Episode 206: Tara Beth Leach

In this conversation, Tara Beth Leach shares her personal journey of discovering a deeper relationship with Jesus as a teenager, moving beyond a "cultural Christianity" to truly affirming her faith. She emphasizes the importance of living in Christian community and bearing witness to the love and grace of God, rather than just fighting against culture. Tara Beth also discusses the challenges faced by the early church, as described in John's letters, and how they relate to divisions and strife in the church today. She highlights the need to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit through practices like abiding in Christ, following a rule of life, and discerning truth through a Jesus-centered lens. Ultimately, Tara Beth issues a call for the church to return to the radiant teachings of Jesus and repent of any posturing or baggage that has caused the church to lose its witness in the world. This is a powerful and timely message for the church today, as we seek to be a light in the darkness and embody the love and grace of Christ. Join us as we learn to live in the light.

But today’s guest is Tara Beth Leach. Tara Beth Leach (MDiv, Northern Seminary) is a pastor, author, and speaker. The senior pastor at Good Shepherd Church (Naperville, Illinois), she has also served communities in the Chicago suburbs as well as Southern California. As the author of Emboldened, Radiant Church, and Forty Days on Being a Six, the cofounder of Propel Ecclesia, and cohost of The Pastor's Table podcast, Tara Beth writes and speaks widely about women in ministry and church leadership. She has two beautiful and rambunctious sons and has been married to the love of her life, Jeff, since 2006.

Tara Beth's Book:
Live in the Light