The Daring Grace Podcast

The audacity it takes say yes — and what do you gain from it? Host Brittany Bethel sits down with staff alum Adam Foster and Allison Dunn to reflect on what it meant to step into something uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and completely worth it - Summer Staff with Cross Connection. Ten years out, they're still drawing on what they learned — about leadership, patience, building bridges across cultur...

This conversation is honest and vulnerable. From church hurt and separation to communal, fun Christmas plays, “Through the Conflict” is about choosing grace when God's people are divided and discovering that He still shows up in the midst of hard, confusing times. In this episode of the Daring Grace Podcast, Brittany sits down with Taylor Bodenheimer, Cross Connection's staff alum and chur...

What does it really look like to follow Jesus's teachings about the marginalized? In this episode, Brittany Bethel sits down with Makena Bellamy and Rev. Justis Mitchell to talk about community and the messy, sacred work of loving people well. From meeting neighbors through a meal at Parkview Community Center to walking alongside people in therapy and church spaces, this episode explores: • Wh...

Welcome to our first episode of 2026! In this deeply honest conversation, The Daring Grace Podcast host Brittany Bethel sits down with Cross Connection Director of Engagement Juanfer Rodriguez to revisit the heart of Daring Grace— where it came from, why it matters, and how it continues to stretch and shape both our ministry and our faith. Together, they explore: * What inspired the launch of the...

In this episode of  The Daring Grace Podcast , host  Brittany Bethel  sits down with  Brittany Ingold , a Cross Connection alum who has lived out the ministry’s mission long after her summers on staff. Together, they reflect on what it means to build legacy through care and belonging—the kind of legacy that doesn’t end when the summer does. From stories of bubbles and kindness to conversations abo...

In this episode of Daring Grace , host Brittany Bethel sits down with two summer staff members from different points on their Cross Connection journey. Anna, a seasoned third-year, and Riley, a first-year staffer, share their honest reflections after wrapping up their very first week of camp this summer. Together we talk about: Highlights and surprises: The moments that made them laugh, think, or...

Join host Brittany Bethel in a new episode of Daring Grace as she welcomes two 2025 summer staff members, Greta and Allie. This week, we sit down with two summer staff members—we hear their training experience and the anticipation for their first week of camp. We explore: Behind-the-scenes preparation: What did training look like? Which practices or insights are they carrying into their roles? Cam...

In this episode of Daring Grace , the full-time Cross Connection staff sits down to reflect on the book Having Nothing, Possessing Everything by Michael Mather and how its message is shaping the heart of our summer programming. We talk about what it means to see abundance in overlooked places, how Asset-Based Community Development informs our mission, and how the book’s themes are challenging and...

In this episode of Daring Grace , we dive into the inspiring journey of the Parkview Community Center. I sit down with Makena, Ratavis, and Nina to explore how this vision became a reality—from its early beginnings to the challenges overcome along the way. We discuss the heart behind Parkview, the lives already being impacted, and our hopes for the future as we create a space for connection, suppo...

Join Grace Reyes, Cross Connection's Honduras Administrator, as she shares the story of Cross Connection's annual weekend in Copán, Honduras. Sponsored by Light of Christ UMC, this cherished tradition is filled with Christmas crafts, games, shared meals, and the joy of giving gifts. Since 2016, Cross Connection has partnered with the vibrant Copán community, fostering connection, celebration, and...

In this episode of Daring Grace , Tino and Carter share the powerful ministry work happening in Kansas City through their church and nonprofit. They discuss the community’s needs for reconciliation and development and explore how Cross Connection’s presence will deepen partnerships, amplify local voices, and create lasting impact for the churches that attend.

In this episode of Daring Grace , we sit down with Laura and Jinnia to hear their personal stories in the wake of Hurricane Helene. They share how the storm affected their lives and the Haywood Street community, providing an inside look at the challenges and resilience that have emerged. We explore the immediate and long-term impacts of the hurricane, discuss how to respond with generosity and car...

In this Sharing episode of the Daring Grace Podcast, Brittany sits down with three staff members from Cross Connection's coastal location, each at different stages of their journey. We meet Marisa, who has been with CCC for four years, starting as a camper and now leading as a Project Director. Next, Brittany speaks with Emilee, who is a second-year staff member who serves in the same location...

In this episode, Brittany interviews Mary Lynn and Justis about their deep connection to Carolina Cross Connection and their experiences leading camp for Access Experiences. They share heartfelt stories and insights from the week, highlighting the impactful moments and challenges they faced while fostering an inclusive and affirming environment. Their conversation delves into the personal growth a...

In this episode, we explore Taylor and Laura's journey as they transition from CCC to pursue new careers in the local church. Despite the change, they maintain a positive and supportive relationship with CCC, showcasing the power of respect and connections. Join us as they share their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. Discover how they balanced passion with loyalty an...

Join our entire full-time staff as we talk about the book we just finished together, "Leading Multicultural Teams" by Hibbert.

Join Brittany Bethel, Laura Brown, and Taylor Whitley as they discuss CCC becoming a more inclusive space. In this episode, we tackle 2020 and 2021.

We are so thankful that Chelsea joined us for our first Sharing conversation! In the spirit of CCC Sharing, we talk about where we saw God in our time on staff and where we are seeing God move now. Check out her bio from The Kitchen Collective below, email her thank you, go to wilmingtonkitchencollective.com, and donate to their awesome work.

We start with 2018-2019. A time when the United Methodist Church was changing, which meant the ministry of Carolina Cross Connection was and needed to change. Whether you're a seasoned minister, a curious seeker, or simply someone passionate about building inclusive communities, this podcast offers a safe and welcoming space for reflection, dialogue, and growth. Join us as we embark on a journ...

You've got questions; we've got answers!  "Daring Grace" is a compelling podcast that follows the transformative journey of a Christian mission organization toward becoming diverse, affirming, and inclusive. Through interviews and insightful commentary, listeners are invited to witness the organization's deliberate steps in embracing diversity, equity, and acceptance. Each ep...