11. Rev. Joseph Yoo (Episcopal Church) – Reconstructing Faith After It All Falls Apart

Listen to this episode from The Sacred Slope on Spotify. Reconstructing Faith After It All Falls Apart — with Rev. Joseph YooAlexis Rice is joined by Rev. Joseph Yoo @joseph.yoo — a priest and writer whose honest, funny, and deeply human reflections have connected with millions online. Together, they explore what happens when the certainty of faith collapses, why deconstruction isn’t a trend but often a lonely and costly journey, and how healing, community, and curiosity can guide the process of rebuilding something real.Joe shares stories from seminary, growing up as a pastor’s kid in an immigrant family, and navigating life as a Korean American priest in a denomination still learning to embrace diversity. This episode is for anyone who's asking, Can I still be a Christian if I don’t believe everything I used to? It’s for those who’ve lost their community but not their longing—and for those wondering if it’s possible to create a faith that feels honest, expansive, and rooted in love.💡 Key Takeaways • Deconstruction is holy—but it often hurts • Rebuilding faith takes time, questions, and community • Asian American Christians navigate unique tensions in certain church cultures • You don’t need certainty to follow Jesus—just curiosity and love • Social media ministry can be sacred, subversive, and healing⛪ About Our Guest Rev. Joseph Yoo @joseph.yoo is an Episcopal priest, speaker, and author based in Texas, where he pastors Mosaic Episcopal Church—an inclusive, LGBTQ+‑affirming spiritual home for skeptics, seekers, and the spiritually bruised.Raised in both Korean and American church contexts, Rev. Joe has served in United Methodist and Episcopal traditions and brings a rare blend of cross-cultural insight, pastoral honesty, and wit. He’s the author of When the Saints Go Flying In, a collection of theological reflections rooted in personal story.Joe holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He’s also a husband, dad, a pop culture junkie, and a reluctant TikTok star whose humor and depth have made him one of the internet’s most relatable clergy voices.📚 Resources Mentioned • When the Saints Go Flying In by Rev. Joseph Yoo • Mosaic Episcopal Church — https://www.mosaicpearland.org/ • Brené Brown — IG @brenebrown                                                                                       • Joseph Yoo - https://josephyoo.com/ • Shane Claiborne - IG @shane.claiborneGo in peace, friends. May you find a faith that makes room for your questions, a community that honors your wholeness, and a God who walks with you every step of the way.Where the slippery slope becomes sacred ground. For the spiritually tender—raised in or rooted in Christianity, exploring its many expressions. 🌿 Community Guidelines If we claim to follow Jesus, let’s be known by our love—evidenced by the Fruit of the Spirit: ❤️ love • 💫 joy • ☮️ peace • 🕊 patience • 💝 kindness • 🌿 goodness • 🙏 faithfulness • 🤲 gentleness • 💪 self-control🕊 May our words online and actions offline reflect that love. 🔗 Connect🎧 Explore episodes & community: linktr.ee/TheSacredSlope 🎙 Hosted by Alexis Rice 🎵 Music by Brett Rutledge, Eddie Irvin & Sean Spence 📬 Nominate a guest: [email protected]