I write about the complex intersection between life, faith, culture, religion, politics, and spirituality. Here for community and conversation. ABOUT ME: Once upon a time, Dan Foster was a prolific poet and writer. Then he grew up, got a job, had a family, and got busy spending many years as an educator, pastor, school teacher, and youth worker, writing took a back seat while he set about striving to attain a utopian existence that belies the reality of life. Fortunately, Life knew this and thrust him into the classroom of misfortune and pain, where he experienced burnout and mental health challenges. Here, he learned a whole lot of valuable lessons. Life then compelled him to pick up his pen again and give voice to the reality of broken dreams, sadness, grief, loss, and depression so that others might find comfort, hope, and solidarity in the shared human experience of suffering. Dan writes especially for Church alumni and religious refugees, and those who have experienced the reality of spiritual abuse, disappointment with the church, and doubts about their faith. Dan has Bachelor's Degrees in both Education and Theology and a Diploma in Business. He is the CEO of the Centre for Men & Families, Australia, a charity that supports men and their families through times of crisis and change. Dan is also the facilitator of The Backyard Church Online, a community for people who have faith but struggle to be a part of traditional churches, and he is the author of "Leaving Church, Finding God: Discovering Faith Beyond Organized Religion" and "Limbo Land: Poems from the In-Between."
The Backyard Church Newsletter - June 2023
Hey Reader
Thanks for being a subscriber to my newsletter! Can you believe we are coming up to half way through the year already?
First up this month, I want to share the heart-breaking story of Andrew Burkenya, an 18-year-old African refugee. He isn't fleeing from famine or war. Rather, he is facing persecution, imprisonment and even death, because he is gay. His story, and the plight of the LGBTQ community in Africa will break your heart. And, what's most appalling, is that it's Christians who have made Uganda and Kenya some of the most dangerous nations on earth to be part of the LGBTQ community. Read more on this below!
Also, in this month's edition, you'll find an eye-opening letter from Jesus Christ to the church (okay, so maybe I wrote it!), the remarkable true story of the rise and fall America's greatest Christian theme park, plus I cast a light on the unique struggles of being a pastor's kids - because I am one.
Whoever you are, wherever you are, I hope you are entertained, challenged and inspired. But first, a quick plug:
My new book has landed and is now available on Amazon! You can pick up a copy using this link. If you're outside of the USA, check your local Amazon site (or else you can pay waaay too much for postage). It's available as an eBook or in paperback if you are still the kind of person who likes to hold a book in your hand like I do. Thanks to those of you who have picked up a copy already. It means a lot, and I'm glad that people are finding it helpful. Here is what some people are saying:
THE PERSECUTED LGBTQ REFUGEES OF AFRICA: Over the past few weeks, I have had dozens of Africans reaching out to me on Facebook, begging for help.
And they all have one thing in common.
They are gay men who have been driven from their homes, disowned by their own families, and facing imprisonment — even death — simply because of their sexual orientation. They are being rounded up and hunted down by well-meaning Christians who believe they are protecting the nation from evil. The story of 18-year-old Andrew Bukenya will break your heart.
AN OPEN LETTER FROM JESUS CHRIST TO THE CHURCH: If Jesus wrote a letter to the church, what would he say? Maybe he would urge the church to rediscover the true essence of love, compassion, and justice. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and reminded of what it truly means to follow Him.
SACRED SITE DEFACE BY CHRISTIAN GROUP IN HORRIFIC ATTACK: Read about the sacred First Nations' Site that was vandalized by "Christians" determined to spread their message, even if it means destroying the landmarks of cultural significance to indigenous people. Truly maddening stuff!
THE RISE AND FALL OF AMERICA'S GREATEST CHRISTIAN THEME PARK: Step into a world where biblical tales come alive, as a visionary creates a Christian theme park unlike any other. Explore the rise and fall of
The Holy Land Experience, where faith, financial woes, and a pandemic collided, leaving Jesus to ponder the intriguing mix of devotion and amusement. Delve into the captivating story of this extraordinary park and discover what happens when divine inspiration meets roller coasters and souvenir bobbleheads.
WHY PASTOR'S KIDS ARE MESSED UP: Step into the complex world of pastor's kids, where the clash between divine devotion and earthly desires creates a unique struggle for identity and faith. I share about my own journey as pastor's kid, and the challenge of navigating the balance between seeking my father's attention and affection and finding my own spiritual path.
For full access to all my articles (and lots of other thought-provoking content), sign up to Medium today
The Backyard Church is not just a blog or a newsletter. It’s a vibrant, real online community for people who have faith but can’t, don’t, or won’t go to church. Join today.
Maybe you've lost faith in the system. Maybe you've been hurt by the church or other Christians. Maybe you find the church is not an emotionally safe place to ask your questions or share your doubts. Maybe you've even arrived at a place where you want to grow in your faith, but the church is taking you around in circles. Here's what you'll find at Backyard Church Online
- A safe place for your faith to fall apart without being judged for it.
- People who will walk with you while to try to piece it all back together as well
- A safe place to ask your big questions, share your doubts, talk about your pain, and unpack your religious trauma
- Access to thought-provoking and challenging content that will help you move forward
- Connection with like-minded people from all over the world who are on a similar journey
- Online forums and discussions about matters of faith
Whoever you are, you belong. I pray that Backyard Church Online brings you life, faith, and hope.
I Will Not Die an Unlived Life
I will not die an unlived life
I will not live in fear
of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance;
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.
by Dawna Markova
If you've got an idea for an article that you think I should write, then get in touch with me! Yes, I'm happy to have a go at answering any of your questions because hey... faith deconstruction can be a lonely road. Let's walk it together! Email thebackyardchurch@gmail.com
Stay tuned for more thought-provoking articles coming your way next month. This newsletter was free, but not cheap. Show your support by joining Backyard Church Online, make a donation, buy a book, forward this to someone you think might be interested!
Until next time,
God bless!
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DAN FOSTER
Writer / Poet / Blogger
I write about the complex intersection between life, faith, culture, religion, politics, and spirituality. Here for community and conversation. ABOUT ME: Once upon a time, Dan Foster was a prolific poet and writer. Then he grew up, got a job, had a family, and got busy spending many years as an educator, pastor, school teacher, and youth worker, writing took a back seat while he set about striving to attain a utopian existence that belies the reality of life. Fortunately, Life knew this and thrust him into the classroom of misfortune and pain, where he experienced burnout and mental health challenges. Here, he learned a whole lot of valuable lessons. Life then compelled him to pick up his pen again and give voice to the reality of broken dreams, sadness, grief, loss, and depression so that others might find comfort, hope, and solidarity in the shared human experience of suffering. Dan writes especially for Church alumni and religious refugees, and those who have experienced the reality of spiritual abuse, disappointment with the church, and doubts about their faith. Dan has Bachelor's Degrees in both Education and Theology and a Diploma in Business. He is the CEO of the Centre for Men & Families, Australia, a charity that supports men and their families through times of crisis and change. Dan is also the facilitator of The Backyard Church Online, a community for people who have faith but struggle to be a part of traditional churches, and he is the author of "Leaving Church, Finding God: Discovering Faith Beyond Organized Religion" and "Limbo Land: Poems from the In-Between."
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