Welcome to the Deconstructionist podcast. I'm your host John Williamson, and today's episode feels a little bit like coming home.

From the earliest days of the Deconstructionist podcast,

back when we were trying to figure out our voice, our mission, and frankly, our sound levels,

Pete Rollins was one of the very first people who got it, not just politely nodded along,

but really understood from the outset exactly what it was we were trying to do. He's been a friend

of the show since day one,

and someone whose work helped shape the kind of conversations we wanted to bring into the world.

It has been way too long since we've last had him on. This was long overdue, but trust me,

the weight was worth it. Pete and I had one of the most energizing, thought-provoking conversations

I've had in a really

long time, the kind that sticks with you long after you stop recording. And I want you to pay

special attention to his reflections on communion versus community. That section alone is a master

class. It's challenging, it's refreshing, it's unexpected, and it might reframe the

way you think about what church actually is. And good news. This is a two-parter, so settle in for

part one today and then come back for even more next week. So let's get into it. Here's my

conversation with the always brilliant, always surprising, Peter Freakin Rollins.

Is God even here?

Does she care that I doubt?

Does she care?

All right.

It's been a long time coming and long overdue.

Our dear friend and one of the early adopters and just somebody who from the very

...