The Average Episcopalian
Sisters Kate Greer and Annie Hodges attempt to tackle the mystery of God and the life of Jesus Christ with reason, humor, and deep curiosity through the lens of the church they love.
Episodes
Ep. 44 - Cleaning and Commuting: The Good News of Ordinary Time (feat. Rev. Jordan Griesbeck)
We have officially entered the liturgical season of "Ordinary Time", and we're wondering… does ordinary just mean boring? Our guest today, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck, claims to be just an ordinary priest descended from a long line of accountants, but his insights on this topic are anything but ordinary. In our conversation, we come to the shocking realization that we might love the liturgical calendar
Ep. 43 - We Need a Sabbath Workshop
Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy. This is perhaps one of the most overlooked of the 10 commandments in modern civilization, and that makes it worthy of a deeper dive. Today, we are attempting to figure out how to make time for rest in a sea of full calendars and endless to-do lists. We remind ourselves that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath, and of the "why" behind t
Ep. 42 - It Is Right to Give Him Thanks and Praise
What is worship, and why do we do it? In today's episode we're dissecting the Episcopalian perspective of worship, including questions about sacrifices, reflections on adoration, and our own misconceptions and hesitations. In the end, worship is something that unifies us with God and with one another, and we hope this conversation inspires you to pursue that union with a lifted heart. Bonus: a len
Ep. 41 - Searching for God (And for Scientific Evidence) (feat. Rev. Ben Wyatt)
Three nerds walk into an Episcopal church… and begin to question whether or not science and religion are compatible. Is that how the joke goes? In this episode, we welcome fellow Episcopalian podcaster (and fellow nerd) Rev. Ben Wyatt to help us tackle our questions about science and Christianity. Ben's degrees in physics, religion, and counseling are put to the test as we grill him on dinosaurs,
Ep. 40 - BCP Prayers for The Collapse of Civilization
Sometimes we all need a reminder to choose prayer over despair. In today's episode, we're doing another review of 4 of our favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. These prayers challenge us to be meek (watch out brats, it's Meek Summer 2026) and they remind us that even though it can feel like evil is winning, God sustains. Can't get enough of the Average Episcopalian? Visit our webiste &
Ep. 39 - Epiphany: A Season for Stargazing and Transformation
Confession: we've never really paid that much attention to Epiphany. After the wonder and festivities of Advent and Christmas, this liturgical season can often get overlooked. But that changes today! In this very average discussion, we get back to our roots: "definition time"! We share what we know about the three wise men (it's not much), learn about Epiphany traditions (why chalk on the door?),
Ep. 38 - Grassroots Episcopalianism (feat. Father Drew Crowson)
He's backkkkkk! Father Drew Crowson, friend of the podcast, curate at St. Paul's Prosper, and up-and-coming church planter, has returned to teach us about evangelism-- or how to spread the Good News without getting embarrassed. We discuss why Episcopalians are scared of evangelism, good and bad forms of evangelism, and why we all still need to try anyway. Drew also shares his current reflections o
Ep. 37 - Ask an Episcopalian: Listener Q&A, Part 3
It's time for another Listener Q&A! In this episode, we answer your wide-ranging questions that include topics like: when to cross yourself during a service, what Episcopal traditions we'd pass down to our theoretical children, our experience with purity culture, and how to ~officially~ become an Episcopalian. We love recording these episodes, so thanks for submitting your nosiest inquiries! Can't
Ep. 36 - We Ought Not to Rip Through the Lord's Prayer (feat. Patricia Mackey Stone)
We've all rushed through the Lord's Prayer. But should we be rushing? Our guest Pat Stone teaches classes across the country on the Lord's Prayer, and she is here to help us pause and consider what this prayer that Jesus gave us really means. We learned that each line of the prayer is simultaneously independent and communal, whether god really "leads us" into temptation, and why this prayer is a c
Ep. 35 - A Brief History of Some Cool Episcopalians
It's time for Anglican history class-- average version! Today's episode is an overview of some notable figures in Episcopal history that we think you should know. Our eccentric list includes Episcopalians with historical significance, who contributed to our theology, who spoke up for important issues, famous people, and even fictional people! We cover topics like the infamous "three-legged stool",
Ep. 34 - Fellow Travelers on the Journey: The Road to Confirmation (feat. Janet Daniels & Susan Mailey)
Cozy up with your coffee for a conversation about confirmation, questioning, listening, and more with the women who sponsored us for our own confirmation! Susan Mailey (Kate's confirmation sponsor) and Janet Daniels (Annie's confirmation sponsor) are dear friends, sage mentors, and fellow Episcopalians with abundant wisdom to share. We had so much fun discussing the sacrament of confirmation and w
Ep. 33 - Lord, Hear Our (Intercessory) Prayer
The Prayers of the People are a staple in the Episcopalian service, but they're also reminiscent of a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book, with forms and collects abounding. We're here to discuss the many forms that intercessory prayer can take and why it matters to pray in unison for our world and for each other. We break down the structure of the prayers, discuss why we pray for government official
Ep. 32 - But Seriously, How Do I Love My Neighbor?
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself," Jesus said (Matthew 22:39). Okay… but how??? Who is my neighbor? What if they are really annoying? In today's episode, we're considering how to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our daily lives and in our neighborhoods. We propose tactical, tangible ways to turn "love" into action, share unsolicited opinions about service leaflets, reflect on how our liv
Ep. 31 - All Things Seasonal and Liturgical, All Feast Days Great and Small
Liturgical Calendar 101 is in session. In this episode, we break down the seasons of the Episcopal church. We review the history of the liturgical calendar, discuss whether or not it's Biblical, reflect on how it connects us to humanity and to history, and share personal practices that help us engage more with the church seasons. Why do the altar dressings change colors? What is a lectionary? What
Ep. 30 - Finding Our Whole Selves in the Psalms (feat. Wendell Kimbrough)
Wendell Kimbrough, singer, songwriter, worship leader and friend, is here to teach us what the Psalms are really about. Christians have wrestled with this collection of poems and prayers throughout the ages. How can we find meaning in them today? Wendell went from arguing about Calvinism as a teen to leading Anglican worship services, where he learned to embrace the emotional side of spirituality.
Ep. 29 - This Yoke Is Not Easy And This Burden Is Not Light
Suffering is an inevitable element of the human condition, and often the existence of suffering drives humanity away from God. But today we're here to talk about what role God plays in our earthly pain. We cover a lot of ground… what it actually means to "let go and let God", whether or not bed rotting will cure your mental health, what we have learned from grief, the baffling nature of Christian
Ep. 28 - The Daily Office For Dummies Like Us
Let's be honest: practicing the Daily Office is not a habit that the Average Episcopalian upholds. But staying rooted in our faith with daily rituals is crucial to our spiritual growth. So crack open your BCP, everyone! It's time to get real about the Daily Office. In this episode, we reflect on the difference between discipline and obedience, walk through our own daily routines that connect us to
Ep. 27 - What Are You Bringing to the Church Potluck? A Discussion on the Body of Christ (feat. Rev. Joe Dewey)
We hear the phrase "The Body of Christ" often throughout our Episcopalian liturgies. But have you ever paused to consider what it means for us to be a part of Christ's body? Our friend, the lax bro-turned-BCP-loving Vicar, Rev. Joe Dewey, helps us peel back the curtain on this threefold concept, examining the physical body of Christ, sacramental body of Christ, and ecclesial body of Christ. We dis
Ep. 26 - Mandatory Episcopalian Viewing: "The Prince of Egypt"
Grab your popcorn! "The Prince of Egypt" is an epic animated adaptation of Moses's story, and we're about to dissect it scene by scene. This film has stood the test of time, from casting to cinematography to music, all of which we discuss in depth. We wrap up the episode by reflecting on the theological implications of the Exodus story: our fear of becoming who God wants us to be, our inner turmoi
Ep. 25 - Ask an Episcopalian: Listener Q&A, Part 2
It's time for another Listener Q&A! Your questions had quite the range. We discussed the process of adult confirmation, pondered whether or not the BCP is Benedictine, indulged in visions of grandeur about the future of this podcast, reflected on the beauty of the diversity of worship within the Episcopal church, and even reminisced over the fiction books that shaped our childhoods. We hope you en
Ep. 24 - Stop Worrying And Start Worshiping: Our Quest to Understand the Trinity (feat. Rev. Matt Rossi)
Does the concept of the Holy Trinity ever keep you up at night? Just us? To tackle the Trinity, we brought in our friend the Rev. Matt Rossi, Assistant Rector for Adult Formation at Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, Texas. And we were wise to do so. In this episode, Matt fights through our poor attempts to use analogy and geometry to make sense of the Triune God and reminds us WHY the Trinity m
Ep. 23 - BCP Prayers for This Economy
When we don't quite have the words, we Episcopalians turn to the Book of Common Prayer. In this episode, we review 4 of our favorite BCP prayers and discuss how they have carried us through our lives. These prayers teach us the true meaning of optimism, urge us to pursue childlike joy, calm us as we fall asleep, and remind us of God's changelessness. What are your favorite BCP prayers? Let us know
Ep. 22 - Make a Joyful Noise (or Just Any Noise) (feat. Mario Buchanan)
What makes Episcopalian worship music unique? What's up with all the chanting? What role does music play in the liturgy-- and in our faith? Mario Buchanan, Director of Music at Christ Church Episcopal in Hudson, Ohio, is here to talk all things Episcopalian music. We discuss the importance of singing in unison, the benefits of children's choir, what it's like to grow a music program in a small tow
Ep. 21 - The One Where They Interview Each Other
Our longest episode yet! And of course we're talking about ourselves… so much for that episode on humility. Today we're interviewing each other, and we're not holding back! Topics include: Kate's experience in a Christian cult, being an Episcopalian in your twenties, how losing our mother impacted our faith journeys, where we encounter God in our daily lives, what setlist we'd play at the Episcopa
Ep. 20 - Sit Down, Be Humble: Wisdom from the Rule of Benedict
In the world of LinkedIn announcements and Instagram humble brags, does the old-fashioned virtue of humility have anything to offer? Today's episode uses the framework of St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility to explore why humility is necessary and life-giving for all who follow Christ. We discover that humility is the true root of confidence, listening plays a critical role in how we love others, an
Ep. 19 - The Greatest Snack Time of All (feat. Father Cody Turner)
Eucharist. Communion. The Last Supper. The Great Thanksgiving. It's the focal point of our worship service, but what does this bread-breaking really mean? We've brought in an expert to discuss. Father Cody Turner is the Curate for Worship at Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, Texas. In this educational and approachable conversation, we talk about what it means to "live into" the sacraments, the
Ep. 18 - Seek, Serve, Love: Renewing Our Baptismal Vows
Whether you were baptized last week or 50 years ago, we all have a lot to learn from the baptismal covenant. In today's episode, Annie & Kate break down the baptism piece-by-piece, discussing in depth what the covenant means to us. Reciting the baptismal covenant as a congregation reminds us of the path we're on, and who we strive to be. In this episode, we talk about the difference between a cove
Ep. 17 - Romanticizing Your Sheep Life: Modern Wisdom Debates, Part 2
Our culture is obsessed with avoiding suffering at all costs, and a lot of that is enforced by the "wisdom" plastered all over TikTok and other social media platforms. "Romanticize your life." "Let go of what doesn't serve you." "Cut people out of your life." Do these modern-day sentiments bring us closer or further away from Christ? We attempt to analyze these rules for living, discussing the lac
Ep. 16 - It's All About Relationships (feat. Rev. Charlotte Collins Reed)
Many of us know "fellowship" to mean sharing donuts and laughs at coffee hour. But what does Christian fellowship mean on a deeper level? Rev. Charlotte Collins Reed is the rector of Christ Church Episcopal in Hudson, Ohio, and she played an instrumental role in creating community in Annie and Kate's home church. Charlotte is here to share her stories of the priesthood, teaching us about fostering
Ep. 15 - Lent: The Great Punch in the Face
Lent: a season of penitence and self-denial in preparation for Easter. Join us as we ramble through the liturgical calendar of Lent day by day, reflecting on the symbolism of our Episcopalian traditions and sharing what the season means to us. We talk about giving stuff up, foot washing, returning to dust, and more. Follow along this Lenten season: @average.episcopalian.
Ep. 14 - Ask an Episcopalian: Listener Q&A
You asked, we answered! It's the first ever Listener Q&A. We cover a variety of topics in this episode: common misconceptions about the Episcopal Church, a friendly "Prayer of Humble Access" debate, what Episcopalians "should" believe, and our favorite faith-related books. Don't miss the next Q&A! Follow us on Instagram @average.episcopalian.
Ep. 13 - Sit Down and Shut Up: It's Advent!
If you haven't yet delved into the magic of this Advent season, it's not too late!! We're here to discuss the significance of waiting and preparation in what can feel like the busiest season of the year, and why it's important to listen to the call to "sit down and shut up". We share practical ways that we practice Advent, the meaning behind all those candles, and why Advent is technically good fo
Ep. 12 - Am I Saved? And Should I Care?
In this episode, Kate & Annie are asking the same thing that those billboard signs on the highway ask you: "Are You Saved???" Salvation is a central focus in many denominations of Christianity, but how do Episcopalians see it? There are varying views in the church, and we're here to add to that mix. We discuss what it means to be "saved", why humans obsess over who goes to hell, and whether salvat
Ep. 11 - The Ex-Vangelical to Episcopalian Pipeline (feat. Drew Crowson)
We have our first ever guest! Drew Crowson was an ordained Baptist minister when he realized that his church was like a pair of pants that just didn't fit anymore. His faith journey has led him around the world (literally… to Europe & the Middle East) and ultimately to his role of High School & Young Adults Minister at Annie's Episcopal church in Dallas, Texas. In today's episode, we cover everyth
Ep. 10 - Those Episkopols Are At It Again
We're back! After a brief and unexpected hiatus, we're here with a glorified book review of one of our favorites: "Those Episkopols" by Dennis Maynard. Even if you haven't read it, you'll still want to listen! This book has guided us for many years on our spiritual journeys, and today we'll pontificate on 4 of our favorite quotes and their implications. Topics include: salvation, certainty, heaven
Ep. 9 - We Still Don't Know How to Pray
The title says it all. While prayer might seem simple on the surface, it sometimes feels impossible to execute in our daily lives. In today's episode, we dive deep into the wisdom of the catechism to try and get over our struggles with prayer. Is prayer a means to a solution? Does yoga class count as prayer? What about the infuriating "thoughts & prayers" culture? Why should we thank God for our s
Ep. 8 - Am I a Pharisee?
The Pharisees: the ultimate New Testament "bad guys" and a cautionary tale for those of us pursuing ethical lives. In this episode, Annie & Kate pontificate on 4 "Pharisee Behaviors" and how easy it is to fall into each of them. What do lemons, donkeys, Star Wars and donuts teach us about leadership? You'll have to listen to find out.
Ep. 7 - Jesus Is Not Thor
In this episode, we're discussing the easy breezy topic of Incarnational Theology, inspired by a sermon by Rev. Dr. Dan Matthews. The incarnation is a central component of Christianity, and to Episcopalians it means something extra special. Annie & Kate attempt to define this mystical concept, involving rants and tangents on heaven, baptism, and Harry Potter. If you've ever heard Episcopalians des
Ep. 6 - Jesus's Job Was Really Annoying: Modern Wisdom Debates, Part 1
Annie & Kate dissect and debate modern day spiritual-ish TikTok wisdom. Is the idea of main character energy ruining our society? (Most likely not.) Do we owe our neighbors explanations for our behavior or emotions? (Maybe.) Does exercising self-love make me selfish? (It's complicated.) Join us for an honest spar/reflection on the pros and cons of trendy spirituality.
Ep. 5 - Forgiveness, Part 2: Should we, as Christians, Accept your YouTuber Apology?
In Part 1, the focus was on reconciling with God (confession). In Part 2, the focus is on how to ask for forgiveness (repentance), how to forgive others (reconciliation), and how to forgive yourself (self love). Forgiveness is not a very popular value in our culture today, but Annie and Kate are here to sing its praises, bemoan its difficulties, and discuss practical ways to exercise forgiveness--
Ep. 4 - Forgiveness, Part 1: What Can Miley Cyrus Tell Us About Confession?
CONFESSION: the word has a lot of different meanings to a lot of different kinds of Christians. In Episode 4, Annie and Kate dive headfirst into the concept of "forgive us our trespasses." Why is confession of sins important for Christians? Why do Episcopalians say their confessional prayer out loud as a congregation? And what on earth can Miley Cyrus's 2013 hardcore party album "Bangerz" teach us
Ep. 3 - Liturgy is Lit
So what's the deal with all of the kneeling and standing? Why do our services have recited prayer? Why are we such stans of the Book of Common Prayer? In this episode, we're tackling all things liturgy. We answer questions from liturgy-haters who think structure makes church boring. And at the end of the episode, we do our best to break down an Episcopal service structure and why each component is
Ep. 2 - How to Ruin Christianity
Many of the reasons people are turned off by Christianity can be boiled down to one thing: self-righteousness. In this episode Annie and Kate admit to our own self-righteousness, debate the role that "the self" plays in our modern-day culture of self-love, and outline our 5 red flags of self-righteousness in Christianity. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian
Ep. 1 - Is the Church Broken Beyond Repair?
In our inaugural episode, we are taking on a very easy topic: the future of Christianity itself, and specifically the future of the Episcopal church. We dive deep into our own journeys of leaving and coming back to the church, talk about what Episcopalianism brings to the table in the modern age, and explore the "all organized religion is toxic" argument. Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopal
