By Andy Hale
This week on the CBF Podcast Conversation, we’re joined by the Rev. Dr. Emily Hunter McGowin—associate professor of theology at Wheaton College, Anglican priest, and canon theologian—for a deeply insightful conversation about her new book, Households of Faith. In this timely work, Dr. McGowin challenges the dominant cultural assumptions around the so-called “biblical” or “traditional” family, tracing its roots not to Scripture but to 19th-century white, middle-class ideals shaped by industrial capitalism and Western imperialism. Far from dismissing the importance of family, she invites us to loosen our grip on narrow definitions and rediscover a richer, more faithful vision grounded in the radical teachings of Jesus and the inclusive ethic of the Kingdom of God.
Dr. McGowin explains how Jesus disrupted first-century family norms and how the early church offered alternative forms of belonging that transcended bloodlines and social convention. Our conversation explores how family, marriage, and gender roles have been debated across church history—and why embracing that complexity allows us to imagine new, Spirit-led ways of being together. Rather than defending the status quo, Christian households are meant to embody the welcome and unity of God’s household, pointing to a new social order shaped by love, justice, and mutual belonging. This episode is a must-listen for those ready to rethink what it means to be family in the body of Christ.
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- Baylor’s Garland School of Social Work: Social workers can be found addressing the full scope of the human experience in churches, schools, prisons, government agencies, senior living centers, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies.
- Baptist Seminary of Kentucky: BSK equips leaders through their Homegrown Initiative, offering ministry leaders training and growth that fits into their busy schedules.
- The Gardner-Webb School of Divinity: The Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity aims to equip, nurture, encourage, and support men and women for their very best service in the Kingdom of God.
- The Center for Congregational Health: Strengthening congregations through consulting, leadership coaching, and intentional ministry.
- The Baptist House of Studies at Union Presbyterian Seminary: Exists by God’s grace to educate, inspire, and support generations of bold, faithful servant leaders as they seek actively to participate in God’s mission in the world.
- Community Transformation Center: Through educational opportunities, community conversations, and research initiatives in collaboration with universities and local leaders, PBACTC is at the forefront of integrating spiritual care into holistic community development.
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Andy Hale is the creator and host of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Podcast. Hale is the Associate Executive Coordinator of CBF North Carolina. He’s also served as CBF’s Church Start Specialist, the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton, and the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Follow on Twitter @haleandy.