Rev. Frank Schaefer is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church where he ministered for 20 years (in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference) when, in 2013, he was tried by a highly publicized United Methodist church court for officiating at his son’s same-sex marriage. He was defrocked on December 19th, 2013 when he refused to uphold the Book of Discipline in its entirety, which would have meant to denounce gay marriage rights. With the stripping of his credentials, he lost his parish, career and security. Subsequently, Frank became a nation-wide speaker and activist. Though his credentials were reinstated by the Church's highest court in the fall of 2014, Pastor Frank continues to advocate for human rights while also working in a new United Methodist parish in Isla Vista California.

Carol and Derrick reflect after the interview on the various things that divide our churches.

God Complex Radio is back with Rev. Kate Foster Connors, Director of The Center in Baltimore.  The Center envisions neighborhoods transformed by congregations engaged in the justice-seeking, compassionate, and reconciling work of Jesus Christ. Through education, service, partnership, and advocacy, their mission is to equip congregations in Baltimore and beyond to transform neighborhoods by engaging in the justice and reconciliation of Jesus Christ. They partner with local churches to transform neighborhoods by workng for justice in their communities. Local congregations also collaborate with visiting adult or youth groups for mission work projects.

Producer Rob Dyer unleashes this special 2015 season preview episode.  Derrick interviews author, pastor, and parent Andrew Taylor-Troutman about his book "Parables of Parenthood: Interpreting the Gospels with Family."  Andrew invites us to bring our experiences of parenting into our experience with God's Word.