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Brad Klausman – The Questioning Ex-Pastor

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Sam

Beyond the Surface - Brad Klausman

Who is Brad?

Brad Klausman was born and raised within the Southern Baptist Church community. He received his degree in biblical studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University and his master’s from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. After serving in full time ministry for over two decades, Brad found himself having to choose between the church and his LGBTQ+ daughter. Without hesitation, he chose his daughter. Now Brad is a certified life coach and empowers individuals who are struggling within, on the way out of, or have left the church to find freedom from systematic religion.

My Thoughts..

I loved this conversation with Brad, I think we could have talked for hours about the complexities of religious trauma and deconstruction. It is always interesting hearing from a former pastor and Brad did not disappoint!

Episode Summary

  • Brad shares about how he came to have a pipe with him whenever he speaks on social media.
  • Brad shares about his role as the middle child growing up within the South Baptist Church. How being a people pleaser impacted the trajectory of his life.
  • We discuss the role of indoctrination in children and how that impacts adults who are deconstructing.
  • Brad shares about the wrestling of doctrine and biblical concepts whilst at Bible College.
  • We discuss the struggles Brad had as a Pastor whilst going through his own personal suffering when seeking therapy was not an option.
  • Brad shares about the internal conflict and torture being the Pastor with so many questions. While simultaneously having others come to him with questions.
  • We discuss what lead Brad out of the church, and how it involved his daughter coming out as a lesbian.
  • Brad discusses what it was like to essentially come out as no longer being a Christian anymore and the impact that had on his relationships with family and friends.
  • We explore the concept of transactional belonging and the grief that comes along with it; we also discuss the role of triggers whilst deconstructing.
  • I asked Brad what it was like reflecting on his time as a Pastor and knowing the systems he upheld and harm he indirectly inflicted.
  • We discussed the impact on mental health during deconstruction; and how the concept of self-distrust is steeped in the church.
  • Brad discusses what brings him joy and peace now.
  • Finally, Brad answers the question “what would you say to someone fresh in their deconstruction?”
  • To learn more about Brad and his work head to his website.
  • To connect with Brad over on Instagram – @brad.lifecoach