Faith after Doubt with Brian D. McLaren

Reverend Joann • April 25, 2021

Only doubt can save the world, and your faith.


Brian McLaren’s new book: Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do about It makes a bold proposal: Only doubt can save the world, and your faith.


Sixty-five million adults in the U.S. have dropped out of active religious attendance and about 2.7 million more are leaving every year. Today, old assumptions are being challenged in nearly every area of human life, not just religion and spirituality. But by living constructively with doubt, McLaren says, we can leave behind unnecessary baggage and intensify our commitment to what matters most. “Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith,” he explains. “It is an element of faith.”


Join us on Sunday, April 25th from 11:30 am – 12:30pm for a Live Zoom conversation with the author. McLaren uses his own story and the stories of a diverse group of struggling believers to explain how questions and doubt are not the enemy of faith, but rather a portal to a more mature and fruitful kind of faith. He will read from Faith After Doubt followed by dialogue with Rev. Marci Glass.

Surrounded - 2021, Lauren Wright Pittman. 20+ colorful characters with halos around their heads

Sermon 11.01.2026: Heart Wisdom

By Rev. Victor Floyd • November 1, 2026
Two women, a child, a sword, and a freshly-anointed king. When everything’s on the line, what truly moves your heart? Come remember the saints and gather at God's table this All Saints Sunday.
Nathan Admonishing Dave, Rembrandt (1606-1669), reed-pen and bistre wash, c. 1654-55

Sermon 10.25.2026: David's Folly

By Guest Pastor Rev. Dr. Joanne Whitt • October 25, 2026
The prophet Samuel warned the people Israel: Kings are takers. The king will take your sons, your daughters, your fields, your produce, your servants, your herds, your flocks. Power doesn’t always corrupt; corruption is a byproduct when a person in power is arrogant instead of grateful.
An old time photo of Calvary Presbyterian Church on Bush Street, 1869

Sermon 10.18.2026: Remembering the Future

By Guest Pastor Rev. Dr. Joanne Whitt • October 18, 2026
Like the family stories we tell again and again, retelling our congregation’s “origin story” can reveal our core values and key commitments as people of faith, remind us of our own courage and calling, and invite us to recommit to following God’s purposes in our lives.
Keith Haring, The Ten Commandments (1985)

Sermon 10.11.2026: Everybody Dance Now

By Rev. Victor Floyd • October 11, 2026
Which is more faithful to God's Word: posting the Ten Commandments in a public school, or gyrating our groove things to C+C Music Factory's biggest hit? Let’s explore what the commandments are for, and what a handful of people writing new moral code for artificial intelligence might still learn from a mountain?
A Calvary Youth's drawing of Jesus with his disciples at the table

Sermon 10.04.2026: You Cannot Do It Alone

By Rev. Joann Lee • October 4, 2026
Communion reminds us that we cannot do life alone. And in today's scripture passage, Jethro reminds Moses that he cannot lead alone either. We are made for community. So join us around the Lord's Table and help us build community!
Story of Joseph (2004) - John August Swanson - a collage of colorful images displaying the story

Sermon 09.27.2026: Here's To You Mrs. Potiphar

By Rev. Marcella Glass • September 27, 2026
The stories of our ancestors in faith in scripture remind us that God's call on our lives does not guarantee an easy path. This week, we'll consider the story of Joseph, who faced great challenges and trials, and who also saved his people. Where is God in our lives?
A desert with footsteps in the sand

Sermon 09.20.2026: Journeying By Stages

By Rev. Marcella Glass • September 20, 2026
Occasionally, our paths are clear and direct. Most often, though, my path has been circuitous, with fits and starts. It's easy to get bogged down and discouraged when the path is not straight and clear. We'll hear of Abram's journey by stages, and consider where God is in the midst of our own journeys.
A mosaic of child-drawn titles that say “be kind” and have rainbows on them

Sermon 09.13.2026: The Covenant

By Rev. Marcella Glass • September 13, 2026
Our story from Genesis is an ancient story, seeking to make sense of human evil and divine presence in the midst of us. Out of the destruction of the flood, God offers a rainbow as a promise, as a reminder of the covenant. What does it mean to be people in covenant relation with God? With each other?

Sermon 09.06.2026: Full Life in the Emptiest of Places

By Rev. Victor Floyd • September 6, 2026
When bread is shared, this drab world regains its color. Little by little. This week we sit with the desert's own wisdom and ask what it means to rebuild steadily rather than wait to be rescued. And we will share Christ's bread and cup.
A bunch of images of the youth at their Mission Trip to Austin, TX this past summer

Sermon 08.30.2026: How Great Thou Art

By Rev. Joann Lee • August 30, 2026
The hymn "How Great Thou Art" is well known and sung in many churches and in many languages. While the story of the hymn itself is interesting enough, how the hymn has helped faith get passed down from one generation to the next is also fascinating! Join us in worship as we sing this age-old song and as our youth share
More Posts