God, Sex, and Healing after Deconstruction
Three speakers address those who have been hurt by the church.
On March 21, 2026, the Church of the Good Shepherd welcomed three speakers for this special workshop:
Heal from Toxic Religion and Flourish Spiritually – Michael Camp
Faith deconstruction is liberating but leaves scars of spiritual abuse and church hurt. Learn how to heal from toxic faith and thrive using lifegiving tools and love-based practices.
Michael Camp is a Certified Spiritual Director living in Poulsbo, WA. Through his coaching practice, Faith Transitions, he helps people deconstruct, heal, and rebuild a healthier, more historically accurate way of following Jesus or a new philosophy of life. His most recent book, Faith Funk, is an exvangelical’s guide to freedom from religious trauma and the depression and anxiety that often stems from it.
View Michael Camp's talk.
The Joy of Sex After Deconstruction – Susan Cottrell
How to deconstruct the sexual shame put on us by religionists and find joy again (or for the first time). Step into a fully affirming safe space for the LGBTQ+ and straight community.
Based in Seattle, Susan Cottrell is the founder of FreedHearts, a community that deconstructs religious baggage and false teachings with laughter and love—for parents, LGBTQ+, educators, therapists, and the church. Susan, a 2019 TEDx speaker, and her husband, Rob, help people free their hearts to love and be loved through a variety of resources, including a podcast and videos.
View Susan Cottrell's talk.
8 Reasons and Responses to Faith Deconstruction – Tom Oord
Why people deconstruct their faith and how “open and relational theology” helps rebuild a more rational, healthier spirituality that aligns with our intuitions about love and freedom.
Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies who directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology. He is known for his research and writing on love, open and relational theology, science and religion, evil and power, and the implications of freedom and relationships for transformation. He is the author of 30 books, including Faith After Deconstruction.
View Thomas Jay Oord's talk.
