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The Minister Who Preaches to All Sinners & Saints

Alex Baker Photography
Nadia Bolz-Weber

Many churches around the country are struggling with declining attendance, prompting some interesting questions and conversations. Is it the message? A sign of the times? The church’s mission? Maybe it’s past controversies. 

There’s one small church in Denver, Colorado that doesn’t have any problem filling its seats on Sundays. In fact, it’s a little too crowded, if such a thing can be said about churchgoing. The name alone speaks volumes: It’s called House for All Sinners and Saints. Its founding pastor, Nadia Bolz-Weber, carries messages that resonate with her parishioners, but she’ll be the first to tell you she’s the least likely candidate for the priesthood. She’s a six-foot-one-inch, heavily tattooed ordained Lutheran minister. But before that she was a stand-up comic with a drinking problem, something she shares with many of her parishioners, who also struggle with issues like addiction and depression. She’s been described as sardonic, cranky, and prone to colorful language. She’s also a sought-after speaker in the United States and abroad. We spoke  with Nadia Bolz-Weber her about her experiences as a pastor and her congregation.

A little later in this show we talk with Jeff Motske, a certified financial planner, about The Couple’s Guide to Financial Compatibility.

Join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.

GUESTS:

  • Nadia Bolz-Weber– Author of Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People
  • Jeff Motske – Author of The Couple's Guide to Financial Compatibility: Avoid Fights about Spending and Saving--and Build a Happy and Secure Future Together

MUSIC:

  • “Gne Gne,” Montefiori Cocktail
  • “Optimist,” Zoë Keating
  • “The Cove,” Jack Johnson
Lori Connecticut Public's Morning Edition host.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.