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Coming Out Christian | Season 3, Episode 7 Guest: Rev. Dale Lykins
What happens when a pastor spends 30 years serving the church — and then realizes the church isn't serving the people it's meant to reach?
Rev. Dale Lykins gave more than three decades to United Methodist ministry before stepping away to found The Open Table, an inclusive and affirming community where people are welcomed exactly as they are. Around the same time, Dale came out as gay — and began a new chapter of authenticity, creativity, and connection through coaching, writing, podcasting, and his memoir Hush, Child.
In this episode, hosts Siobhan Boyd-Nelson and Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp sit down with Dale to explore his journey from UMC pastor to founder of a new kind of faith community. They also have an honest and nuanced conversation about mixed-orientation marriages — what they are, how they can work, and what it looks like for couples navigating faith, identity, and commitment together when one partner comes out.
Honest, courageous, and full of grace — this is a conversation the church needs to have.
- 📖 Get Dale's memoir: Hush, Child
- 📝 Read The Unlearning Blog: theunlearningblog.substack.com
- 🌐 Visit Dale's website: dalelykins.com
- 📲 Follow Dale: dale.lykins (Facebook) | @wdlykins (Instagram & TikTok)
- 🎧 Listen to Dale's podcast, "Hear it From Me," on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
- 🎙️ Follow "Coming Out Christian" on Instagram: @comingoutchristian_podcast
- 🌈 Follow LOVEboldly: @loveboldly