast so far. From why so many people are interested in Jesus but wary of church, to belonging before believing, doubt, disappointment and what it really means to be an inclusive church.
A short catch-up for those who’ve been with us from the beginning — and a great place to start if you’re new to the podcast.
Takeaways
Church should be a place where people can ask real questions
You can belong while you’re still working out what you believe
Doubt can be part of taking faith seriously
Starting again after disappointment doesn’t mean pretending nothing happened
Inclusion has to mean genuine belonging, not simply saying “everyone is welcome”
We need a faith that can cope with real life
29 Jul 2026
Bonus Episode: Q&A Special
A special Bonus episode where Matt & Anthea answer questions from listeners. Questions cover a range of themes, from the nature of God, relationship with God, the Bible and whether or not God comes from Preston!
Takeaways
Exploration of theological questions
Understanding the diverse perspectives on the Bible
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:16 Questions from Listeners
02:08 Nature of God
13:00 Relationship with God
17:39 The Bible
23:16 Future of the Podcast
19 Jul 2026
What does an inclusive church really mean?
The conversation delves into the meaning and importance of inclusive church, exploring the theological basis, practical aspects, and the experience of real belonging. It emphasizes the need for clear messaging, diverse representation, and a safe space for open dialogue.
Takeaways
Inclusion Matters
Reflecting Diversity
Chapters
00:00 Defining Inclusive Church
02:54 The Meaning of Inclusive Church
16:54 The Theological Basis of Inclusion
26:04 Practical Aspects of Inclusion
33:13 Welcoming and Belonging
19 Jun 2026
Faith after disappointment:can you start again?
The episode explores the theme of disappointment in faith and church, discussing the impact of disappointment, the reactions it elicits, and the process of healing and moving forward. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing disappointment within a faith community.
Takeaways
Disappointment in faith and church can lead to a range of reactions, from withdrawal and loss of trust to anger and anti-church sentiments.
Acknowledging and addressing disappointment within a faith community is essential for creating a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Chapters
00:00 The Joy of Communal Singing
12:47 Reactions to Disappointment
18:18 Healing and Moving Forward
26:21 Creating Safe Spaces for Disappointment
5 Jun 2026
Is Doubt a problem, or part of Faith?
The episode explores the theme of uncertainty, doubt, and questioning in the context of faith and spirituality. It delves into the pressure to appear certain, the fear of expressing doubt, and the stages of faith development. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing doubt as a natural part of spiritual growth and the need for open, honest questioning.
Takeaways
Embracing doubt is a sign of taking faith seriously
The stages of faith development include simplicity, complexity, perplexity, and harmony
Doubt can lead to growth and a deeper understanding of faith
Chapters
00:00 Doubt and Cynicism
4 May 2026
Can you belong before you believe?
The conversation explores the concept of belonging in a church community, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for individuals at different stages of their faith journey. It delves into the idea that belonging is not a reward at the end, but rather a part of the journey, and discusses the significance of allowing room for questions and uncertainty within a healthy church community.
Takeaways
Belonging is part of a journey
Healthy church has room for questions and questioning is good
You don't need to fake certainty to be welcome
Chapters
00:00 Belonging as a Journey
16 Apr 2026
Why do people love Jesus, but hate church?
The conversation explores the awkwardness experienced in church settings and the contrast between people's interest in Jesus and their aversion to church. It delves into the reasons behind these dynamics and the implications for church leaders and individuals seeking spiritual community.
10 Apr 2026
Hello and welcome...!
The podcast 'Church for People Who Don't Like Church' introduces the hosts and their mission to create a safe space for discussing faith. They explore the annoyances of church, the role of podcasts as church, and share personal church journeys. The transition from fact to faith, becoming a fully affirming church, and the vision for the podcast are also discussed.
Chapters
00:00 Introducing Church for People Who Don't Like Church
05:42 Anthea's Church Journey: From Tradition to Contemporary
16:13 Transition from Fact to Faith
23:08 Vision for the Podcast: Topics and Exploration
Host of Church for people who don't like Church?
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