Why We Need to Learn Spirituality from Unlikely People (Part 1) - Episode #51

Description:Jude welcomes Glen Fitzgerrell, co-founder of Mission USA in Chicago, to explore what decades of walking alongside former gang members, prison inmates, and people in recovery have taught him about authentic spiritual growth. Glen shares how genuine transformation begins not with preaching, but with listening, community, and acceptance. Together they discuss why some of the greatest lessons about faith and human need come from people society often overlooks.

We talk about:

• Glen’s journey into prison ministry and serving formerly incarcerated people• Why learning how to truly help people changes the way we see them• Seeing potential in broken lives instead of focusing on past mistakes• The founding of Mission USA and its work in Chicago communities• How The Bridge became a gathering place for encouragement, recovery, and spiritual growth• Why connecting people to healthy churches and supportive communities is essential for lasting change• The importance of community for people recovering from addiction and incarceration• How recovery groups and churches can work together to support transformation• Why everyone—not just those in recovery—needs authentic community• Glen’s new book, More Church Than Church, and the story behind its title• What prison ministry taught him about authentic faith and genuine church community• Why listening is one of the greatest forms of ministry• How asking thoughtful questions often helps people discover their own answers• The difference between preaching at people and walking alongside them• Why vulnerability creates stronger relationships and deeper spiritual growth• How Twelve Step recovery shaped Mission USA’s culture of honesty and acceptance• The power of openly acknowledging our struggles instead of hiding them• A memorable story about unexpected acceptance that transformed church visitors• Why grace and belonging often change lives more than perfect answers

Find More Church Than Church at any bookstore

Check out Mission: USA’s work by going to MissionUSA.com

Facebook at facebook.com/missionusachicago

Connect with Glen at facebook.com/glenfitzjerrell

Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear how you’ve seen the “gift of need” show up in your life. Share your story in the comments or leave a review. Please subscribe to this channel and follow the podcast and rate it. Subscribe to my free newsletter to get future episodes and newsletters sent right to your inbox. JudeDiMeglioTrang1.Substack.com

Music Credit: Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda Music

Engineer: Ray Ingegneri, Third Street Productions, Tucson, AZ

Producer: Jude DiMeglio Trang

https://youtu.be/WscqNPMyN3o