My Story

I never set out to be a progressive Christian. Like many people, I inherited a faith that worked… until it didn’t.

My journey through deconstruction and reconstruction has taught me that asking the hard questions doesn’t make you less faithful—it makes you honest. And honestly? That’s where the most interesting theology happens.

I’m an ELCA pastor, but more importantly, I’m a person with a visual disability who believes accessibility isn’t an accommodation—it’s a theological imperative. I’m LGBTQ+ affirming, passionate about disability justice, and convinced that faith should open doors, not close them.

I’m also a husband, father to one remarkable daughter, tea enthusiast, music lover, reader, and someone who finds God in both ancient liturgy and cutting-edge technology.

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What I Believe

Faith can evolve without compromise. You don’t have to choose between intellectual honesty and spiritual depth. Progressive theology isn’t “watering down” faith—it’s upgrading it for the world we actually live in.

Radical inclusion isn’t optional. The God I know celebrates LGBTQ+ people, centers people with disabilities, champions women in leadership, and practices racial equity. Not as an afterthought, but as the whole point.

Your questions are holy. Doubt is part of faith. Deconstruction can be sacred work. If your theology can’t handle your questions, you need better theology, not fewer questions.

Technology and ancient wisdom can coexist. Digital spaces are sacred spaces. AI can be a tool for connection. Faith apps matter—especially when designed with accessibility in mind.

Lived experience is authority. You don’t need a seminary degree to know what you’ve experienced. Your story matters. Your perspective is valid.

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My Education & Experience

I earned my Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University (2012) and my Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Roanoke College (2005). But honestly? The most transformative education has come from listening to people whose experiences differ from mine—particularly people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ Christians, and those deconstructing less then helpful theology.

My career has included serving as pastor, youth director, and technology specialist. These varied roles taught me that ministry happens everywhere—in sanctuary and Slack channel, at the altar and on TikTok.

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What I’m About

This blog exists to make progressive theology accessible, practical, and digitally integrated. I write about:

• Progressive Christianity and theological evolution
• Disability justice and accessible worship
• LGBTQ+ affirming theology
• Faith and technology intersections
• Deconstruction resources
• Inclusive liturgy and prayer

My approach is conversational, not academic. Think friend over coffee, not professor at podium. I care more about helping you navigate your questions than convincing you I have all the answers.

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Beyond the Pulpit

I find God in unexpected places: a perfectly brewed cup of tea, a song that breaks me open, a book that challenges everything I thought I knew, movies that show me truth through story, and quiet moments with my family.

I’m learning to see the sacred in the ordinary and the ordinary in the sacred. Travel opens my eyes to how big God is and how small my perspective has been.

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A Verse That Grounds Me

Romans 8:38-39 reminds me why this work matters:

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

That love? It’s unconditional. Unwavering. Available to everyone. No exceptions.

That’s the God I serve. That’s the message I’m here to share.

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About This Blog

The perspectives I share here are my own—shaped by my journey, study, and lived experience as a person with a disability navigating progressive Christianity. While I’m honored to serve as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the views on this blog don’t represent my congregation or the denomination. This is my personal space for theological exploration, honest questions, and radical inclusion.

I write as Travis Wilson the person, not as Pastor Travis representing an institution. My hope is that this space offers value, challenges assumptions, and reminds you that your questions are holy.

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Let’s Connect

Want to go deeper? Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly reflections on faith, theology, and living with intention.

Have questions? Thoughts? Pushback? Get in touch—I genuinely want to hear from you.

Grace and peace,
Travis

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FAQ

Are you really a pastor?
Yes. ELCA ordained. Currently serving in Michigan. But I promise I’m less formal in person than that sounds.

What does “progressive Christian” mean?
Great question. Here’s my explanation.

Do you hate traditional Christianity?
Not at all! I honor the tradition I come from. But I also believe faith can evolve. Honoring the past doesn’t mean staying stuck in it.

Can I invite you to speak at my church/conference?
Possibly! Let’s talk about what you’re looking for.

What’s with the tea obsession?
Listen. A good cup of tea is a small liturgy. Don’t @ me.