Native Exiles

Equipping the Called: Carolyn Taketa on Women in the Church

Carolyn Taketa’s career spans three decades of navigating complex leadership landscapes, from the high-stakes environment of the courtroom to the heart of pastoral ministry. In this episode, Pastor Wyatt sits down with Carolyn to explore her journey from the corporate world to her role as a groups pastor and executive coach. Together, they discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in church leadership and what it looks like to follow a calling across different professional spheres.Beyond her career transitions, Carolyn’s true passion lies in cultivating emotionally healthy leaders. She shares her insights on encouraging and equipping women—both inside and outside the church—to lead with integrity and soul. Whether you are navigating a career pivot or seeking to grow in your own leadership capacity, Carolyn’s wealth of experience offers a grounded perspective on staying faithful to your calling while leading others well.Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we explore the tension of following Jesus while being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at hello@alderwood.cc or visit us online at alderwood.cc/ne/.

Understanding the Bible’s View of Women in Church Leadership

This episode of Native Exiles offers a deep dive into several of the key biblical passages that shape the conversation around women in church leadership. Rather than focusing primarily on modern debates, the discussion returns to the text itself, examining passages such as 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14. You can view the Alderwood position paper at alderwood.cc/essentials. Attention is given to the historical context, language, and theological arguments surrounding these passages, asking what they may have meant within the life of the early church. From that foundation, the episode considers the implications for modern congregations: how these texts have been interpreted across Christian traditions and what they might mean for the structure and leadership of churches today. The goal is a careful, Scripture-centered exploration of leadership, authority, and the role of women in the church.Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at hello@alderwood.cc or visit us on our website at alderwood.cc/ne/

The Gospel After Abortion: Kendra Dahl’s Journey

In this moving interview, author and Bible teacher Kendra Dahl shares her testimony of abortion, repentance, and redemption. She opens up about the trauma, secrecy, and identity struggles that followed. Kendra also share about how the mercy of Jesus brought healing and restoration.Kendra now helps others walk toward freedom in Christ, reminding us that no sin is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Learn more about her story and ministry by visiting Kendra Dahl’s Website or checking out her book A Place for You: Reframing Christian Womanhood.Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at reachus@amcc.org or visit us on our website at alderwood.cc/ne/.

Personhood, Dignity, and the Sanctity of Human Life

What does it mean to be human, and why does that question matter so deeply in today’s debates about abortion, bioethics, and personhood? In this episode of Native Exiles, Steve and Wyatt engage one of the most urgent moral and theological issues of our time: the sanctity of human life. Rather than beginning with political arguments or cultural talking points, they ground the conversation in the biblical vision of humanity as created in the image of God and known by Him from the very beginning. In the first half of the episode, Steve and Wyatt trace the theological foundations for the value of human life, from Genesis to the psalms and into the New Testament. Steve and Wyatt show how Scripture consistently affirms the dignity, worth, and moral significance of every human person, including the unborn. In the second half, the conversation turns to contemporary challenges, including abortion, medical technology, and shifting cultural definitions of life and autonomy. The discussion also addresses how the church can speak clearly and compassionately—upholding the sanctity of life while embodying grace, mercy, and hope for those touched by loss, fear, or difficult decisions. Also check out the link to the position papers which includes the paper on the Sanctity of Human Life. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at reachus@amcc.org or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

Sexuality, Singleness, and Faith: Gregory Coles’ Story

In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Coles, author, scholar, and speaker, to explore his deeply personal journey of faith, sexuality, and self-understanding. Gregory’s life story spans multiple cultures, academic disciplines, and spiritual landscapes — from growing up in Indonesia to earning a PhD in English and becoming a voice for nuanced conversations at the intersections of Christianity and sexual identity.Gregory discusses the challenges and insights that shaped his path: wrestling with same-sex attraction within his Christian upbringing, the theological and emotional work of self-discovery, and his ongoing commitment to both his faith and personal integrity. We delve into what it means to live faithfully as a gay Christian committed to singleness, how church communities can meaningfully engage in compassionate dialogue, and the hope he finds in belonging both to Christ and to a broader community of seekers.Listeners will gain a compelling blend of theological reflection, honest storytelling, and practical encouragement — whether they’re navigating questions of identity themselves or seeking to better understand the lives of others.Resources from Gregory Coles:Book — Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity: https://www.gregorycoles.com/book-single-gay-christian/Greg’s Official Website: https://www.gregorycoles.com/Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.To view our full Position Paper, visit alderwood.cc/essentials