Ken Kemp introduces the ‘Sanctuary’ story to a national audience via his ‘Beached White Male’ podcast

Look at these two illustrations—above and on the book cover below:
Where do you want to be?

By DAVID CRUMM
Founding Editor of ReadTheSpirit magazine

Click the cover to visit the book’s Amazon page.

A few years ago, at the height of COVID, Ken Kemp launched his popular podcast The Beached White Male. He thanked the editors of Newsweek magazine for coining that ironic phrase in a now-famous 2011 cover story about the disappointments of underachieving white men. Ken used that banner to try to knock some sense into older guys like himself—urging them to stop moping and start recognizing the beautiful world emerging around them.

From the start, Ken knew that he—for one—didn’t want to surrender to isolation and exclusion either from COVID or from the many barriers thrown up by anxious and often angry white men in recent years. Instead, Ken has explored the ever-growing circle of communities that embrace inclusivity as a part of their expression of God’s love.

A Message of Hope from a Master Storyteller

Ken’s message is one of hope—that we don’t have to react to change, conflict and chaos in our world by feeling left behind, isolated or “beached.” In fact, as Ken puts it, God’s love is broad enough to make room for all of us—if we only recognize that we can be part of that caring community.

As a podcaster, Ken has a welcoming voice, a storyteller’s talents and a masterful way of unfolding interviews with his guests. That’s especially true in this recent podcast-conversation with Dr. Thomas Wassink, co-author of the new book: Sanctuary.

‘I Couldn’t Put it Down’

As he introduces this podcast, Ken tells listeners: “I’ve got a new book for you today. First, the title of this book was intriguing to me. It got my attention! Its full title is Sanctuary—Queering a Church in the Heartland. And by “heartland” we’re talking about the university town of Iowa City, Iowa. Well, I had to get a deeper look. So, I got my hands on a copy, I started reading—and I couldn’t put it down! And today you’re going to hear my conversation with one of the three authors of this book.”

In the course of his conversation with Tom, Ken also reads a brief passage from the book’s Foreword, written by bestelling Christian author Brian McLaren. The words Ken reads from that Foreword are a challenge to readers: “Often, whether it has to do with racial equality, gender equality, economic justice, or equality of sexual orientation—religious institutions are among the very last to change, which means that they are also the last to cease doing harm. So here is this book—a gift. It’s a series of often humorous, often poignant, sometimes heartbreaking, and always well-told stories and reflections—to help us all rethink what is normal or queer, what is sacred or scandalous, what is bad or good. We may just become better people in the process. May it be so!”

Intrigued?

Well, we can tell you: This new book can be a valuable companion for the tens of thousands of congregations nationwide that are currently in the process of trying to become more inclusive. Please, listen to Ken Kemp and Dr. Thomas Wassink talk about this unique journey in Iowa City—and, when you’re done, please share this week’s Cover Story with friends across social media and email.

You can listen to this Beached White Male podcast with Ken Kemp and Dr. Thomas Wassink right here:

Care to learn more?

You can learn more about Ken Kemp and enjoy all of his podcasts at his home online: The Beached White Male.

You can order your own copy of Sanctuary—Queering a Church in the Heartland in hardcover, paperback or Kindle formats from Amazon. This new book also is available from Barnes & Noble, Walmart and wherever quality books are sold.

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